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Jumper (computing)
Jumper (computing)
from Wikipedia

Different types and colors of jumpers, with two individual black jumper pins on the left for scale.

In electronics and particularly computing, a jumper is a short length of conductor used to close, open or bypass part of an electronic circuit. They are typically used to set up or configure printed circuit boards, such as the motherboards of computers. The process of setting a jumper is often called strapping.[citation needed]

A strapping option is a hardware configuration setting usually sensed only during power-up or bootstrapping of a device (or even a single chip).[1]

Design

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Jumper pins (points to be connected by the jumper) are arranged in groups called jumper blocks, each group having at least one pair of contact points. An appropriately sized conductive sleeve itself called a jumper, or more technically, a shunt jumper, is slipped over the pins to complete the circuit.

A two-pin jumper only allows to choose between two Boolean states, whereas a three-pin jumper allows to select between three states.

Jumpers must be electrically conducting; they are usually encased in a non-conductive block of plastic for convenience. This also avoids the risk that an unshielded jumper will accidentally short out something critical (particularly if it is dropped on a live circuit).

Jumper shunts can be categorized by their pitch (uniform distance between pins measured from center to center). Some common pitches are:[citation needed]

  • 2.54 mm (0.100 in)
  • 2.00 mm (0.079 in)
  • 1.27 mm (0.050 in)

Use

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Red jumper on a pin header

When a jumper is placed over two or more jumper pins, an electrical connection is made between them, and the equipment is thus instructed to activate certain settings accordingly. For example, with older PC systems, CPU speed and voltage settings were often made by setting jumpers.

Some documentation may refer to setting the jumpers to on, off, closed, or open. When a jumper is on or covering at least two pins it is a closed jumper, when a jumper is off, is covering only one pin, or the pins have no jumper it is an open jumper.

Jumperless designs have the advantage that they are usually fast and easy to set up, often require little technical knowledge, and can be adjusted without having physical access to the circuit board. With PCs, the most common use of jumpers is in setting the operating mode for ATA drives (master, slave, or cable select), though this use declined with the rise of SATA drives and Plug and Play devices. Jumpers have been used since the beginning of printed circuit boards.[2][3]

Permanent parts of a circuit

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Some printed wiring assemblies, particularly those using single-layer circuit boards, include short lengths of wire soldered between pairs of points. These wires are called wire bridges or jumpers, but unlike jumpers used for configuration settings, they are intended to permanently connect the points in question. They are used to solve layout issues of the printed wiring, providing connections that would otherwise require awkward (or in some cases, impossible) routing of the conductive traces. In some cases a resistor of 0 ohms is used instead of a wire, as these may be installed by the same robotic assembly machines that install real resistors and other components.

Jumpers setting configuration options not normally meant to be user-configurable can also be implemented as solder jumpers, typically two (or more) pads positioned closely together or even with interwoven shapes. Typically non-conductive by default they can be easily changed into a closed connection due to deliberately placed solder bridge on top of them. If the closed state is the default state, the PCB designer can superimpose a thin trace, which would be cut (with a knife) to open the jumper.

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
In computing, a jumper is a small plastic-covered metal connector, also known as a shunt or jumper block, that is placed over two or more pins on a circuit board to close an electrical circuit and configure hardware settings. These jumpers act as simple on/off switches, enabling or disabling specific functions by allowing to flow between the connected pins. Jumpers have been a fundamental component in since the early days of personal computing, primarily used on s, hard drives, sound cards, and other peripherals to set parameters such as IRQ assignments, CPU voltage, or recovery modes before the widespread adoption of plug-and-play technology. For instance, on IDE/ATA hard drives, jumpers determine whether a drive operates as primary, secondary, or in cable select mode, a configuration used on legacy IDE/ATA hard drives. They are typically adjusted with the device powered off to prevent damage, and users must consult the or device manual for precise pin locations and functions, as the number and purpose of jumpers vary by model. While jumpers were ubiquitous in pre-1990s hardware for manual , their role has diminished with the rise of software-based configuration through / interfaces and jumperless designs, which reduce the risk of user error and physical handling. Nonetheless, they persist in specialized applications, such as enabling intrusion detection or resetting passwords, underscoring their enduring utility in low-level hardware customization.

