A pigtailed component comes from the factory or the bench with flexible wire leads already soldered or crimped to its terminals. This allows an installer to connect the device to a main circuit using wire nuts or inline splices rather than soldering directly to the component body. It is common in laser diodes, fiber optic modules, and heavy-duty switches.
Order the pigtailed version of the laser diode so we don't melt the casing trying to solder wires to it.
Also heard as
- pigtail
Related terms
Axial lead
A cylindrical electronic component style where connection wires extend outward from opposite ends.
Connector
An electromechanical device used to join electrical terminations and create an electrical circuit.
Crimp
To mechanically deform a metal connector around a wire to create a secure electrical connection.