Use this 1–3 pin magnetic pogo pin connector selection guide to determine whether a project requires a special one-contact structure, a complete two-contact electrical path or a third independent detection, identification, control or signal contact. The guide explains electrical return paths, contact allocation, connector geometry and the differences between the current 2 pin, 3 pin and round magnetic connector categories.
Start with the complete electrical path, not the product appearance. Count every independent conductive path that must pass through the magnetic interface.
Choose a one-contact structure only when another defined conductive return path is provided elsewhere in the complete device or mating system.
Choose two contacts when the interface requires a straightforward pair of independent electrical paths without an additional control or detection channel.
Choose three contacts when the two primary contacts must be combined with one independent detection, identification, control, ground or signal path.
A one-contact magnetic connector should only be selected after the complete conductive path has been identified. The second side of the circuit may be provided by another defined contact structure in the device, but it must not be left undefined.
Identify the exact conductive component that completes the electrical circuit outside the visible pogo contact.
Do not assume that a housing, magnet, mounting part or metal surface is an electrical path unless it is specifically designed and validated for that function.
Review how the mating structure prevents an unintended connection and how the electrical state changes during attachment and removal.
When both conductive paths must pass through the connector, a dedicated two-contact structure may provide a clearer integration path.
Compare the required electrical path, integration responsibility and engineering questions before selecting a current category.
| Configuration | Electrical Starting Point | Choose It When | Main Engineering Question | Current Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Pin | One visible pogo contact combined with another separately defined conductive return path. | The complete system already contains an intentional and validated second side of the electrical circuit. | What exact component completes the circuit, and how is that path controlled during mating? | Request 1 Pin Review → |
| 2 Pin | Two independent contacts forming a complete basic electrical pair through the connector. | No additional detection, identification, control or signal contact is required. | Are the two contacts sufficient for all required circuit functions and future design needs? | View 2 Pin → |
| 3 Pin | Two primary contacts plus one independent auxiliary electrical path. | The design requires an additional detection, identification, control, signal or other contact. | What is the exact function and electrical state of the third contact? | View 3 Pin → |
Do not add a third contact only because a three-pin product looks more versatile. Its electrical role should be defined before the connector layout is selected.
The additional contact may be used as part of a circuit that identifies whether the device and connector are in the expected connected state.
The third path may participate in identifying a charger, accessory, module or customer-defined device state.
An auxiliary contact may be assigned to a defined control or enable circuit when the main power pair alone is not sufficient.
The third contact may carry a customer-defined signal, but the signal type, reference path and electrical requirements must be confirmed.
Pin count defines the number of contacts. Connector geometry should be selected separately according to installation space, mating orientation and device structure.
Consider a linear arrangement when the installation space is long and narrow, and the mating orientation is clearly controlled by the device structure.
Consider a round structure when circular device geometry, central positioning or rotational mating behavior is important to the design.
A customized arrangement may be required when the connector must follow a restricted PCB area, asymmetric housing or special mating direction.
Use these questions to route the project before comparing individual connector dimensions.
Begin with the current 2 Pin category and confirm whether two independent contacts cover every required electrical function.
Review 2 Pin Connectors →Begin with the current 3 Pin category and define the exact electrical role of the third contact.
Review 3 Pin Connectors →Treat this as a special 1 Pin engineering review. Provide the complete circuit path and device structure instead of selecting from a standard category.
Request 1 Pin Engineering Review →Review the Round category together with the electrical contact count and device-side mating structure.
Review Round Connectors →A low contact count does not automatically mean a simple project. Confirm the complete electrical and mechanical system before finalizing the connector.
Define every conductive path, including the return, reference and any auxiliary contacts.
State the intended function of each contact rather than providing only the total pin count.
Provide normal operating conditions, peak conditions and the expected electrical duty.
Share the available length, width, height, PCB location and mating area.
Confirm whether orientation is fixed, reversible, rotational or controlled by mechanical locating features.
Explain whether the system needs connection detection, sequencing, identification or another controlled state.
Use this guide while the electrical path is still being defined. Enter the current product catalog once the required contact count and connector shape are confirmed.
Send the complete electrical path, function of each contact, installation space and available drawings. The project can then be routed to a 2 Pin, 3 Pin, Round or special 1 Pin engineering review.