History

Origins in early electronics

The concept of jumpers in electronics emerged in the mid-20th century as simple, removable electrical connectors designed to facilitate circuit configuration without permanent . Developed primarily through wire-wrap technology at Bell Laboratories and in the , jumpers addressed the need for rapid, reliable prototyping in , such as crossbar switches and systems. This technique involved wrapping insulated solid wire around square-section posts to create gas-tight, vibration-resistant connections, enabling engineers to build and modify circuits efficiently in constrained environments like central office installations. In early applications, jumpers took the form of removable wires inserted into control panels to direct machine functions. A prominent example is the data processing system, introduced in 1959, where wired control panels allowed users to program the machine by placing wires to route data and instructions, effectively comprising the operational logic. These panels could be swapped entirely to alter programs, with the wires forming temporary bridges between pins to enable punched-card processing without altering core hardware. This approach marked a shift from fixed wiring to modular reconfiguration, supporting the transition from mechanical to electronic data handling in business applications. During the , jumpers played a key role in vacuum tube-based systems by providing means to bypass faulty components or close circuits for testing and maintenance. In tube testers such as the New London Instruments Model 901A Analyzer, removable jumpers connected to individual tube elements allowed reconfiguration to simulate different operational states, aiding diagnostics in amplifiers and early electronic devices. Such applications extended to industrial and broadcast equipment, where jumpers in sockets enabled quick isolation of vacuum tubes to prevent cascading failures in high-voltage circuits. Jumpers gained prominence as alternatives to soldered connections in military and industrial electronics due to their superior reliability and ease of modification. In projects like the U.S. Navy's Transit satellite program during the 1960s, wire-wrap jumpers achieved failure rates as low as 0.0000025 per 10^6 hours—far better than hand-soldered joints at 0.0026 per 10^6 hours—facilitating modular assembly in harsh environments without the risks of flux residue or thermal stress. This preference stemmed from extensive testing at institutions like the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, where jumpers supported rapid prototyping for radar and guidance systems.

Adoption in personal computing

Jumpers emerged as a key configuration tool in personal computing with the IBM PC/XT (model 5160) in 1983, where DIP switches on the motherboard enabled settings for peripherals like floppy drives and hard disk interfaces, continuing the approach of the original IBM PC (model 5150) from 1981 that also used DIP switches. By the IBM PC/AT (model 5170) in 1984, these jumper blocks expanded to include configurations for RAM size selection (256 KB or 512 KB via jumper J18) and other motherboard parameters, allowing users to adapt hardware without soldering. Although IRQs and DMA channels were often fixed or software-managed in early IBM designs, jumper blocks on motherboards and expansion cards became essential for memory addressing and resource allocation in compatible systems, reflecting the growing complexity of PC architectures. In the 1980s and 1990s, jumpers proliferated across PC hardware for critical setup tasks, including CPU speed selection on 286, 386, and 486 motherboards—where blocks like JP2 allowed choices for bus frequencies (e.g., 16 MHz or 20 MHz) and multipliers to match processors—and drive chaining via designations on IDE interfaces introduced in 1986. For instance, IDE hard drives from and required jumper pins set to "master" for the primary drive and "slave" for secondary ones sharing a controller cable, a setup common in systems up to the mid-1990s. Expansion cards, such as adapters and early sound cards, relied on onboard jumper blocks to assign IRQs (e.g., IRQ 5 or 7) and DMA channels (e.g., channel 1 or 3), preventing conflicts in multi-device configurations that defined the era's DIY PC culture. A pivotal shift occurred in mid-1980s AT-compatible systems, transitioning from wire-wrap connections in prototyping to standardized plastic-shunted pin headers on production motherboards, adopting the 2.54 mm pitch to align with DIP IC spacing for easier assembly and reconfiguration. This innovation, seen in clones from manufacturers like and , replaced brittle wire-wrap methods with removable shunts that users could reposition without specialized tools, boosting reliability and scalability in the burgeoning PC market. The 2.54 mm standard solidified jumper blocks as a hallmark of hardware design. Their prominence waned in the late 1990s as (PnP) standards, formalized for ISA in 1993 and integrated into , automated resource assignment for IRQs, DMA, and memory via and OS enumeration, obviating many manual jumper adjustments on motherboards and cards. This evolution streamlined hardware integration, though legacy systems retained jumpers for compatibility until serial ATA and PCI buses further diminished their role by the early 2000s.

Design

Components and materials

Hardware jumpers in computing hardware primarily consist of metal header pins spaced at a standard 2.54 (0.1 inch) pitch, as defined by common PCB connector standards such as those from the (EIA), which align with typical PC hardware . These pins are typically constructed from or alloys for their spring-like resilience and electrical conductivity, with surfaces gold-plated over to enhance resistance and ensure low-contact resistance during repeated insertions. The conductive shunt, a U-shaped metal bridge that bridges adjacent pins, is formed from similar low-resistance materials such as or tinned to maintain efficient current flow and minimize . The shunt is encased in an insulating plastic housing to prevent unintended electrical shorts and provide mechanical stability. Common materials for this housing include (such as ), , , and (PBT), all typically rated V-0 for flame retardancy to meet safety standards in electronic assemblies. These insulators offer electrical isolation while allowing easy manual placement and removal without tools. For applications in demanding environments like server motherboards, variations incorporate heat-resistant plastics capable of enduring processing temperatures up to 230°C, ensuring during or high-thermal operations. In terms of functionality, 2-pin jumper setups facilitate binary on/off states by either shorting the pins or leaving them disconnected, while 3-pin arrangements support three distinct states (open, connected to pins 1-2, or connected to pins 2-3) for expanded configuration flexibility.

