XHS2.5 Connector Complete Guide: Yeonho SMH250 Specs, Part Numbers, PCB Footprint & XH vs XHS Comparison
Search for "XHS2.5 connector" and you'll find two very different things: JST XH connectors mislabeled as XHS, and the actual Yeonho SMH250 — a 2.5mm pitch, belt-lock wire-to-board connector that is mechanically and electrically distinct from the JST XH series. The confusion is widespread, and it costs engineers time and money when the wrong part arrives on the bench.
This guide is specifically about the Yeonho SMAW250-NN / SMH250 series — the connector that carries the XHS2.5 designation in the market. It covers complete electrical specifications, all housing and header part numbers from 2 to 16 circuits, crimp terminal selection, full PCB footprint data, and a direct XHS2.5 vs JST XH comparison so you can make the right choice for your design.
What Is the XHS2.5 Connector?
"XHS2.5" is a market designation for the Yeonho SMH250 series — a 2.5mm pitch, single-row, crimp-style wire-to-board connector manufactured by Yeonho Electronic (Korea). The "XHS" designation distinguishes it from the JST XH series: same pitch, but with a belt-lock latch mechanism on the housing that the JST XH open-frame design lacks.
The SMH250 system consists of three mating components:
- SMH250-NN / SMH250-NNL — wire-side socket housing (plug), available in standard and low-profile heights
- SMH250J-HNNRT — PCB-mounted pin header (top-entry)
- YST025 / YST025L3 — crimp terminals, tin-plated, AWG #22–#24
Key characteristics:
- 2.5mm pitch — center-to-center contact spacing
- Belt-lock latch — positive retention mechanism on the socket housing
- Single-row configuration — 2 to 16 circuits
- 3A per contact current rating
- 250V AC/DC voltage rating
- AWG #22 to #24 wire gauge range
- RoHS compliant
➡️ Shop XHS2.5 Connectors & Housings at Keszoox | Shop XHS2.5 Cable Assemblies
XHS2.5 Electrical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Pitch | 2.5mm |
| Row configuration | Single-row |
| Current rating | 3A per contact |
| Voltage rating | 250V AC/DC |
| Wire gauge | AWG #22 to #24 |
| Contact plating | Tin (Sn) |
| Circuit count range | 2 to 16 circuits (even numbers) |
| Locking mechanism | Belt-lock latch on socket housing |
| PCB hole diameter | φ1.0mm |
| PCB hole pitch | 2.5mm |
| RoHS compliance | Yes |
The 3A/250V rating makes the XHS2.5 suitable for mixed signal-and-power harnesses — the same electrical envelope as the JST XH series, but with the added mechanical security of the belt-lock latch for applications subject to vibration or repeated mating cycles.
SMH250 Socket Housing (SMH250-NN Series)
The SMH250-NN is the standard-height wire-side socket housing. It accepts YST025 crimp terminals and mates with the SMH250J-HNNRT pin header. The belt-lock latch on the housing provides positive retention against accidental disconnection.
SMH250-NN (Standard Height) Dimensions
Overall height: 10.5mm | Overall width: 7.5mm
| Part Number | Circuits | Dim A (mm) | Dim B (mm) | Dim D (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMH250-02 | 2 | 2.5 | 5.8 | 7.2 |
| SMH250-04 | 4 | 7.5 | 10.8 | 12.2 |
| SMH250-06 | 6 | 12.5 | 15.8 | 17.2 |
| SMH250-08 | 8 | 17.5 | 20.8 | 22.4 |
| SMH250-10 | 10 | 22.5 | 25.8 | 27.4 |
| SMH250-12 | 12 | 27.5 | 30.8 | 32.4 |
| SMH250-14 | 14 | 32.5 | 35.8 | 37.4 |
| SMH250-16 | 16 | 37.5 | 40.8 | 42.4 |
Dimension reference: Dim A = contact span (pitch × (n−1)); Dim B = housing body width; Dim D = total outer width including latch wings.
