DuPont 2.0mm Connector: Complete Guide to Specs, Pinout, No-Latch Design & Comparison with Amphenol Minitek
What Is a DuPont 2.0mm Connector?
The term DuPont 2.0mm connector refers to a family of generic, non-proprietary wire-to-board (WTB) crimp connectors with a 2.00mm (0.079 inch) contact pitch. Unlike the original DuPont 2.54mm series that became the de facto standard for breadboard and Arduino wiring, the 2.0mm variant occupies a denser pitch tier — smaller than 2.54mm but larger than JST PH 2.0mm — and is widely used in consumer electronics, RC systems, small appliances, and embedded hardware prototyping.
It is important to clarify upfront: "DuPont 2.0mm" is a colloquial trade name, not an official IEC or EIA standard designation. The connector style is mechanically similar to the Amphenol Minitek® 2.00mm WTB series (part number family 77138-xxx), but with one critical structural difference: our DuPont 2.0mm connectors have no latch (no polarization lock), while the Amphenol Minitek II features an integrated locking latch on the housing. This distinction has direct implications for insertion/extraction force, vibration resistance, and application suitability — all of which are covered in detail below.
DuPont 2.0mm receptacle housings and PCB through-hole pin headers in 2-pin, 3-pin, 4-pin, and 6-pin configurations, shown alongside the crimp terminal strip. The absence of any latch tab on the housing exterior is the defining visual characteristic that distinguishes this connector from the Amphenol Minitek II and JST PH series.
DuPont 2.0mm vs Amphenol Minitek 2.0mm: Key Structural Difference
Engineers sourcing 2.0mm pitch WTB connectors frequently encounter both the generic DuPont 2.0mm style and the Amphenol Minitek® II (DPS-12-011, Rev J). Understanding the difference prevents costly design errors:
The image above shows the DuPont 2.0mm housing family alongside crimp terminals on the carrier strip. The DuPont 2.0mm housing relies on friction fit only; there is no secondary latch to lock the receptacle to the header.
| Feature | DuPont 2.0mm (Generic / Keszoox) | Amphenol Minitek II (77138-series) |
|---|---|---|
| Pitch | 2.00mm | 2.00mm |
| Locking Latch | No latch (friction fit) | Integrated latch on housing |
| Mating / Unmating Force | Lower (friction only) | Insertion ≤180g × pos. Max; Unmating ≥20g × pos. Min |
| Durability (mating cycles) | Typically 30–50 cycles | 100 cycles (per EIA-364-09) |
| Contact Retention (receptacle) | Standard crimp retention | >0.2kgf axial (EIA-364-29) |
| Pin Retention (header) | Press-fit / solder | >0.5kgf either direction (EIA-364-29) |
| Vibration Resistance | Moderate (no latch) | Tested per EIA-364-28 |
| Solderability Standard | J-STD-002 | J-STD-002 (230°C ±5°C, 3±0.5s) |
| Solder Heat Resistance | Standard | 260°C ±5°C, 5+0/-0.5s (EIA-364-56) |
| Typical Application | Prototyping, low-vibration consumer electronics | Automotive, industrial, high-cycle WTB |
| Price Point | Lower (generic supply chain) | Higher (branded, qualified) |
Bottom line: If your application requires a positive locking connection — such as automotive, robotics under vibration, or field-replaceable harnesses — the Amphenol Minitek II with its latch is the appropriate choice. For prototyping, benchtop testing, consumer devices, and cost-sensitive production runs where the connector is rarely disconnected, the no-latch DuPont 2.0mm is a practical, lower-cost alternative.
Electrical Specifications
The following specifications are derived from the Amphenol Minitek II product specification (DPS-12-011, Rev J, Mar 2020) and apply as reference benchmarks for the 2.0mm pitch connector family. Our DuPont 2.0mm connectors are designed to meet or approach these parameters:
| Parameter | Value | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Current Rating (per contact) | Up to 5A | EIA-364 / UL |
| Voltage Rating (AC RMS) | 200V AC RMS | — |
| Dielectric Withstanding Voltage | 650V RMS | EIA-364-20 |
| Insulation Resistance | ≥1000MΩ | EIA-364-21 |
| Contact Resistance (LLCR) | ≤20mΩ (initial); ≤25mΩ after 100 cycles | EIA-364-06 / EIA-364-09 |
| Wire Gauge Range | AWG 26–30 (crimp terminal) | — |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +105°C | — |
| High Temperature Life | Tested (EIA-364-17) | EIA-364-17 |
| Humidity Resistance | Tested | EIA-364-31 |
| Salt Spray | Tested | EIA-364-26 |
| Thermal Shock | Tested | EIA-364-32 |
| H₂S Exposure | Tested | EIA-364-50 |
Note on current rating: The 5A per contact rating applies to the Amphenol Minitek II terminal (AWG 26–30). For the generic DuPont 2.0mm crimp terminal, derate to 3A per contact in continuous-duty applications unless the specific terminal datasheet confirms higher ratings. Always verify with your actual wire gauge and ambient temperature.
