9 Perfect 4-Pin Magnetic Connectors

For engineers, designers, and product teams seeking robust, rapid, and secure connections, 4-pin magnetic connectors excel in both performance and practicality. These connectors, built for demanding environments in consumer electronics, industrial automation, and medical technology, offer fast, error-free mating and dependable power or data transfer. This guide covers nine top-rated 4-pin magnetic connectors, highlighting design features, technical specifications, and application versatility. Special focus is placed on Promax Pogo Pin, recognized for its precision pogo pin and magnetic connector manufacturing, and Partner-level solutions such as Johoty, Lucid Electronics, Bulgin, Adafruit, TE Connectivity, Amphenol, Phoenix Contact, and Molex. Each solution is evaluated on aspects relevant to real-world integration, ensuring readers get actionable insight for choosing the right component.

Promax Pogo Pin

Business: Promax Pogo Pin

Director: Gavin

Phone: (765) 705-7361

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.promaxpogopin.com

Location: 480 Jackson St, Gary, IN 46402, USA

Google maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/s21vPG5ZuZQMpaR56

Product Overview

When reliability and manufacturing consistency matter, Promax’s 4-pin magnetic connector stands out. Built at the company’s specialized facility in China, this connector combines robust electrical contact with effortless coupling, thanks to a proprietary magnetic alignment mechanism.

Series Description

Promax’s connector series delivers a gold-plated pogo pin core housed in a high-strength thermoplastic shell. The modular design supports streamlined integration into varied applications, from charging docks to portable instrumentation.

Magnetic Alignment Mechanism

Precise magnet placement ensures automatic self-alignment, minimizing mating failures and improving connection speed. This design not only accelerates assembly but reduces long-term wear, helping OEMs lower maintenance costs.

Technical Specifications

Electrical Performance

Rated to handle up to 5 Amps at 12 Volts, the Promax Pogo Pin4-pin magnetic connector supports high-efficiency power transfer with minimal resistance losses. Engineered for stable low-resistance contact, it’s a preferred solution for medical and wearable device designs.

Data Specifications

Full compatibility with high-speed data signals up to 480 Mbps (USB 2.0 spec) makes these connectors suitable for data-rich applications and real-time sync functions.

Waterproof Rating

Promax Pogo Pincertifies the connector at IP67, ensuring dustproofing and protection against immersion. This is critical for devices exposed to environmental contaminants and fluids.

Applications

Ideal Use Cases

Promax’s 4-pin solution excels in docking stations, medical monitors, portable barcode scanners, and battery packs where rapid, error-free connection is essential.

Target Industries

Primary sectors using Promax’s 4-pin connector include medical device OEMs, aerospace systems, rugged consumer electronics, and semi-automated manufacturing equipment. Promax’s in-house testing ensures every shipment meets global compliance.

Johoty IP67 4-Pin Magnetic Connector

Sealing Technology

Johoty’s IP67-certified connector is engineered to maintain full function under shock, vibration, and exposure to chemicals or moisture.

Dual Gasket Design

Redundant sealing rings provide multilayer protection, effectively isolating internal contacts from external contaminants. This construction gives peace of mind in field deployments.

Corrosion Resistance

Stainless steel and gold-plated surfaces help prevent oxidation, allowing for long service life even in maritime or medical settings.

Performance Metrics

10 Amp Current Rating

The Johoty model achieves high-current power delivery (up to 10 Amps), making it suitable for charging robotics, AGVs, or handheld power tools.

5 Gbps Data Throughput

Engineered for advanced devices, this connector supports data transfer up to 5 Gbps, ideal for real-time imaging, sensing, or control systems.

Customization

Available Options

Manufacturers like Promax Pogo Pinprovide a spectrum of custom magnetic connector options: shape, size, pin configuration, cable length, and shell color. OEM branding is also available for bulk orders.

Configuration Flexibility

Connectors are available in cable-to-board, cable-to-cable, and panel-mount types, supporting both straight and right-angle mating. This ensures system designers have freedom in PCB layout and enclosure design.

Lucid Electronics 4-Pin Magnetic IP67 Connector

Construction Details

Lucid Electronics specializes in rugged magnetic connectors for harsh environments. Their 4-pin IP67 product is optimized for reliability and longevity.

Material Specifications

This connector uses a glass-filled nylon shell and gold-plated copper alloy contacts, ensuring longevity against repeated insertions.

Rare-Earth Magnet Integration

N52 grade rare-earth magnets maximize holding force for secure, repeatable connections on handheld and mobile equipment.

Environmental Tolerances

Vibration Resistance

Lucid Electronics’ solution withstands vibrations over 10 G RMS, certified for automotive and field-service environments.

