What is a gender changer
A gender changer is a hardware device that connects two cable connectors of the same type and gender, allowing them to connect to each other. Gender changers can convert a male cable to a female cable, or vice versa. They are often used in computing and electronics.
Gender changers can be used for a variety of applications, including: Customizing home theater networks, Testing cables, Extending the reach of cables, Connecting devices like televisions and projectors to desktops, and Establishing compatibility between two gender cables for easy data transmission.
Product Index ⟩ Connectors, Interconnects ⟩ USB, DVI, HDMI Connectors ⟩ USB, DVI, HDMI Connector Adapters
| MFR PART # | GCHDMIFF |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 5214-GCHDMIFF-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | StarTech.com |
| DESCRIPTION | Adapter Connector HDMI, Receptacle To HDMI, Receptacle Free Hanging (In-Line) |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
Gender changers are often also used with connectors in RF applications. While obviously not limited to connectors such as TNC, UHF, N, F, SMA, BNC, MCX, these are some of the types that will be found.
Product Index ⟩ Connectors, Interconnects ⟩ Coaxial Connectors (RF)
| MFR PART # | SF2993-6001 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | SF2993-6001-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Amphenol SV Microwave |
| DESCRIPTION | Adapter Coaxial Connector SMA Plug, Male Pin To SMA Plug, Male Pin 50 Ohms |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
There are many different categories that contain gender changers. You will find them in the rectangular connectors, the circular connectors, and like the example below, here is one from the DSUB connectors.
Product Index ⟩ Connectors, Interconnects ⟩ D-Sub, D-Shaped Connectors ⟩ D-Sub, D-Shaped Connector Adapters
| MFR PART # | 30-9530 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 116-30-9530-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Cinch Connectivity Solutions AIM-Cambridge |
| DESCRIPTION | Adapter Connector D-Sub, 9 Pin Female To D-Sub, 9 Pin Female Free Hanging (In-Line) |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
What is a connector saver
A connector saver is an adapter with one male end and one female end that protects connectors that are frequently mated and unmated. They are often screwed onto expensive test equipment or components that require a lot of connect/disconnect cycles.
The benefits of using a connector saver
- Redirect all the wear and tear to the saver
- Prevent contact damage
- Extend the life of cable assemblies
- Preserve the quality and integrity of connector performance
- Maintain low usage on the primary connector interface
- Prevent repair or replacement of expensive connectors and cables
It is usually cheaper to replace the connector saver than to repair the equipment if a connector is damaged. They can also be used avoid corrosion when a connection with dissimilar metals has to be made. This is a good way to save both time and money.
Product Index ⟩ Connectors, Interconnects ⟩ D-Sub, D-Shaped Connectors ⟩ D-Sub, D-Shaped Connector Adapters
| MFR PART # | A-DGC-000-15AB51 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | AE11602-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Assmann WSW Components |
| DESCRIPTION | Adapter Connector D-Sub, 15 HD, Female To D-Sub, 15 HD, Male Free Hanging (In-Line) |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
It is important to pay attention when looking at this type of adapters. There are other adapters that look exactly the same but they contain circuitry inside that changes its purpose. For example the product below is a Null Modem type adapter.
| MFR PART # | 2708753 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 277-2408-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Phoenix Contact |
| DESCRIPTION | Adapter Connector D-Sub, 9 Pin Male To D-Sub, 9 Pin Female Free Hanging (In-Line) |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
This diagram shows how the connections are more complicated that just a passthrough device would be.
How does a gender changer differ from a connector saver
A gender changer and a connector saver serve different purposes, though they might seem similar at first glance. Here’s the breakdown:
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Gender changer: This is a simple adapter that changes the gender (male to female or vice versa) of a single connector. It essentially allows you to plug a connector into a port that it wouldn’t normally fit into due to gender mismatch. There’s no internal rewiring, just a change in the physical connector type.
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Connector saver: This is a protective device that goes around the existing connector to prevent wear and tear. It might reinforce the connector itself or add a layer of protection to avoid damage from repeated plugging and unplugging. Think of it like a little case for your connector.