JST connectors are electrical connectors manufactured to the design standards originally developed by J.S.T. Mfg. Co. (Japan Solderless Terminal).[1] JST manufactures numerous series (families) and pitches (pin-to-pin distance) of connectors.[2][3]
The term "JST" is sometimes incorrectly used as a vernacular term meaning any small white electrical connector mounted on PCBs.
Connector series
JST manufactures a large number of series (families) of connectors.[2] The PCB (wire-to-board) connectors are available in top (vertical) or side (horizontal) entry, and through-hole or surface-mount.
A majority of JST through-hole headers can't withstand the temperatures required for reflow soldering, because the plastic has a lower melting point since they were designed for wave soldering methods. Some JST surface-mount headers are designed to handle higher temperatures of reflow soldering.[25]
Confusion on the Internet
End-users and 3rd-party sellers on eBay often describe connectors by their wrong name thus perpetuating confusion of the exact series of a specific connector. It is very common in blogs and websites to incorrectly name a specific connector only by the name of the manufacturer.
To minimize confusion, it is best to describe a connector using: the manufacturer's name, exact connector series, and optionally the pitch, such as "JST-XH" or "JST-XH-2.50mm" or "2.50mm JST XH-series" or other variations.
The official J.S.T. Co. website allows users to check certain models for their authenticity and specifications.[26]
Note: Some 2.50 mm parts are incorrectly sold on the Internet as 2.54 mm (0.100 in), and the 1.25 mm parts as 1.27 mm (0.050 in).