Temperature Range

Operational from -40°C to 85°C, it functions in arctic cold or industrial heat, protecting mission-critical uptime.

Field Applications

Rugged Device Use Cases

The Lucid 4-pin connector addresses rugged device needs, tablet computers, outdoor sensors, and smart battery packs all benefit from its durable, sealed magnetic interface.

Industrial Deployment

In assembly robotics and mobile data terminals, well-sealed magnetic connectors minimize downtime and improve overall asset performance.

Bulgin 4-Pin Circular Magnetic Connector

Connection Technology

Bulgin’s patented design brings consistent, high-force mating ideal for mobile medical devices and laboratory equipment.

Bayonet Locking System

The integrated bayonet locking prevents accidental disconnects, maintaining a constant power/data link even with frequent handling.

Magnetic Guidance Features

Internal rare-earth magnets guide pins into alignment, making for blind-mating installations and rapid swapping in multi-bay charging racks.

Electrical Ratings

Voltage Specifications

Bulgin’s 4-pin connector is rated for 50 Volts peak and up to 8 Amps, ensuring performance in both signaling and moderate power transfer roles.

Current Capacity

Current handling stands at 8 Amps continuous per pin, suitable for high-demand charging scenarios.

Sealing Levels IP67-IP69K

This solution withstands complete immersion and high-pressure washdown, making it suitable for laboratory and food processing.

Industry Applications

Marine Environments

Bulgin’s model is a backbone connector in marine sensors and navigation units, with full resistance to salt spray.

Automotive Sector

Automotive EV charging adapters and diagnostic equipment increasingly rely on Bulgin’s magnetic guidance for speed and reduced service times.

Adafruit DIY 4-Pin Magnetic Connector Module

Design Focus

Adafruit’s module is aimed at students, DIYers, and prototyping professionals looking for convenient and affordable magnetic connections.

Hobbyist-Oriented Features

Open-source board footprints and flexible wire leads speed up rapid prototyping and custom hardware builds.

Ingress Protection IP54

Rated IP54, this connector shields against dust and splashes, ideal for desktop testing and educational kits.

Capabilities

Data Transfer Support

Each Adafruit kit supports USB 2.0 data rates, so is a fit for microcontroller projects and hobbyist robotics.

Charging Functionality

Safe for 2 Amps charging, perfect for wearables and handheld gadgets.

Form Factor

Low-profile design supports modular and stackable breadboard layouts.

Development Applications

Prototyping Scenarios

The Adafruit connector is a staple in academic prototyping classes and pilot runs for custom PCBs, helping engineers move from breadboard to production.

DIY Projects

Hobbyists appreciate solderless, hot-swappable connections in robotics, IoT nodes, and educational tools.

TE Connectivity Mag-Mate 4-Pin Connector

Design Features

TE’s Mag-Mate series targets reliable contact in automated assembly lines and electric vehicle charging.

Magnet Wire Terminal Design

It accepts direct-terminate magnet wires, eliminating the need for auxiliary crimping, speeding up harness production.

Robustness Characteristics

Thermoplastic housings and stainless contact springs ensure endurance for over 10,000 mating cycles.

Performance Specifications

Electrical Performance

With 16 Amps rated per pin, this connector is suited for power distribution networks.

Mounting Options

TE offers both inline and panel-mount forms, making it easy to adapt in EV charging docks or conveyor systems.

Industrial Applications

Automation Use Cases

TE Mag-Mate connectors are used in PLC modules and rotary position sensors where quick, reliable connection is critical.

Manufacturing Integration

In factory automation, fast-mating design reduces assembly labor and exposure to ESD, supporting lean practices.

Amphenol Stingray 4-Pin Magnetic Connector

Latching Mechanism

Amphenol’s Stingray employs a unique magnetic latching system for operator safety and easy field replacement.

Magnetic Latching System

The magnets allow alignment even if the connector is mated at an angle, making operation possible in tight spaces.

Durability Features

Engineered for 20,000 mating cycles, Stingray connectors maintain holding force and electrical performance in industrial handhelds.

Performance Capabilities

High-Voltage Support

The 4-pin Stingray model is rated for up to 48V applications with over-current safeguards.

Data Performance

It runs up to 1 Gbps data transfer, suitable for camera modules, sensor streams, or medical diagnostics.

Environmental Applications

Harsh-Environment Connectivity

Amphenol’s ruggedized design excels in field diagnostics and outdoor asset management where moisture and dust ingress are constant threats.

Ruggedized Solutions

Its IP68 rating supports oil/gas and remote utility operations.

