Molex PicoBlade 1.25mm Connector: Complete Guide to Part Numbers, Crimping, Pin Release & Applications
The Molex PicoBlade connector is a 1.25mm pitch wire-to-board and wire-to-wire connector system manufactured by Molex — one of the world's largest connector manufacturers. It is used across automotive infotainment, industrial smart meters, consumer electronics, medical monitors, drones, and any compact design requiring a reliable 1.25mm pitch connection at production scale.
Unlike informal connector names ("DuPont") or generic series codes (JST GH), the Molex PicoBlade has a fully documented official part number system that engineers can specify directly in BOMs. This guide covers that system in full — including the complete header family, wire-to-wire configurations, gold-plated options, how to crimp PicoBlade terminals correctly, and how to release pins without damage. Ready to source? Shop Molex PicoBlade 1.25mm connectors at Keszoox.
What Is the Molex PicoBlade Connector?
The Molex PicoBlade is a 1.25mm pitch crimp connector system with several design features that distinguish it from other 1.25mm connectors:
- Two-point contact design — each terminal makes contact at two points simultaneously, ensuring reliable electrical connection under low-current, low-voltage, and high-vibration conditions
- Friction lock — secure mating retention without a separate latch mechanism, keeping the connector profile low
- Four PCB header orientations — through-hole vertical (53947), through-hole right-angle (53048), SMT right-angle (53261), and SMT vertical (53398)
- Wire-to-Board AND Wire-to-Wire — the PicoBlade system supports both configurations
- Gold-plated options — available for harsh environments requiring superior corrosion resistance
- Vacuum-cap SMT headers — the 53398-xx67 series includes vacuum caps for automated SMT pick-and-place assembly
➡️ Shop Molex PicoBlade 1.25mm Connectors at Keszoox
Molex PicoBlade Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Pitch | 1.25 mm |
| Voltage (max.) | 125V |
| Current (max.) | 2.5A at 2-circuit / AWG 26; 1.0A at 15-circuit |
| Contact resistance (max.) | 20 mΩ |
| Insulation resistance (min.) | 100 MΩ |
| Dielectric withstanding voltage | 250V AC |
| Operating temperature | −40°C to +105°C (SMT headers); −40°C to +85°C (TH headers) |
| Wire gauge (50058 terminal) | AWG 28–32 |
| Wire gauge (50079 terminal) | AWG 26–28 |
| Pin count | 2–15 (and 17) positions |
| Contact material | Phosphor bronze |
| Contact plating | Tin or Gold flash |
| Mating cycles | 30 cycles |
| Terminal retention force (min.) | 4.9N |
| RoHS | Yes |
Current Rating by Wire Gauge and Circuit Count
| Wire Gauge | 2-circuit | 8-circuit | 15-circuit |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWG 26 | 2.5A | 1.5A | 1.0A |
| AWG 28 | 2.0A | 1.5A | 1.0A |
| AWG 30 | 1.5A | 1.0A | 1.0A |
| AWG 32 | 1.5A | 1.0A | 0.8A |
➡️ Shop Molex PicoBlade Housings, Headers & Terminals
Molex PicoBlade Complete Part Number System
Crimp Terminals
| Part Number | Type | Plating | Wire Gauge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50058-8000 | Female crimp terminal | Tin | AWG 28–32 |
| 50058-8100 | Female crimp terminal | Gold flash | AWG 28–32 |
| 50079-8000 | Female crimp terminal | Tin | AWG 26–28 |
| 50079-8100 | Female crimp terminal | Gold flash | AWG 26–28 |
| 50125-8000 | Male crimp terminal (W-to-W) | Tin | AWG 26–28 |
| 50133-8000 | Male crimp terminal (W-to-W) | Tin | AWG 28–32 |
Key distinction: Use 50058 for AWG 28–32 (fine wire, signal). Use 50079 for AWG 26–28 (heavier wire, power). The 50125/50133 male terminals are for Wire-to-Wire configurations only.
