Jumpers & Shunts

Jumpers and shunts are key devices used in circuits to manage the flow of electricity by closing, opening, or bypassing sections of the circuit. Typically, jumpers are utilized in the design of printed circuit boards, such as motherboards. In contrast, shunts have a variety of applications, including in Christmas tree lights, where they can effectively bypass faulty bulbs. Discover our range of jumpers and shunts to meet your circuit needs!

How Do Jumpers and Shunts Work?

Jumpers work by using pairs of contact points called jumper points to complete the circuit when the jumper sleeve is connected to them, creating another path for the current in a circuit. The jumper is electrically conductive, but usually encased in a plastic block to ensure that the jumper will not cause a short.

Shunts work by creating a low-resistance path in the circuit, so that the current may pass around another point. This can be useful when one part of a circuit is defective.

Industrial Applications of Jumpers & Shunts

Jumpers and shunts are small components that find diverse uses in various industrial settings for configuring, modifying, and troubleshooting electronics.

• Prototyping and Development: Engineers use PCB jumpers extensively on prototype circuit boards. They allow for quick changes to circuit paths, enabling easy testing of different configurations without needing to resolder components.
• Computer Hardware Configuration: From server motherboards to peripheral cards, jumpers help configure settings like boot options or device addressing. A 2-pin jumper or jumper pins let technicians easily set hardware parameters.
• Industrial Control Systems: In automation and control panels, circuit jumpers are used to select operational modes, enable or disable specific functions, or bypass sections of a circuit for testing within complex machinery.
• Power Management and Sensing: A shunt jumper can safely redirect current via a bypass path around components, useful when isolating a faulty part or during system maintenance.
• LED and Lighting Circuits: Shunts are frequently found in string lighting, like Christmas tree lights. They allow current to bypass a single faulty LED component, keeping the rest of the string illuminated, a clever way to handle minor defects.
• Telecommunications Equipment: Technicians apply jumpers in telecommunications equipment for configuring network components or setting up test points. They allow for flexible circuit modifications in communication systems, ensuring adaptability during setup or upgrades.

Types of Jumpers & Shunts

Jumpers and shunts come in various forms, each designed for specific functions in electronics. One can categorise them by:

• Pin count, such as a common 2-pin jumper.
• Pin spacing or pitch, ensuring compatibility with different circuit board layouts.
• Design, including open-top or closed-top versions.
• Housing materials and colours, for easy identification.
• Contact material and plating affecting conductivity and durability.

Standard Jumpers

A standard jumper is a small, conductive sleeve designed to short two adjacent jumper pins on a circuit board. These 2-pin components are often used for basic configuration settings, allowing users to select different operating modes or enable/disable features on various electronics simply by moving the jumper.

Open-Top Jumpers

Open-top jumpers feature a design where the top portion of the jumper connector casing is open. Their unique shape allows engineers or technicians to probe the underlying jumper pins with a multimeter or oscilloscope without needing to remove the jumper. Saves time during troubleshooting and testing phases on active circuit boards.

Programmable Jumper Blocks

Programmable jumper blocks consist of multiple jumper pins integrated into a single unit, often resembling a small DIP switch. They offer a compact way to manage several configuration settings simultaneously. One can reconfigure electronics quickly by simply adjusting the positions of internal jumpers within the block, making them ideal for complex embedded systems.

Current Sense Shunts

A current sense shunt is a precision low-resistance resistor used to measure current flow in a circuit. It creates a small, measurable voltage drop proportional to the current, allowing engineers to monitor electrical consumption accurately. Electronics applications frequently use these components in power management systems to gauge real-time current without breaking the circuit.

Shunt Jumpers

A shunt jumper combines the functions of a traditional jumper with the low-resistance properties of a shunt. Designers often use them to bypass a section of a circuit board or provide a temporary, low-impedance path for current. They are useful for system testing or isolating faulty components in electronics for diagnostic purposes.

How to Choose the Right Jumper & Shunt

Selecting the correct jumper or shunt is key for proper circuit configuration and control in electronics. Understanding their primary functions will guide your choice. Jumpers are typically used to make or break connections, while shunts provide a bypass for current or enable current sensing.

• Primary Function (Jumper vs. Shunt): First, decide if you need to configure a circuit (use a jumper or circuit jumper) or if you need to bypass a component or measure current (opt for a shunt or shunt jumper). Their distinct roles guide initial selection.
• Pin Count and Spacing: Ensure the jumper or shunt matches the exact pin count on your circuit board, such as a common 2-pin configuration. Pin spacing (or pitch) also needs to align perfectly for a secure and reliable connection.
• Electrical Requirements: Consider the maximum current and voltage rating of your circuit. The chosen jumper connector or shunt must safely handle the circuit's electrical demands to prevent overheating or damage to components.
• Environmental Factors: Evaluate the operating environment. Factors like temperature, humidity, and the presence of corrosive agents influence the choice of contact material and plating for the jumper pins or shunt contacts, ensuring long-term reliability.
• Design and Accessibility: Think about how often you will need to adjust the jumper. Open-top designs allow for easier probing, while lower profiles may suit tighter spaces. For smaller devices, physical size can be a big consideration.

Supplier and Distributor of Jumpers & Shunts in Australia

RS is your trusted partner for high-quality jumpers and shunts. We provide a comprehensive portfolio from world-leading jumper connector manufacturers like HARWIN, TE Connectivity, and Samtec. Our extensive stock includes numerous types, from 2-pin circuit jumpers to precision shunt jumpers, guaranteeing you can source the ideal component for your electronics circuit board needs.

We also offer other vital connectors, including AV adapters, Ethernet connectors, and coaxial adapters, to complete your system. Buy your 2-pin jumper pins, PCB jumpers, and current sense shunts online today. For comprehensive information on our ordering options, shipping services, and any applicable delivery charges, please visit our delivery page.