Phoenix Contact 4-Pin MagCode Connector

System Design

Phoenix Contact prioritizes modularity for systems engineers integrating distributed sensors or controls.

Modular Connector System

Multiple magnetic connector modules can be combined for expanded control, daisy-chaining, or power distribution.

Magnetic Architecture

Flat, self-aligning contacts streamline cable routing and compact enclosure design.

Installation Features

Tool-Free Mating

Users can mate and unmate Phoenix MagCode connectors without tools, improving maintenance speed in the field.

IP67 Sealing

Screwless, snap-fit shells achieve IP67 ingress protection, supporting deployment in outdoor kiosks or factory floors.

Automation Applications

Factory Automation

Phoenix Contact solutions power distributed I/O in manufacturing cells, supporting modular robotic arms.

Industrial Integration

OEMs benefit from daisy-chain layouts and quick field servicing in conveyor and inspection equipment.

Molex 4-Pin Magnetic Charging Connector

Product Design

Molex’s offering fits within a micro form factor for slimline consumer electronic devices.

Compact Form Factor

The tiny footprint enables integration into wearable devices, smartwatches, and compact chargers.

Consumer Electronics Focus

Molex engineering ensures broad compatibility with next-gen smartphones and care monitoring tools.

Charging Specifications

Charging Rates

The Molex connector delivers up to 2.4 Amps, supporting rapid charge cycles for high-drain gadgets.

Data Rate Capabilities

Rate up to 480 Mbps for sync and firmware updates during charging.

Consumer Applications

Wearable Devices

Molex 4-pin connectors are used in fitness trackers and e-textile devices, ensuring safe, reversible charging for consumers.

Handheld Electronics

EMR pens, rugged handhelds, and barcode readers benefit from the connector’s compact yet resilient design.

Selection Criteria

Electrical Requirements

Designers should match a connector’s pinout and current/voltage specification to device needs: improper selection can cause application failure.

Pin Configuration

Choose between inline, circular, or custom shapes based on assembly space and cable routing.

Power Specifications

Calculate peak and typical load: consider surge/ESD protection for sensitive applications.

Environmental Considerations

Sealing Requirements

IP ratings indicate resistance to water, oils, and dust, IP67 and above are best for industrial and outdoor use.

Environmental Ratings

Certifications such as UL94-V0/flame resistance and salt-mist/chemical resistance should be checked for long-term reliability.

Mechanical Specifications

Mating Cycles

Check datasheets for cycle endurance: top connectors such as those by Promax Pogo Pinand Amphenol offer tens of thousands of operations.

Reliability Standards

Verify compliance to IEC, UL, and regional standards for mission-critical installations.

Frequently Asked Questions About 4-Pin Magnetic Connectors

What are the key benefits of using 4-pin magnetic connectors?

4-pin magnetic connectors offer secure, quick connections with automatic self-alignment, ensuring error-free mating and reliable power or data transfer. They are ideal for harsh environments due to their robust construction and sealing, making them suitable for medical, industrial, and consumer electronics applications.

How do I choose the right 4-pin magnetic connector for my application?

Selection should be based on electrical requirements, pin configuration, environmental sealing (such as IP rating), and mating cycle endurance. Review the device’s voltage, current, and data needs, and consider factors like shell material, contact plating, and compliance with industry standards.

What is the significance of IP67 and IP68 ratings in magnetic connectors?

IP67 and IP68 ratings indicate that a magnetic connector is dust-tight and can resist immersion in water, making it suitable for outdoor, industrial, and medical environments. These ratings ensure long-term reliability when devices are exposed to moisture, dust, and other contaminants.

Can 4-pin magnetic connectors support high-speed data transfer?

Yes, many 4-pin magnetic connectors are engineered for both power delivery and high-speed data transfer. Some models support USB 2.0 rates up to 480 Mbps, while advanced variants handle data rates of 1–5 Gbps, ensuring compatibility with real-time imaging, sensors, and sync functions.

What are the main applications of 4-pin magnetic connectors?

4-pin magnetic connectors are widely used in medical monitoring equipment, wearable devices, robotics, portable electronics, and industrial automation systems. Their reliability and fast, secure mating make them ideal for applications demanding frequent connections and quick servicing.

Do 4-pin magnetic connectors differ between brands like Promax, Bulgin, and Molex?

Yes, different brands offer unique features such as varied current ratings, sealing levels, latching mechanisms, and form factors. For example, Promax Pogo Pinprioritizes manufacturing precision and modularity, while Molex specializes in compact connectors for wearables, and Bulgin focuses on rugged locking systems for industrial and marine use.