Mechanical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Contact Pitch | 2.00mm (0.079 inch) |
| Housing Material | Nylon (PA66), UL94 V-0 rated |
| Contact Material | Brass or phosphor bronze, tin or gold plated |
| Mating Cycles (no-latch version) | 30–50 cycles typical |
| Pin Count Range | 2 to 20 positions (single row); dual-row variants available |
| Connector Type | Wire-to-Board (WTB); receptacle + PCB header |
| PCB Header Style | Through-hole, right-angle or vertical |
| Locking Mechanism | None (friction fit only) |
| RoHS Compliance | Yes |
Complete DuPont 2.0mm connector kit: receptacle housings (left), PCB through-hole pin headers in vertical orientation (center), and crimp terminal strip (right). The 2-pin, 3-pin, 4-pin, and 6-pin variants all share the same 2.00mm pitch and terminal system, simplifying inventory management across different pin-count requirements.
Pinout and Wiring Diagram
The DuPont 2.0mm connector uses a single-row, friction-fit housing. Pin numbering follows the standard left-to-right convention when the connector is viewed from the mating face (wire side facing away from you). There is no polarization key on the no-latch version, so correct orientation must be ensured by the cable assembly or PCB silkscreen marking.
Typical pinout for a 4-pin DuPont 2.0mm connector in a UART application:
| Pin | Signal | Wire Color (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | VCC (3.3V or 5V) | Red |
| 2 | GND | Black |
| 3 | TX | White or Yellow |
| 4 | RX | Green or Blue |
Important: Because the no-latch housing has no polarization feature, always mark Pin 1 on both the PCB header and the cable assembly. A small triangle or dot on the PCB silkscreen, combined with a colored wire on Pin 1, is the most reliable field identification method.
Wire Gauge Selection: AWG 26–30
The 2.0mm pitch crimp terminal is designed for AWG 26 to AWG 30 wire. Selecting the correct gauge is critical for both crimp quality and current capacity:
| AWG | Conductor Diameter (mm) | Max Current (continuous) | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | 0.405 | ~2.2A | Power lines, motor control signals |
| 28 | 0.321 | ~0.8A | General signal wiring, I²C, SPI |
| 30 | 0.255 | ~0.5A | Low-current signals, sensor data lines |
For the Amphenol Minitek II terminal (77138-101LF), the specified wire range is AWG 30–26, with the crimp barrel accommodating both stranded and solid conductors. For generic DuPont 2.0mm terminals, always verify the crimp barrel dimensions against your wire OD before committing to a production run.
🛒 Need pre-crimped DuPont 2.0mm cable assemblies? Browse our full range: DuPont 2.0mm Cable Assemblies
Crimping the DuPont 2.0mm Terminal: Step-by-Step
Crimping a 2.0mm pitch terminal requires a precision ratchet crimp tool with the correct die set. Do not use a 2.54mm DuPont crimp tool — the barrel geometry is different and will produce an unreliable crimp.
Step 1 — Strip the wire: Strip 2.0–2.5mm of insulation. Over-stripping exposes bare conductor beyond the crimp barrel and risks short circuits inside the housing.
Step 2 — Select the correct die: Use the die position marked for 2.0mm or 0.08" pitch terminals. For AWG 28, the crimp height (B-dimension) is typically 0.90–0.95mm.
Step 3 — Position the terminal: Place the terminal in the die with the conductor barrel facing up. The insulation barrel should align with the rear die position.
Step 4 — Insert the wire: Push the stripped wire fully into the terminal until the conductor is visible at the front of the conductor barrel. The insulation should sit inside the insulation barrel.
Step 5 — Crimp: Squeeze the tool until the ratchet releases. Do not release early — an incomplete crimp will fail pull-force testing.
Step 6 — Verify: Perform a pull test. A properly crimped AWG 28 terminal should withstand ≥10N (approximately 1kgf) of axial pull force without the wire pulling out.
