JST PH vs JST XH - What is the difference?

Last Updated May 25, 2025

JST PH connectors are compact and widely used in consumer electronics for low-current applications, while JST XH connectors handle higher current and are preferred for battery and power connections due to their robust design. Explore the rest of the article to learn which connector best suits your specific needs and application requirements.

Comparison Table

Feature JST PH JST XH
Pitch 2.0 mm 2.5 mm
Current Rating 3 A 3 A
Voltage Rating 100 V 250 V
Application Compact boards, low-profile connections General purpose, slightly larger spacing
Connector Size Smaller, compact Larger, robust
Contact Type Phosphor bronze with gold plating Phosphor bronze with gold plating
Wire Size 28-24 AWG 28-24 AWG
Typical Use Battery packs, small electronics Consumer electronics, PCBs with higher space

Introduction to JST Connectors

JST connectors, widely used in electronics for secure and reliable connections, come in various types including JST PH and JST XH, each with distinct pitch sizes: 2.0mm for PH and 2.5mm for XH. These connectors are designed for different applications based on current rating and space requirements, with PH connectors commonly found in compact devices while XH connectors suit larger components. Understanding the specific needs of your project ensures you choose the right JST connector, optimizing performance and durability.

Overview of JST PH Series

The JST PH series is renowned for its compact 2.0mm pitch connectors designed for reliable low-current electronic connections in small devices like drones, sensors, and wearables. Compared to the JST XH series, which has a larger 2.5mm pitch commonly used in battery packs and RC model connections, the PH series offers a smaller profile ideal for space-constrained designs. Your choice between these connectors depends on the required spacing and current capacity, with JST PH favoring compactness and JST XH favoring robustness.

Overview of JST XH Series

The JST XH series is a line of electrical connectors characterized by a 2.5 mm pitch designed for wire-to-board applications, widely used in consumer electronics and small appliances. This series offers reliable, compact connections with a latch mechanism that ensures secure mating, distinguishing it from the JST PH series which has a smaller 2.0 mm pitch and is often used in tighter spaces. The XH connectors support a current rating typically around 3 amperes and accommodate wire sizes from 28 to 22 AWG, making them suitable for moderate electrical loads.

Key Differences Between JST PH and XH

JST PH connectors feature a 2.0mm pitch, making them ideal for compact electronic devices, while JST XH connectors have a larger 2.5mm pitch, offering better durability and higher current capacity. You should choose JST PH for space-saving applications and JST XH when requiring more robust connections with higher power handling. The distinction in pitch size directly affects compatibility with circuit boards and overall electrical performance.

Applications of JST PH Connectors

JST PH connectors are widely used in small electronic devices such as drones, LED lighting systems, and battery packs due to their compact size and secure connection capabilities. These connectors support low-current applications, typically handling currents up to 2A, making them ideal for signal and power connections within consumer electronics and wearable technology. JST XH connectors, in contrast, are suited for higher current applications such as motherboards, industrial equipment, and larger battery assemblies.

Applications of JST XH Connectors

JST XH connectors are widely utilized in electronics for applications requiring reliable, compact, and secure connections, including battery packs, LED lighting, and computer peripherals. These connectors are favored for their 2.5mm pitch, which offers a balance between size and current capacity, making them ideal in consumer electronics, industrial devices, and automotive systems. Unlike JST PH connectors that have a 2.0mm pitch and are often used in smaller or lower-current devices, JST XH connectors support higher power transmissions and are commonly found in circuit boards and wiring harnesses where durability and stability are critical.

Electrical and Mechanical Specifications Comparison

JST PH connectors typically feature a 2.0mm pitch with a current rating of 2A per pin and a contact resistance of 30mO, designed for compact PCB connections with a polarized housing for secure mating. JST XH connectors have a larger 2.5mm pitch, support higher currents up to 3A per pin, and maintain similar contact resistance, offering improved mechanical robustness with thicker contacts and stronger retention forces suitable for medium-power applications. Both series use tin-plated phosphor bronze contacts, but the XH series provides greater mechanical durability and is preferred for connectors requiring higher insertion cycles and enhanced vibration resistance.

Compatibility and Interchangeability

JST PH connectors feature a 2.0mm pitch, while JST XH connectors have a larger 2.5mm pitch, making them physically incompatible and non-interchangeable without adapters. The pin layout and locking mechanisms differ between the two series, preventing direct substitution in electronic devices or PCB designs. For projects requiring compatibility, selecting the appropriate JST series based on device specifications and connector pitch is crucial to ensure reliable connections and performance.

Choosing the Right Connector for Your Project

JST PH connectors feature a 2.0mm pitch ideal for compact, low-power applications, while JST XH connectors offer a larger 2.5mm pitch suited for higher current requirements and increased mechanical stability. Selecting the right connector depends on factors like current load, wire gauge compatibility, and available space on your PCB design. Prioritize JST PH for tighter spaces and signal-level connections, and JST XH for robust power delivery and secure mating in larger assemblies.

Conclusion: JST PH vs JST XH

JST PH connectors feature a 2.0mm pitch and are widely used for compact electronic applications requiring reliable connections, while JST XH connectors have a slightly larger 2.5mm pitch, offering increased durability and ease of handling in PCB interconnections. Your choice between JST PH and JST XH should consider space constraints and the mechanical robustness needed for your project. For tight spaces and smaller pin sizes, JST PH is optimal; for stronger connections and easier assembly, JST XH is preferable.

JST PH vs JST XH Infographic

JST PH vs JST XH - What is the difference?


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The information provided in this document is for general informational purposes only and is not guaranteed to be complete. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the content, we cannot guarantee that the details mentioned are up-to-date or applicable to all scenarios. Topics about JST PH vs JST XH are subject to change from time to time.

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