➡️ Shop Molex PicoBlade 50058 & 50079 Crimp Terminals
Wire Housings
| Part Number | Circuits | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 51047-xx00 | 2–10 | Plug housing, Wire-to-Board / Wire-to-Wire, natural |
| 51021-xx00 | 2–15, 17 | Receptacle housing, Wire-to-Wire, natural |
PCB Headers — Through-Hole & SMT
| Part Number | Type | Orientation | Circuits | Plating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53947-xx10 | Through-hole | Vertical (straight) | 2–15 | Tin |
| 53048-xx10 | Through-hole | Right-angle | 2–15 | Tin |
| 53261-xx71 | SMT | Right-angle | 2–15, 17 | Tin |
| 53398-xx71 | SMT | Vertical | 2–15 | Tin |
| 53398-xx67 | SMT + vacuum cap | Vertical | 2–6 | — |
Header selection guide:
- 53947: Through-hole vertical — strongest mechanical retention, easiest hand soldering, best for prototyping and low-volume production
- 53048: Through-hole right-angle — when the connector must exit parallel to the PCB surface
- 53261: SMT right-angle — for automated SMT assembly with horizontal cable exit
- 53398: SMT vertical — lowest profile, for automated SMT assembly with vertical cable exit
- 53398-xx67: SMT vertical with vacuum cap — for high-volume pick-and-place assembly lines
➡️ Shop Molex PicoBlade PCB Headers — TH Vertical, TH Right-Angle & SMT
Molex PicoBlade Pin Configurations: 2 to 15 Pin
| Circuits | Plug Housing | TH Vertical | TH Right-Angle | SMT Vertical | Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 51047-0200 | 53947-0210 | 53048-0210 | 53398-0271 | 3.75 mm |
| 3 | 51047-0300 | 53947-0310 | 53048-0310 | 53398-0371 | 5.0 mm |
| 4 | 51047-0400 | 53947-0410 | 53048-0410 | 53398-0471 | 6.25 mm |
| 5 | 51047-0500 | 53947-0510 | 53048-0510 | 53398-0571 | 7.5 mm |
| 6 | 51047-0600 | 53947-0610 | 53048-0610 | 53398-0671 | 8.75 mm |
| 8 | 51047-0800 | 53947-0810 | 53048-0810 | 53398-0871 | 11.25 mm |
| 10 | 51047-1000 | 53947-1010 | 53048-1010 | 53398-1071 | 13.75 mm |
| 12 | 51047-1200 | 53947-1210 | 53048-1210 | 53398-1271 | 16.25 mm |
| 15 | 51047-1500 | 53947-1510 | 53048-1510 | 53398-1571 | 20.0 mm |
➡️ Shop Molex PicoBlade Pre-Crimped Cable Assemblies — 2 to 15 Pin
Wire-to-Wire Configuration
The PicoBlade system supports Wire-to-Wire connections — useful for extending cable runs or creating harness branches without a PCB.
| Component | Part Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Female housing (plug) | 51047-xx00 | Wire-to-Wire female side |
| Female terminal | 50058-8000 or 50079-8000 | Crimped onto wire |
| Male housing (receptacle) | 51021-xx00 | Wire-to-Wire male side |
| Male terminal | 50125-8000 (AWG 26–28) or 50133-8000 (AWG 28–32) | Crimped onto wire |
➡️ Shop Molex PicoBlade Wire-to-Wire Components
Molex PicoBlade Applications
Automotive: In-vehicle comfort and infotainment systems, body control modules, instrument clusters, steering wheel controls. Gold-plated terminal options and extended temperature range (−40°C to +105°C for SMT headers) make PicoBlade suitable for automotive interior applications.
Consumer Electronics: Smart TVs, set-top boxes, air conditioners, gaming machines, laser/inkjet printers, and computer screens use PicoBlade for internal wiring harnesses.
Industrial: Smart meters, security systems, drones, and electric test equipment. Through-hole headers (53947/53048) provide stronger PCB retention for industrial equipment subject to handling and vibration.
Healthcare: Hearing aids and medical monitors. Gold-plated terminals (50058-8100 / 50079-8100) preferred for long-term contact reliability.