Types and configurations

In computing hardware, the primary type of jumper for configuration is the removable shunt jumper, also known as a header shunt, which is a small component containing a metal U-shaped contact that bridges two or more pins on a connector header, enabling easy user reconfiguration of circuit settings without . These are widely used in motherboards for tasks like configuration. Wire jumpers, consisting of flexible insulated wires with crimped connector ends such as male pins or sockets, are occasionally used to temporarily link distant pins or terminals during prototyping, testing, or repairs, offering greater reach and adaptability compared to rigid shunts but requiring careful handling to avoid . Surface-mount shunts, often implemented as zero-ohm resistors or direct solder bridges, are compact components soldered directly onto the PCB surface, ideal for high-density boards where space is limited and reconfiguration is infrequent. Configurations of jumpers vary based on the number of pins involved, allowing for simple binary choices or more complex selections. The most basic is the 2-pin configuration, where a shunt either connects the two pins to close the circuit (enabling a function) or is removed to leave it open (disabling it), commonly seen in power or reset circuits. A 3-pin configuration provides a selector option, with the shunt placed across pins 1 and 2 for one state (e.g., normal operation) or pins 2 and 3 for another (e.g., recovery mode), as in CMOS clear jumpers on many motherboards. Multi-pin banks extend this to arrays of 4 or more pins, where multiple shunts or selective placements configure groups of settings, such as options for CPU voltage, clock multipliers, or drive priorities, enabling parallel adjustments without additional hardware. On motherboards, jumper blocks are typically organized as labeled groups of pins, such as JP1 for primary settings and JP2 for secondary options, with silk-screened diagrams indicating valid shunt placements for each state. For example, in a 3-pin block labeled pins 1-2-3, a shunt covering pins 1 and 2 might set the default enabled state, while shifting it to pins 2 and 3 activates an alternative mode; with no shunt (open state) usually defaulting to an off or high-impedance state. These blocks are spaced at standard pitches like 2.54 mm (0.1 inch) to accommodate universal shunts. Electrically, jumpers function by providing a low-resistance connection, approaching 0 ohms, that effectively shorts the bridged pins and mimics a direct wire link in the circuit. In configuration scenarios, this short often interacts with pull-up resistors connected to the supply voltage (e.g., 3.3V or 5V), which hold the unjumpered pin at a logic high state to prevent floating inputs; installing the jumper pulls the pin to ground (logic low), altering the circuit behavior as sensed by the controlling logic. Typical pull-up values range from 1 kΩ to 100 kΩ, ensuring minimal current draw while reliably defining the state.

Applications

Temporary jumpers for configuration

Temporary jumpers serve as removable connectors placed on pairs of pins during device assembly or by users to configure hardware parameters in systems. These plastic caps bridge the pins, altering electrical connections that the interprets at power-on; for instance, the detects the jumper state through voltage levels—typically logic low when connected (pulled to ground) and high when open (pulled up by a )—to set operational modes without software intervention. In motherboards, temporary jumpers have historically configured CPU by selecting multipliers, allowing users to increase processor clock speeds, such as setting higher ratios on early systems via dedicated pin blocks. They also enable or disable onboard features like integrated audio or video controllers, resources to add-on cards when needed. For storage, legacy IDE drives use jumpers to set master or slave mode on the ATA interface, with pin positions varying by model (often pins 5-6 for master and 7-8 for slave); consult the device manual for exact configuration. A prominent example is the CMOS clear jumper, where shorting specific pins—often moving the cap from positions 1-2 to 2-3—discharges the RAM to reset BIOS settings to defaults, resolving configuration issues like forgotten passwords. However, misplacing jumpers risks boot failures or system instability, as the firmware may apply incorrect parameters, leading to no POST or hardware conflicts. Configurations vary by model, so always consult the or device manual for precise pin locations and functions. Changing jumpers requires powering off the device completely and following ESD precautions, such as grounding oneself with a wrist strap, to avoid damaging electrostatic-sensitive components. Pin configurations for these states are detailed in documentation.