➡️ Shop SMH250-NN & SMH250-NNL Socket Housings at Keszoox
SMH250-NNL (Low-Profile) Dimensions
Overall height: 9.8mm | Overall width: 8.1mm | The -NNL variant has a lower profile and slightly wider footprint than the standard -NN, suitable for enclosures with tighter vertical clearance.
| Part Number | Circuits | Dim A (mm) | Dim B (mm) | Dim D (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMH250-02L | 2 | 2.5 | 5.6 | 8 |
| SMH250-04L | 4 | 7.5 | 10.6 | 13 |
| SMH250-06L | 6 | 12.5 | 15.6 | 18 |
| SMH250-08L | 8 | 17.5 | 20.6 | 23 |
| SMH250-10L | 10 | 22.5 | 25.6 | 28 |
| SMH250-12L | 12 | 27.5 | 30.6 | 33 |
| SMH250-14L | 14 | 32.5 | 35.6 | 38 |
| SMH250-16L | 16 | 37.5 | 40.8 | 43 |
Choosing between NN and NNL: Use SMH250-NN for standard applications. Use SMH250-NNL when vertical clearance above the PCB is constrained — the 0.7mm height reduction can matter in compact enclosures. Both variants use the same YST025 crimp terminal and mate with the same SMH250J-HNNRT header.
SMH250 Pin Header (SMH250J-HNNRT)
The SMH250J-HNNRT is the PCB-mounted pin header — the board-side component that the SMH250-NN or SMH250-NNL socket housing mates with. It is a top-entry (vertical) through-hole header with straight pins.
Overall height: 7.0mm | Pin pitch: 2.5mm
| Part Number | Circuits | Dim A (mm) | Dim D (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMH250J-H02RT | 2 | 2.5 | 7.8 |
| SMH250J-H04RT | 4 | 7.5 | 12.8 |
| SMH250J-H06RT | 6 | 12.5 | 17.8 |
| SMH250J-H08RT | 8 | 17.5 | 22.8 |
| SMH250J-H10RT | 10 | 22.5 | 27.8 |
| SMH250J-H12RT | 12 | 27.5 | 32.8 |
| SMH250J-H14RT | 14 | 32.5 | 37.8 |
| SMH250J-H16RT | 16 | 37.5 | 40.8 |
Note on "RT" suffix: RT designates the top-entry pin orientation — the cable exits perpendicular to the PCB surface (straight up). This is the standard orientation for the SMH250J series.
➡️ Shop SMH250J-HNNRT Pin Headers at Keszoox
XHS2.5 Crimp Terminals (YST025 Series)
The SMH250 system uses two crimp terminal variants, differentiated by the housing they are designed for:
| Part Number | Compatible Housing | Wire Gauge (AWG) | Plating |
|---|---|---|---|
| YST025 | SMH250-NN (standard) | #22 to #24 | Tin (Sn) |
| YST025L3 | SMH250-NNL (low-profile) | #22 to #24 | Tin (Sn) |
Terminal selection rule: YST025 and YST025L3 are not interchangeable despite identical wire gauge ranges. The terminal geometry is optimized for its respective housing — using YST025 in an SMH250-NNL housing (or vice versa) will result in improper retention and potential contact failure. Always match the terminal suffix to the housing suffix.
Both terminals are tin-plated phosphor bronze, suitable for AWG #22 to #24 wire. The 2.5mm pitch post size is consistent across the series.
➡️ Shop YST025 & YST025L3 Crimp Terminals at Keszoox
XHS2.5 PCB Footprint & Layout Data
Yeonho publishes two PCB land patterns for the SMH250 series, covering single-row and dual-row (double-density) configurations.
SMW250-NN — Single-Row PCB Pattern
Standard single-row through-hole pattern for the SMH250J-HNNRT header.
