Connectors since the ´20s

The steady progress of connector development from the early 1920s to the present day is reviewed, concentrating on connectors applicable to the electronics industry rather than heavy current types. The rapid progress engendered by the second world war is featured in relation to multi-pin versions mainly of US origin. Coaxial connectors and the problems of connecting to printed circuit boards are discussed and insulation displacement connectors (IDCs) and their applications are shown to be of importance. In keeping with the times, optical fibre types are highlighted and reviewed. Military connectors with their special problems are also covered. After considering connectors for v.l.s.i., the paper draws attention to the advent of chip carriers and their peculiar connection problems.