➡️ Shop Molex PicoBlade Cable Assemblies for Drones & Industrial Applications
How to Crimp Molex PicoBlade Connectors
Recommended Crimp Tools
| Tool | Price Range | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineer PA-09 | $30–40 | Hobbyist, low volume | Most popular; works well with both 50058 and 50079 |
| IWISS SN-2549 | $15–25 | Budget option | Dedicated 1.25mm dies; good value |
| Molex 63811-0300 | $300+ | Production volume | Official Molex hand tool; most consistent results |
| Hozan P-706 | $80–120 | Professional precision | Excellent for fine-pitch terminals |
Step-by-Step: How to Crimp Molex PicoBlade
- Select the correct terminal: 50058-8000 for AWG 28–32; 50079-8000 for AWG 26–28
- Strip 1.0–1.2mm of insulation — precise strip length is critical
- Twist conductor strands tightly to prevent fraying
- Place the terminal in the PA-09 die at the smallest AWG position
- Insert the wire so conductor strands sit fully in the front (conductor) wings and insulation sits in the rear (insulation) wings
- Squeeze firmly until the ratchet releases completely
- Pull-test: tug firmly — the terminal must not move (retention force min. 4.9N)
- Insert the crimped terminal into the 51047 housing from the rear until you feel a distinct click
- Tug the wire gently from the rear to confirm the retention tab has engaged
Common mistakes: Using 50079 (AWG 26–28) on AWG 30–32 wire — conductor wings won't close properly, use 50058 instead. Stripping too much insulation — exposed conductor beyond the front wings risks short circuits. Not pull-testing before inserting into housing.
➡️ Full Connector Crimping Guide with step-by-step photos | Shop PicoBlade Pre-Crimped Assemblies
How to Release Pins from Molex PicoBlade Connector
The official Molex datasheet specifies a minimum terminal retention force of 4.9N — the retention tab holds firmly and requires deliberate action to release.
- Identify the wire entry end of the 51047 housing
- Use a fine-tipped extraction tool: a 0.5mm flat-blade screwdriver, dental pick, or dedicated pin extractor
- Insert the tool into the housing cavity alongside the wire, locating the retention lance on the terminal
- Depress the lance inward while simultaneously pulling the wire from the rear
- The terminal will slide out cleanly if the lance is fully depressed
- Inspect the terminal — if the lance is bent or damaged, replace the terminal
Tips: Work under magnification — housing cavities are approximately 1.0mm wide. Never pull the wire without depressing the lance. A dedicated pin extractor tool ($3–5) is significantly easier than improvised tools. The 4.9N retention force requires deliberate pressure — gentle probing won't release the terminal.
➡️ Shop Molex PicoBlade 51047 Replacement Housings & Terminals
Gold-Plated PicoBlade Options
Gold-plated terminals (50058-8100 / 50079-8100) offer lower contact resistance and superior corrosion resistance. Recommended for automotive applications (temperature cycling, humidity), medical devices, low-signal applications under 100mV / 10mA where tin oxide can cause intermittent connections, and harsh industrial environments. For standard signal and power applications in benign environments, tin-plated terminals (50058-8000 / 50079-8000) are sufficient and more cost-effective.
➡️ Shop Molex PicoBlade Gold-Plated Terminals (50058-8100 / 50079-8100)
Molex PicoBlade vs JST GH: Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Molex PicoBlade | JST GH |
|---|---|---|
| Pitch | 1.25 mm | 1.25 mm |
| Voltage max. | 125V | 50V |
| Current (2-circuit, AWG 26) | 2.5A | 1A per contact |
| Contact design | Two-point contact | Single contact |
| PCB header options | TH vertical, TH right-angle, SMT vertical, SMT right-angle | SMD vertical only |
| Gold-plated option | Yes | Limited |
| Vacuum-cap SMT header | Yes (53398-xx67) | No |
| Wire-to-Wire config | Yes (51021 + 50125/50133) | No standard option |
| Pixhawk standard | No | Yes |
| Automotive/industrial use | Yes — common | Limited |
| Interchangeable? | No — different housing geometry | |
Choose JST GH for Pixhawk/ArduPilot ecosystem, maker/drone community, SMD-only PCB designs. Choose Molex PicoBlade for automotive, industrial, medical, consumer electronics OEM, through-hole PCB designs, wire-to-wire configurations, or gold-plated contacts.
