JST Sales America, Inc., a subsidiary of Japan Solderless Terminals Co., Ltd., is a globally recognized manufacturer of electrical and electronic connectors. With a reputation for innovation, quality, and reliability, JST (short for Japan Solderless Terminals) has become a trusted name in the automotive, consumer electronics, industrial, medical, and telecommunications sectors.
Headquartered in Waukegan, Illinois, JST Sales America supports North American operations with local engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain expertise, while benefiting from JST’s global presence and manufacturing capabilities.
Company Overview
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Founded: 1957 (Parent Company: JST Japan)
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North America Headquarters: Waukegan, Illinois, USA
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Global Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
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Employees Worldwide: 15,000+
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Presence: 70+ countries
What JST Stands For
JST’s mission is to deliver advanced, compact, and reliable interconnect technologies that address the evolving needs of global industries. The company name—Japan Solderless Terminals—reflects its core philosophy: simplifying and improving electrical connectivity without the need for soldering, which enhances reliability, serviceability, and efficiency.
Product Categories
JST offers one of the most comprehensive connector lineups in the world. Here are the major categories:
1. Wire-to-Board Connectors
Used to connect individual wires to PCBs, ensuring a secure, detachable connection.
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Popular Series: PH, XH, EH, SH, GH, ZH, VH
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Available in various pitches: 1.0 mm to 5.08 mm
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Options: top-entry, side-entry, SMT, through-hole
2. Wire-to-Wire Connectors
Facilitates the joining of wires in a harness or cable assembly.
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Common Series: RCY, SM, JWPF, SXA
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Waterproof variants available (e.g., JWPF for automotive and outdoor use)
3. Board-to-Board Connectors
Allow direct PCB-to-PCB connections in tight configurations.
4. FPC/FFC Connectors
Used for connecting flexible printed circuits and flat flexible cables.
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Series: BM, FI, FH, FW, FPC series
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Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) and non-ZIF types available
5. Crimp Terminals and Contacts
Designed for high-reliability, solderless connections in harnesses and equipment.
6. IDC Connectors (Insulation Displacement Connectors)
Allow fast assembly without stripping insulation, ideal for mass production.
Industries Served
| Industry | Applications |
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| Automotive | Wiring harnesses, ECUs, infotainment, lighting, sensors |
| Consumer Electronics | TVs, laptops, gaming consoles, audio systems |
| Industrial Equipment | Robotics, factory automation, instrumentation |
| Medical Devices | Patient monitors, portable equipment, diagnostics |
| Telecommunications | Routers, switches, base stations |
| Home Appliances | Washing machines, refrigerators, microwaves |
JST’s connectors are known for their ruggedness, precision, and miniaturization, which are essential in compact and high-performance devices.
Technological Strengths
1. Miniature Design Innovation
JST is a global leader in ultra-miniature connectors, especially for mobile, medical, and wearable electronics. Their solutions are engineered to occupy minimal PCB real estate while maintaining signal integrity.
2. Waterproof & Sealed Connectors
JST’s IP67-rated waterproof connectors, such as JWPF, JMX, and MX64, are extensively used in automotive, outdoor lighting, and harsh-environment industrial systems.
3. High-Vibration Tolerance
Designed for vehicles and machines with high mechanical stress, JST connectors include locking mechanisms and contact structures that resist loosening and signal failure.
4. Automation-Friendly Termination
Their IDC and crimp-style connectors support high-speed, automated harness manufacturing, making JST a favorite among contract manufacturers and OEMs.
Sustainability & Compliance
JST is committed to:
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RoHS and REACH compliance
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ISO 14001 Environmental Management
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Reducing use of conflict minerals
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Promoting lead-free and halogen-free materials
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Continuous innovation for energy efficiency and waste reduction
Manufacturing & Global Network
JST operates manufacturing and R&D facilities in:
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Japan
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USA
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China
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Malaysia
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Vietnam
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India
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Mexico
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Germany
Their global logistics and distribution network ensures timely supply, while local engineering support in North America helps with product selection, customization, and application design.
Popular JST Connector Series
Here are a few of the most widely used connector families from JST:
| Series | Pitch | Type | Use Case |
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| PH | 2.0 mm | Wire-to-board | Consumer electronics |
| XH | 2.5 mm | Wire-to-board | Power applications |
| EH | 2.5 mm | Wire-to-board | Compact systems |
| SH | 1.0 mm | Wire-to-board | Miniature devices |
| ZH | 1.5 mm | Wire-to-board | General-purpose |
| JWPF | 2.0 mm | Waterproof wire-to-wire | Automotive & outdoor |
| RCY | 2.5 mm | Wire-to-wire | Battery connectors |
| SM | 2.5 mm | Wire-to-wire | LED lighting |
| FI | 0.5 mm | FPC | Tablets and handhelds |
Why Choose JST?
| Strength | Benefit |
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| World-Class Quality | Extremely low failure rate |
| Broad Portfolio | Over 30,000 part numbers |
| Quick Availability | Through distributors like Xon Electronic, Digi-Key, Mouser |
| Engineering Support | Design assistance, datasheets, and 3D CAD files |
| Scalability | Ideal for both prototyping and mass production |
Distribution Partners
JST connectors are available through trusted global distributors, including:
These platforms offer datasheets, pricing, real-time inventory, and shipping to all major regions including the USA, Europe, India, China, and Australia.
JST Sales America is more than just a connector manufacturer. It's a solution provider, delivering cutting-edge interconnect technologies that empower industries to innovate, grow, and thrive. From the compact connectors inside your smartphone to rugged terminals in your car’s engine bay, JST’s precision, reliability, and quality are unmatched.
Whether you're a design engineer seeking high-density connectors or a production manager looking for cost-effective harnessing solutions, JST delivers the reliability and performance that modern electronics demand.