Step 7 — Insert into housing: Push the crimped terminal into the housing from the rear until you hear or feel a click from the terminal lance engaging the housing retention feature. For the no-latch DuPont 2.0mm housing, the terminal is retained by the internal lance only — there is no secondary locking mechanism.
Common Applications
Consumer electronics: Internal wiring in small appliances, LED drivers, battery management systems (BMS), and portable devices where the connector is assembled once and rarely disconnected.
RC and hobby electronics: Receiver-to-ESC signal wiring, servo extension cables, and flight controller sensor connections where the 2.0mm pitch provides a compact footprint without the bulk of 2.54mm DuPont connectors.
Embedded systems prototyping: Connecting daughter boards, sensor modules, and display panels to main PCBs in development environments. The no-latch design allows faster connect/disconnect during bench testing compared to latched connectors.
Industrial instrumentation (low-vibration): Panel-mount sensor wiring, temperature probe connections, and signal conditioning modules in environments where vibration is not a primary concern.
Medical devices (non-critical): Internal wiring in diagnostic equipment, patient monitoring accessories, and laboratory instruments where the connector is accessed only during maintenance.
Pre-crimped DuPont 2.0mm wire harness assemblies in 2-pin through 10-pin configurations with multi-color AWG 28 wires. These ready-to-use cable assemblies are suitable for direct installation in RC receivers, flight controllers, sensor modules, and consumer electronics without additional crimping equipment.
🛒 Need a complete kit? Browse our DuPont 2.0mm cable assemblies: Reverse-Side-Head Cable · Single-Head Cable · Same-Side-Head Cable
DuPont 2.0mm vs Other 2.0mm Pitch Connectors: Full Comparison
The 2.0mm pitch space is crowded. Here is how the DuPont 2.0mm no-latch connector compares to the most common alternatives:
| Connector | Pitch | Latch | Current Rating | Wire Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DuPont 2.0mm (Keszoox) | 2.00mm | No | 3A (derated) | AWG 26–30 | Prototyping, consumer electronics |
| Amphenol Minitek II | 2.00mm | Yes | 5A | AWG 26–30 | Industrial, high-cycle WTB |
| JST PH 2.0mm | 2.00mm | Yes (latch tab) | 2A | AWG 28–32 | LiPo batteries, drones, RC |
| JST PA 2.0mm | 2.00mm | Yes | 3A | AWG 22–28 | Wire-to-wire, RC battery pigtails |
| HY 2.0mm (Yeonho SMH200) | 2.00mm | Yes | 3A | AWG 24–28 | RC, consumer electronics |
| DuPont 2.54mm | 2.54mm | No | 3A | AWG 22–28 | Arduino, breadboard wiring |
Key insight: The DuPont 2.0mm no-latch connector fills a specific niche — it is denser than 2.54mm DuPont (saving PCB real estate), cheaper than Amphenol Minitek II (no latch tooling cost), and easier to disconnect than JST PH (no latch tab to depress). For applications where these trade-offs align with your requirements, it is the optimal choice.
PCB Footprint and Layout Guidelines
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Pin pitch | 2.00mm |
| Drill diameter | 0.80mm (finished hole) |
| Pad diameter | 1.40mm |
| Courtyard clearance | 0.25mm minimum from pad edge |
| Pin 1 marker | Square pad or triangle on silkscreen |
| Connector keepout (mating side) | 5mm clearance for cable egress |
Layout tip: Because the no-latch housing has no polarization key, place a Pin 1 indicator on both the top and bottom copper layers if your board is double-sided. This prevents incorrect cable assembly during production.
Qualification Test Matrix (Reference: Amphenol Minitek II DPS-12-011)
The Amphenol Minitek II product specification (Rev J, March 2020) defines a comprehensive 14-group qualification test matrix. This serves as the industry benchmark for 2.0mm WTB connectors and is reproduced here for engineering reference:
| Test Item | Test Groups | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Inspection | #1–#14 (all groups) | EIA-364-18 |
| Low Level Contact Resistance (LLCR) | #3, #4&5, #6, #7, #8, #11&12 | EIA-364-23 |
| Insulation Resistance (IR) | #1 | EIA-364-21 |
| Dielectric Withstanding Voltage (DWV) | #1 | EIA-364-20 |
| Current Rating | #2 | EIA-364-70 |
| High Temperature Life | #3 | EIA-364-17 |
| Humidity | #4, #4&5 | EIA-364-31 |
| Salt Spray | #6 | EIA-364-26 |
| Thermal Shock | #4&5 | EIA-364-32 |
| Hydrogen Sulfide Exposure | #7 | EIA-364-50 |
| Vibration | #8 | EIA-364-28 |
| Contact Retention Force | #9&10 | EIA-364-29 |
| Post Retention Force | #11&12 | EIA-364-29 |
| Mating/Un-mating Force | #11&12 | EIA-364-13 |
| Durability (100 cycles) | #13 | EIA-364-09 |
| Solderability | #13 | J-STD-002 |
| Resistance to Solder Heat | #14 | EIA-364-56 |
Sample size for each test group: 3 headers + 3 receptacles (minimum), with some groups requiring 3+3 paired samples for mated testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DuPont 2.0mm the same as JST PH 2.0mm?