➡️ JST GH 1.25mm Complete Guide | Shop JST GH 1.25mm | Shop Molex PicoBlade
Molex PicoBlade vs JST SH (1.0mm)
| Feature | Molex PicoBlade | JST SH |
|---|---|---|
| Pitch | 1.25 mm | 1.0 mm |
| PCB header | TH + SMT options | SMD only |
| FPV drone use | Uncommon | Standard |
| Automotive use | Yes | No |
| Interchangeable? | No — different pitch | |
➡️ JST SH 1.0mm Complete Guide | Shop JST SH 1.0mm
Molex PicoBlade for LiPo Battery Wiring
The 2-pin PicoBlade (51047-0200 + 53947-0210) is widely used on small LiPo cells in the 150–1000mAh range. Always verify pin 1 orientation before connecting — reversing polarity on a LiPo will damage the cell and PCB. Use AWG 28–30 (50058 terminal) for cells under 300mAh; AWG 26–28 (50079 terminal) for 300–1000mAh cells. For cells with peak current above 2.5A, use JST PH (2.0mm) or a higher-rated connector.
➡️ Shop Molex PicoBlade 2-pin Connectors | Shop JST PH 2.0mm (Higher Current)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Molex PicoBlade connector? The Molex PicoBlade is a 1.25mm pitch wire-to-board and wire-to-wire connector system by Molex. Features two-point contact design, friction lock, and four PCB header orientations (TH vertical 53947, TH right-angle 53048, SMT right-angle 53261, SMT vertical 53398). Rated up to 125V, 2.5A at 2-circuit/AWG 26. Used in automotive, industrial, consumer electronics, and medical applications.
What is the Molex PicoBlade pitch? 1.25mm — same pitch as JST GH, but PicoBlade and JST GH are not interchangeable due to different housing geometry and locking mechanisms.
What is Molex PicoBlade 53947? Molex 53947 is the through-hole vertical PCB header for PicoBlade. Available in 2–15 circuits (53947-0210 through 53947-1510). Most common PicoBlade header for prototyping and low-to-medium volume production.
What is Molex PicoBlade 51047? Molex 51047 is the plug housing (wire-side) for PicoBlade. Available in 2–10 circuits (51047-0200 through 51047-1000). Used with 50058 or 50079 crimp terminals for wire-to-board connections.
How do I crimp Molex PicoBlade connectors? Select the correct terminal first: 50058-8000 for AWG 28–32, 50079-8000 for AWG 26–28. Use an Engineer PA-09 or IWISS SN-2549. Strip 1.0–1.2mm, crimp with conductor in front wings and insulation in rear wings, pull-test (min. 4.9N), then insert into 51047 housing until it clicks.
How do I release pins from a Molex PicoBlade connector? Insert a 0.5mm flat-blade or pin extractor into the 51047 housing from the wire entry end. Depress the retention lance inward while pulling the wire from the rear. The 4.9N retention force requires deliberate pressure — never pull without depressing the lance.
Are Molex PicoBlade and JST GH interchangeable? No. Despite sharing the same 1.25mm pitch, they have different housing geometries and locking mechanisms and will not mate with each other. For Pixhawk builds use JST GH; for automotive/industrial OEM use Molex PicoBlade.
What is the difference between 50058 and 50079 terminals? Both are Molex PicoBlade female crimp terminals. 50058 is for AWG 28–32 (fine signal wire). 50079 is for AWG 26–28 (heavier power wire). Using the wrong terminal for your wire gauge will result in a poor crimp.
Does Molex PicoBlade support wire-to-wire connections? Yes. Use 51047 plug housing with 50058/50079 female terminals on one side, and 51021 receptacle housing with 50125 (AWG 26–28) or 50133 (AWG 28–32) male terminals on the other side.
What are gold-plated PicoBlade terminals used for? Gold-plated terminals (50058-8100 / 50079-8100) are used in automotive, medical, and low-signal applications where tin oxide on tin-plated contacts can cause intermittent connections. For standard signal/power in benign environments, tin-plated terminals are sufficient.
Shop Molex PicoBlade 1.25mm Connectors at Keszoox
Keszoox stocks the complete Molex PicoBlade range — 50058/50079 crimp terminals, 51047 plug housings, 53947/53048/53261/53398 PCB headers, and pre-crimped cable assemblies in all pin counts from 2 to 15, ready to ship worldwide.
- Molex PicoBlade Housings, Headers & Terminals
- Molex PicoBlade Pre-Crimped Cable Assemblies (2–15 pin)
- Molex PicoBlade Connector Kits
Related guides: JST GH 1.25mm Pixhawk Guide | JST SH 1.0mm Complete Guide | How to Crimp Connectors | Wire-to-Board Connector Types Guide