CHAPTER 22 ■ SOLDERING AND CONNECTING
A Molex KK connector consists of three parts (see Figure 22-13). First, there’s a male header, whose bottom
portion is soldered to the circuit board. Then, there’s a metal terminal that is crimped (bent around) onto
stripped wire. The terminal with attached wire is slid into the last part, which is the plastic female housing.
Figure 22-13. A Molex KK 2-pin connector consists of: (left to right) 2-pin male header, pair of terminals, and
female housing
Figure 22-12. Molex KK female housing (top) connecting with male header (bottom) on the circuit board
There are a couple of variations to the housing. Choose the housing with polarized ribs and locking
ramp. The polarized ribs are small rectangular ridges on the ends of the housing. These ribs prevent the
housing from accidentally being inserted onto the header either facing backwards or shifted over a pin.
The locking ramp on the housing clips into the header so that the connection is unlikely to vibrate loose or to
fall off if turned upside down.