Which Hirose ST40X Plug Matches 10, 18, 24 and 36 Pins?
For the shielded ST40X plug configurations discussed in this guide, the main models are ST40X-10S-CV(30), ST40X-18S-CV(30), ST40X-24S-CV(30), and ST40X-36S-CV(30).
However, knowing the pin count alone is not enough. Standard or Reverse configuration, shielding, mating interface, cable construction, cable diameter and pin assignment must also be considered before selecting the final connector.
The correct selection process should therefore move from connector identification to complete cable assembly design, rather than selecting a connector only by equipment name or pin count.
Four Key Challenges in ST Series Selection
Pin count is only the starting point. Engineers and buyers also need to verify connector configuration, cable construction and the complete wiring design.
Part Number Identification
Pin count alone cannot identify the connector. Exact P/N, Standard/Reverse configuration, shielding and mating interface must be confirmed.
Pin Count Selection
10, 18, 24 or 36 positions should be selected according to the required electrical connections and interface design, not equipment name alone.
Cable Assembly Design
Cable length, wire gauge, pinout, shielding, cable diameter and opposite-end termination all affect the finished assembly.
Mating & Wiring Verification
Before production, verify the mating connector, orientation, pin assignment, wiring drawing and cable specification.
Hirose ST40X 10, 18, 24 & 36 Pin Plug Models
The following table focuses on the four shielded ST40X plug configurations discussed in this guide.
| Pin Count | Hirose Part Number | Connector Type | Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Pin | ST40X-10S-CV(30) | Plug | Shielded |
| 18 Pin | ST40X-18S-CV(30) | Plug | Shielded |
| 24 Pin | ST40X-24S-CV(30) | Plug | Shielded |
| 36 Pin | ST40X-36S-CV(30) | Plug | Shielded |
Important: These part numbers represent the shielded plug configurations discussed here. Always verify the latest Hirose documentation and the exact mating interface before final connector selection.
How Should the Pin Count Be Selected?
Pin count represents the number of electrical connections required by the device interface. It does not define the equipment category.
10 Pin
Suitable when the interface requires a relatively small number of electrical connections while maintaining a compact connector footprint.
18 Pin
Provides additional contacts for equipment requiring more signal, control or other electrical connections within one connector.
24 Pin
Provides higher connection density for equipment designs requiring more circuits within a compact interface.
36 Pin
Suitable for designs requiring a larger number of electrical connections through one compact multi-position interface.
Do not select an ST Series connector by equipment name alone. Select the pin count according to the required electrical connections and interface design.
What Equipment Uses Hirose ST Series Connectors?
There is no fixed rule assigning each ST Series pin count to a specific device. The examples below show potential application directions rather than Hirose-specified equipment assignments.
| Pin Count | Hirose Plug | Typical Application Examples* |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Pin | ST40X-10S-CV(30) | Compact communication devices, wireless/networking equipment, IoT gateways |
| 18 Pin | ST40X-18S-CV(30) | Communication terminals, embedded controllers, industrial gateways |
| 24 Pin | ST40X-24S-CV(30) | Embedded computers, communication equipment, control and test systems |
| 36 Pin | ST40X-36S-CV(30) | High-density communication/control equipment, industrial computers, test systems |
*These are typical application examples, not Hirose-specified equipment assignments. Actual connector selection depends on the equipment interface, required circuits, mating connector, cable construction and electrical design.
Typical Equipment Categories
Communication Equipment
Compact communication devices, communication terminals and wireless communication equipment requiring multi-position internal interfaces.
Networking & IoT Devices
Networking devices, industrial gateways and IoT gateways where compact internal signal and control wiring is required.
Embedded & Industrial Systems
Embedded computers, industrial controllers and compact electronic systems requiring higher-density connector interfaces.
Test & Measurement
Test systems, development equipment and custom electronic platforms requiring configurable multi-pin cable assemblies.
Cable Variant and Cable Diameter Also Matter
Pin count and Standard/Reverse configuration are not the only selection factors. Cable construction can also affect the connector variant.
For example, ST40X-24S-CV1(30) is a 24-position variant intended for a larger cable diameter.
Before finalizing the connector, confirm the cable outer diameter, conductor count, wire gauge, shielding construction, jacket material and strain-relief requirements.
The connector and cable should be selected together. A connector may have the correct pin count and mating configuration but still be unsuitable for the required cable construction.
From ST40X Connector to Complete Cable Assembly
Selecting the Hirose connector is only the first step. A finished cable assembly requires the complete electrical and mechanical definition.