No. Both use a 2.00mm pitch, but they are not interchangeable. JST PH uses a proprietary housing geometry with a latch tab and a specific terminal design (SPH series). The DuPont 2.0mm uses a different housing profile and terminal. The mating faces are incompatible — you cannot plug a JST PH receptacle into a DuPont 2.0mm header or vice versa. See our JST PH 2.0mm complete guide for a detailed breakdown of the JST PH system.
Can I use a DuPont 2.54mm crimp tool for DuPont 2.0mm terminals?
No. The terminal barrel dimensions are different. Using a 2.54mm die on a 2.0mm terminal will produce an over-crimped or malformed crimp that fails pull-force testing. Always use a crimp tool with a die set specifically rated for 2.0mm pitch terminals.
Why does my DuPont 2.0mm connector keep disconnecting?
This is the most common complaint with no-latch connectors. The friction-fit design relies entirely on terminal lance retention and housing-to-header friction. Solutions include: (1) using a small cable tie or strain relief to prevent accidental pull-out, (2) applying a small amount of silicone adhesive to the mated connector pair, or (3) switching to a latched connector such as the Amphenol Minitek II or JST PH if the application involves vibration or frequent handling.
What is the difference between DuPont 2.0mm and DuPont 2.54mm?
The pitch: 2.0mm vs 2.54mm. The 2.0mm variant is 21% denser, allowing more pins in the same PCB footprint. The terminals and housings are not interchangeable. The 2.54mm DuPont is the standard for Arduino and breadboard wiring; the 2.0mm is used where a smaller footprint is needed without moving to the JST PH ecosystem. See our DuPont 2.54mm complete guide for a full comparison.
Is the DuPont 2.0mm connector RoHS compliant?
Yes. Our DuPont 2.0mm connectors are RoHS compliant. The housing is made from UL94 V-0 rated nylon (PA66), and the terminals use tin-plated brass or phosphor bronze contacts that meet EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU requirements.
What wire colors should I use for DuPont 2.0mm cables?
There is no mandatory standard for generic DuPont 2.0mm cables. Common conventions: red for VCC/power, black for GND, white or yellow for TX/data, green or blue for RX/signal. For multi-wire harnesses, use a consistent color code and document it in your BOM and assembly drawing.
Can DuPont 2.0mm connectors be used in automotive applications?
Not recommended without additional qualification. Automotive applications require connectors that pass vibration testing (EIA-364-28 or equivalent), salt spray (EIA-364-26), and thermal shock (EIA-364-32) — all of which the Amphenol Minitek II is qualified for. The no-latch DuPont 2.0mm lacks the locking mechanism required for reliable automotive connections under vibration. For automotive use, specify the Amphenol Minitek II or an equivalent latched connector.
How do I release a terminal from a DuPont 2.0mm housing?
Use a terminal extraction tool (also called a pin extractor or de-pin tool) sized for 2.0mm pitch housings. Insert the tool from the mating face of the housing to depress the terminal lance, then pull the wire from the rear. Do not use a metal probe or screwdriver — this will damage the housing and the terminal lance, making re-insertion unreliable.
Summary
The DuPont 2.0mm connector is a practical, cost-effective wire-to-board solution for applications where a 2.00mm pitch is required but a locking mechanism is not. Its key advantages are lower cost, easier disconnection, and broad availability in the generic connector market. Its primary limitation — the absence of a latch — makes it unsuitable for high-vibration or high-cycle applications where the Amphenol Minitek II or JST PH 2.0mm would be the correct choice.
For engineers and makers who need a compact, reliable, and affordable 2.0mm WTB connector for prototyping, consumer electronics, or low-vibration production applications, the DuPont 2.0mm no-latch connector delivers exactly what is needed — without paying for locking features you do not require.
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