- Hole pitch: 2.5mm
- Hole diameter: φ1.0mm
- Row count: 1
| Pin Count | Dim A — Total Span (mm) |
|---|---|
| 2 | 2.5 |
| 4 | 7.5 |
| 6 | 12.5 |
| 8 | 17.5 |
| 10 | 22.5 |
| 12 | 27.5 |
| 14 | 32.5 |
| 16 | 37.5 |
SMAW250-NN — Dual-Row PCB Pattern
Dual-row through-hole pattern for double-density applications. Row-to-row spacing: 2.0mm, with a 1.7mm offset between rows (staggered layout). Same hole diameter and pitch as the single-row pattern.
| Pin Count (per row) | Dim A — Total Span (mm) |
|---|---|
| 2 | 2.5 |
| 4 | 7.5 |
| 6 | 12.5 |
| 8 | 17.5 |
| 10 | 22.5 |
| 12 | 27.5 |
| 14 | 32.5 |
| 16 | 37.5 |
PCB design note: The SMAW250-NN dual-row pattern uses a 1.7mm row offset — this is a staggered layout, not a symmetric dual-row grid. Verify your EDA footprint against the Yeonho datasheet before routing. For non-standard circuit counts, contact Yeonho directly.
XHS2.5 vs JST XH: Key Differences
The XHS2.5 (Yeonho SMH250) and JST XH are both 2.5mm pitch wire-to-board connectors with identical electrical ratings — but they are not interchangeable. The differences are mechanical, not electrical.
| Feature | XHS2.5 (Yeonho SMH250) | JST XH |
|---|---|---|
| Pitch | 2.5mm | 2.5mm |
| Current rating | 3A per contact | 3A per contact |
| Voltage rating | 250V AC/DC | 250V AC/DC |
| Wire gauge | AWG #22–#24 | AWG #22–#30 |
| Locking mechanism | Belt-lock latch (positive retention) | No latch (friction fit only) |
| Housing style | Enclosed with latch wings | Open frame, no latch |
| Header style | Shrouded pin header | Open pin header |
| Circuit count | 2–16 (even) | 2–16 |
| Manufacturer | Yeonho Electronic (Korea) | JST (Japan) |
| Interchangeable? | No — different housing geometry and latch system | |
When to choose XHS2.5 over JST XH: Choose XHS2.5 (SMH250) when your application involves vibration, repeated mating cycles, or any environment where accidental disconnection is a risk — the belt-lock latch provides positive retention that the JST XH friction-fit cannot match. Choose JST XH when latch-free mating is preferred (e.g., frequent field servicing where tool-free release is required) or when the wider wire gauge range (down to AWG #30) is needed.
➡️ JST XH 2.5mm Complete Guide → | Shop XHS2.5 at Keszoox
XHS2.5 vs HY2.0: Pitch Comparison
A common design decision point is choosing between 2.5mm and 2.0mm pitch connectors for compact PCB layouts. The XHS2.5 (2.5mm) and HY2.0 / Yeonho SMH200 (2.0mm) are both belt-lock connectors from Yeonho, making this a direct apples-to-apples comparison within the same product family.
| Feature | XHS2.5 (SMH250) | HY2.0 (SMH200) |
|---|---|---|
| Pitch | 2.5mm | 2.0mm |
| Current rating | 3A per contact | 2A per contact |
| Voltage rating | 250V AC/DC | 100V AC/DC |
| Wire gauge | AWG #22–#24 | AWG #24–#28 |
| Locking mechanism | Belt-lock latch | Belt-lock latch |
| Circuit count | 2–16 | 2–16 |
| Best for | Higher current, larger wire | Compact layouts, fine wire |
➡️ HY2.0 Connector Complete Guide (Yeonho SMH200) →
XHS2.5 in the 2.5mm Connector Ecosystem
| Series | Pitch | Current | Locking | Manufacturer | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XHS2.5 (SMH250) | 2.5mm | 3A | Belt-lock | Yeonho | Vibration-resistant, positive lock |
| JST XH | 2.5mm | 3A | None (friction) | JST | General purpose, easy release |
| Molex KK 254 | 2.54mm | 3A | Friction | Molex | Legacy PCB, breadboard-compatible |
| DuPont 2.54mm | 2.54mm | 1A | None | Generic | Prototyping, Arduino |
➡️ Wire-to-Board Connector Types: Complete Guide → | Common JST Connector Types →
How to Select the Right XHS2.5 / SMH250 Connector
- Determine circuit count — SMH250 is available in even numbers from 2 to 16. For odd circuit counts, contact Yeonho directly.
