No Male-Female Connector?

Question

I need a connector that must connect all instances, are there any connector for this purpose? For example, male connectors (lets say "A" device) connect to female connectors(lets say "B" device). In my system, "A" devices must connect both "A" and "B" devices and I cannot use 2 connectors or extra cable etc. 6 pins are enough but more is ok.
Any link, picture, idea etc. welcomed.
(signal/polarity/rx-tx line collisions are not a problem, i can handle them with a micro-controller.)

thanks in advance.
ps: sorry for my poor language.

Answer 1

Here are a few examples: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_of_connectors_and_fasteners#Genderless_.28hermaphroditic.29_connectors



The 2 pole http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SAE_connector#SAE_connector will be quite readily available, you cold probably get them at most auto-parts stores, but they are only two pole. You might find some surplus/used token ring connectors very cheaply if you can fine someplace that deals in used/surplus electronics stuff.

Answer 2

The only such connectors I have ever seen are the "Spiral-4" hocks used in multi-channel communications equipment when I was in the Army - They have both male and female contacts in one plug, but have seen nothing similar since. (This was back in the '50's and '60's.) I doubt they are even made or used any more.



Perhaps you could make something involving sliding contacts. As long as the contacts are clean and have enough pressure, (and some springiness), that should work.



Good luck - I hope you find something.

Answer 3

The only way you can do this is if there are no "male"/"female" relationships - i.e. no plugs and sockets. And the only way to do that is to have contacts that are flat and slide past each other - kind of like USB connectors with all the shell removed (strip one down to see)

Unfortunately, flat connectors sliding past each other are really rotten as far as reliability and constant contact (some kind of clip is needed to hold them) and thus I doubt you will find any on the market.

Answer 4

Not clear what you are asking.



You want a connector that will connect to every other possible connector? not possible.

Answer 5

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D-subminiature



Look at these. They come in many sizes and adapters are available for male-to-female, male-to-male, female-to-female. CPC-Farnell in UK are one source but they are widely available.