Confirm the complete connector part number.
Define the required signal and wiring map.
Specify the required conductor size and wire type.
Define the finished assembly length.
Confirm cable shield and termination requirements.
Check compatibility with the connector cable entry.
Ferrule, open wire, PCB connector or other interface.
Confirm wiring drawing and electrical test requirements.
Practical Cable Assembly Example - PCM-0029
A practical example of converting a Hirose ST Series connector into a complete equipment-ready custom cable assembly.
ST40X-10S-CV(30) to Wire Ferrule Cable
Cable Configuration:
Hirose ST40X-10S-CV(30) → Custom Cable → European-Style Wire Ferrule Terminals
The assembly uses a 10-pin Hirose ST Series plug on one end and European-style wire ferrules on the opposite end. It provides a practical connection from the equipment ST Series interface to compatible terminal blocks or internal wiring.
The finished cable must define the pin assignment, wire specification, cable length, shielding treatment and opposite-end termination.
Custom Opposite-End Termination Options
Wire Ferrules
European-style wire ferrules for connection to compatible terminal blocks or equipment wiring terminals.
Open Wires
Open-wire termination for direct integration into customer equipment or internal wiring systems.
PCB Connectors
Customized PCB-side connector termination according to equipment interface and wiring requirements.
Custom Connectors
Customer-specified mating connectors can be integrated subject to electrical and mechanical compatibility.
Hirose ST Series Custom Cable Assembly
Premier Cable can manufacture customized ST Series cable assemblies according to customer drawings, samples, pin-assignment tables and equipment interface requirements.
10-pin, 18-pin, 24-pin and 36-pin options
Customized according to installation requirements
Custom wire gauge and conductor construction
Customized conductor identification
Straight-through or customer-defined wiring
Custom shield construction and termination
Ferrules, open wires, PCB or custom connectors
Labels, heat-shrink tubing and cable marking
Electrical continuity testing according to requirements
Prototype, small-batch and volume production
How to Specify Your Hirose ST Cable
Provide the following information to help confirm the connector and cable configuration before quotation and production.
Don't know the exact part number? Provide connector photos, equipment interface information, drawings or the mating connector P/N for engineering review.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Hirose ST40X plug models for 10, 18, 24 and 36 pins?
The shielded plug configurations discussed in this guide are ST40X-10S-CV(30), ST40X-18S-CV(30), ST40X-24S-CV(30), and ST40X-36S-CV(30). Always verify the exact Hirose configuration before final selection.
How do I choose between 10, 18, 24 and 36 pin Hirose ST connectors?
Select the pin count according to the actual number of electrical connections and the equipment interface design. Do not select the connector solely according to equipment type.
Does a 10 pin Hirose ST connector specifically mean it is for a wireless router?
No. Wireless routers, networking devices and IoT gateways can be potential applications, but the connector is not assigned to one specific equipment type. Selection depends on the actual equipment interface and electrical design.
What is the difference between Standard and Reverse Hirose ST connectors?
Standard and Reverse versions have different mating configurations. Always verify the exact Hirose part number and mating connector rather than relying on pin count alone.
Does cable diameter affect ST Series connector selection?
It can. For example, ST40X-24S-CV1(30) is a 24-position variant intended for a larger cable diameter. Cable outer diameter and construction should therefore be considered before finalizing the connector.
Can an ST40X connector be terminated to wire ferrules?
Yes. An ST40X plug can be integrated into a custom cable assembly with European-style wire ferrules on the opposite end when the wiring and electrical requirements are correctly defined. PCM-0029 is an example of this configuration.
Can Premier Cable make custom Hirose ST Series cable assemblies?
Yes. Premier Cable supports customized cable length, wire gauge, pin assignment, shielding, ferrules, open wires, PCB connectors, custom mating connectors, labels and other OEM cable assembly requirements.
Hirose ST Series Selection: More Than Just Pin Count
Selecting a Hirose ST Series connector involves more than choosing between 10, 18, 24 and 36 pins. The exact part number, Standard/Reverse configuration, shielding, mating interface, cable construction, pinout and opposite-end termination should all be considered.
The pin count should not be treated as a fixed indicator of equipment type. A 10-pin connector is not automatically a router connector, just as a 36-pin connector is not automatically a test-equipment connector.
For custom cable projects, connector selection and cable design should be considered together to ensure the finished assembly matches the equipment interface and project requirements.
Last updated September 2026.