- Choose housing height — SMH250-NN (standard, 10.5mm) or SMH250-NNL (low-profile, 9.8mm) based on vertical clearance above the PCB.
- Select the matching terminal — YST025 for SMH250-NN; YST025L3 for SMH250-NNL. Do not mix.
- Select the header — SMH250J-HxxRT (replace xx with circuit count, e.g., H08RT for 8 circuits). Top-entry only.
- Verify PCB footprint — use SMW250-NN pattern for single-row; SMAW250-NN for dual-row staggered layout. Hole diameter φ1.0mm, pitch 2.5mm.
- Verify wire gauge — AWG #22 to #24 only. For finer wire (AWG #26–#30), consider JST XH or HY2.0 instead.
➡️ Shop XHS2.5 Connectors (Yeonho SMH250) at Keszoox → | Shop XHS2.5 Cable Assemblies →
Common Applications
- Industrial automation — PLC wiring, sensor harnesses, relay boards where vibration resistance is required
- Power tools and motor drives — 3A rating handles moderate power loads; belt-lock prevents disconnection under vibration
- Robotics and servo systems — repeated mating cycles without latch wear degradation
- Automotive accessories — interior wiring harnesses requiring positive-lock connectors
- 3D printers — hotend, heated bed, and stepper motor wiring (2.5mm pitch is the standard for many printer platforms)
- RC vehicles and drones — vibration-prone environments where JST XH friction-fit is insufficient
- Test and measurement equipment — bench instruments requiring secure, repeatable connections
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an XHS2.5 connector?
XHS2.5 is the market designation for the Yeonho SMH250 series — a 2.5mm pitch, single-row, belt-lock wire-to-board connector rated for 3A per contact and 250V AC/DC. Available in 2 to 16 circuits. The belt-lock latch distinguishes it from the latch-free JST XH series. ➡️ Shop XHS2.5 at Keszoox
Is XHS2.5 the same as JST XH?
No. Both use 2.5mm pitch and identical 3A/250V electrical ratings, but they are not interchangeable. XHS2.5 (Yeonho SMH250) has a belt-lock latch for positive retention; JST XH uses friction-fit only. Housing geometry and mating interfaces are different — XHS2.5 housings will not mate with JST XH headers and vice versa. ➡️ JST XH Complete Guide
What is the Yeonho SMH250 part number for 6-pin?
Standard housing: SMH250-06 (10.5mm height). Low-profile housing: SMH250-06L (9.8mm height). Matching header: SMH250J-H06RT. Terminal: YST025 (for -06) or YST025L3 (for -06L). ➡️ Shop SMH250-06 at Keszoox
What crimp terminal does the XHS2.5 use?
Two terminals: YST025 for SMH250-NN standard housings, and YST025L3 for SMH250-NNL low-profile housings. Both accept AWG #22 to #24 wire with tin (Sn) plating. They are not interchangeable between housing types.
What is the XHS2.5 PCB footprint?
Single-row: SMW250-NN pattern — 2.5mm hole pitch, φ1.0mm hole diameter. Dual-row: SMAW250-NN pattern — same pitch and hole size, 2.0mm row spacing with 1.7mm stagger offset. Dim A (total span) = 2.5mm × (n−1) for n circuits.
What wire gauge does XHS2.5 accept?
AWG #22 to #24 only. For finer wire (AWG #26–#30), the JST XH series supports down to AWG #30. For 2.0mm pitch with finer wire, consider the HY2.0 (Yeonho SMH200). ➡️ HY2.0 Connector Guide
How many circuits does the Yeonho SMH250 come in?
2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 circuits (even numbers only). For non-standard circuit counts, contact Yeonho Electronic directly.
➡️ JST XH 2.5mm Connector Guide → | HY2.0 Connector Guide → | Wire-to-Board Connector Types → | Common JST Connector Types → | Shop XHS2.5 at Keszoox