10-Pin 2x5 Right-Angle IDC Male Box Header - Shrouded 2.54mm Pitch PCB Mount

Specifications

• Pin Count: 10 Pins (Arranged in a 2x5 grid)

• Pin Pitch: 2.54mm (0.1 inch) standard breadboard/perfboard spacing

• Orientation: Right-Angle (90 Degrees)

• Mounting Style: PCB Through-Hole

• Current Rating: ~1A to 3A per pin

• Material: High-temperature thermoplastic (UL94V-0) with tin-plated contacts

• Keying: Centre polarising slot

Key Applications and Projects

• Microcontroller Programming: This specific 10-pin (2x5) layout is the global standard for AVR ISP (In-System Programming) and JTAG interfaces.

• Multi-Board Systems: Creating a reliable data bus between a main motherboard and a secondary front-panel display board.

• Sensor Arrays: Routing multiple I2C, SPI, and power lines through a single, neat flat ribbon cable.

Unlock New Capabilities (Project Evolution)

• Custom Cabling: Don't rely on pre-made cables! Buy a roll of 10-way flat ribbon cable and some 10-pin Female IDC Crimp Sockets. You can use a bench vise to easily press your own custom-length data cables to perfectly match your new right-angle board headers!

Package Includes:

• 1 x 10-Pin (5x2) IDC Box Header Male Right-Angle (2.54mm Pitch)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. What does IDC mean? IDC stands for Insulation Displacement Contact. While this board-mounted header technically uses standard through-hole pins, it is universally called an IDC header because it is designed specifically to mate with female IDC ribbon cable connectors.

2. What is the pin pitch? The pins are spaced exactly 2.54mm (0.1 inches) apart, which is the standard spacing for most through-hole electronics.

3. Why is it called a "box header"? It features a plastic perimeter wall (the shroud) that forms a box around the pins, protecting them from physical damage.

4. What is the advantage of a right-angle header? It allows the ribbon cable to lie flat against the circuit board rather than pointing straight up, saving a significant amount of vertical space inside an enclosure.

5. What is the notch in the plastic for? That is a polarizing key. It matches a bump on the female cable connector, ensuring you cannot plug the cable in backward.

6. How do I know which pin is Pin 1? There is usually a small triangle (delta) molded into the plastic housing on the top or side that points directly to Pin 1.

7. Can I use this on a standard breadboard? Because the pins are bent at a 90-degree angle, it will not sit properly or securely on a breadboard. Straight-pin headers are better for breadboarding.

8. What cables connect to this? It is designed to accept standard 10-pin (2x5) female IDC sockets attached to flat ribbon cables (FRC).

9. Is this the correct connector for an AVR ISP programmer? Yes! The standard 10-pin AVR ISP interface (like the one used by the USBASP) uses this exact 2x5 2.54mm connector.

10. Is this male or female? This is a male header. It has solid metal pins exposed inside the plastic shroud.

11. How do I mount this to my project? It requires soldering. You push the back pins through the designated holes on your custom PCB and solder them from underneath.

12. Can I snap this to make a smaller 6-pin header? No. Unlike bare breakaway pin headers, box headers are molded as a single solid piece of plastic and cannot be cut to size.

13. What is the current rating for these pins? They are typically rated for low-current data and logic signals, safely handling between 1A and 3A maximum per pin.

14. What happens if I use a cable connector that doesn't have the key bump? It will still fit onto the pins, but you will lose the reverse-polarity protection. You must be careful to align Pin 1 manually.

15. Can I remove the plastic shroud? No, the pins are embedded into the plastic housing during manufacturing. Attempting to remove it will destroy the connector.

16. Are the pins gold-plated? Standard generic headers like this typically use tin or nickel plating, which is excellent for standard soldering and general use.

17. Can it transmit high-speed data like USB or HDMI? No, standard IDC connectors lack the shielding and impedance control required for high-frequency or high-speed differential signals. They are best for SPI, I2C, UART, and basic logic.

18. Do I need special tools to install this? No, just a standard soldering iron and some rosin-core solder.

19. What is the plastic housing made of? It is typically made from PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) or a similar high-temperature thermoplastic that will not melt easily during normal PCB soldering.

20. Can I use this to carry power? Yes, you can route 5V or 12V power through it, but keep the current low. If your project draws heavy current, it is best practice to use multiple pins in parallel for the power and ground lines to distribute the load.