Permanent jumpers in circuits

Permanent jumpers in circuits are fixed electrical connections integrated during to establish non-configurable links between points on a (PCB). These jumpers are typically implemented using 0-ohm resistors, wire bridges, or blobs applied between designated pads, providing a low-resistance path equivalent to a direct trace without the need for additional layers. Unlike configurable options, they are designed for one-time installation, ensuring stable, permanent conductivity in production environments. In implementation, permanent jumpers are particularly common on single-layer PCBs, where they bridge signals across existing traces to avoid complex rerouting and maintain board simplicity. For multi-layer boards, surface-mount device (SMD) 0-ohm resistors serve as compact jumpers, allowing automated assembly while facilitating current flow between layers or sections. These components, often rated for specific current capacities, help enforce single-point connections between power planes to preserve and reduce . Specific examples include factory-installed 0-ohm resistors on graphics cards, where they connect power delivery networks to distribute high currents efficiently across the board. Solder jumpers are also used for enabling optional features, such as debug modes, by permanently bridging pads during assembly to activate test circuitry without ongoing user intervention. Compared to temporary jumpers, permanent variants are not user-removable, offering higher reliability in mass-produced devices due to their soldered integration, which withstands vibration and thermal cycling better than pin-based alternatives. However, any modification requires , which risks damaging surrounding components or traces, making them suitable primarily for fixed designs.

Modern Usage and Alternatives

Current roles in hardware

In the 2020s, jumpers continue to play essential roles in server motherboards, particularly for recovery and configuration tasks that ensure system reliability in enterprise environments. For instance, dual- architectures, such as those implemented by in models like the MS74-HB0, use dedicated jumper settings to enable recovery mode during failed updates, allowing updates from a ROM or USB. Similarly, server boards like the S2600BP series employ 3-pin jumper blocks for recovery modes, allowing technicians to restore default settings or protect against unauthorized changes without software intervention. These hardware mechanisms remain vital in data centers where remote management may not suffice for critical failures. Embedded systems and maker platforms also rely on jumpers for flexible GPIO interfacing and prototyping. In setups, male-to-female jumper wires are standard components in kits for connecting peripherals to GPIO pins, enabling custom configurations like sensor integration or LED control without . boards similarly incorporate these wires in prototyping kits to bridge breadboards and headers, supporting rapid development of control circuits in educational and hobbyist projects as of 2025. In IoT devices, such as those based on modules, shorting specific pins with a jumper during triggers factory resets, erasing stored credentials like settings to restore default states. High-end custom PCs in 2025 still feature jumpers for specialized and optimization. On enthusiast motherboards, pins designated for debug modes allow users to force diagnostic outputs or clear , aiding in stability tests or hardware fault isolation. For legacy compatibility, SATA-to-IDE adapters used in retro builds or older industrial systems require jumper caps to set modes, ensuring seamless integration of modern SSDs with legacy IDE controllers. Although interfaces have simplified many configurations—reducing the need for routine jumper adjustments in consumer hardware—jumpers persist for edge cases like entering recovery prior to flashes, often in hybrid workflows where hardware initiates software-based recovery sequences.

Replacement technologies

Software-based configuration through and interfaces has largely supplanted physical jumpers for settings such as IRQ assignments, DMA channels, and parameters in personal computers. These environments allow users to adjust hardware parameters via graphical menus during boot, eliminating the need for manual pin connections that were common in early systems. For instance, , once requiring jumper modifications to alter bus speeds, is now managed through options that provide fine-grained control over CPU multipliers and voltages without physical intervention. Plug and Play (PnP) technology, introduced with , further reduced reliance on jumpers by enabling automatic hardware detection and resource allocation. PnP systems enumerate devices at time, dynamically assigning IRQs, I/O ports, and addresses without user-specified jumper settings, addressing the IRQ conflicts prevalent in pre-PnP eras where manual configuration via pins or switches was mandatory. This shift simplified installation for expansion cards and peripherals, making hardware upgrades more accessible. In industrial hardware, (DIP) switches serve as an alternative for multi-state toggles, offering quicker reconfiguration than single-position jumpers while maintaining physical adjustability. These switches, often arranged in banks on circuit boards, allow binary or settings for parameters like baud rates or addressing in control systems, providing durability in environments where software access is limited. For storage devices, serial and USB commands have replaced jumper-based designations, particularly with the transition to (SATA). Unlike , which required jumpers to define drive hierarchies on shared cables, SATA's point-to-point architecture uses ATA commands over the serial link for device identification and addressing, obviating physical jumpers entirely. Solder bridges provide a semi-permanent alternative for custom modifications on printed circuit boards, where a blob of connects adjacent to route signals or enable options. This method is more compact and reliable for production variants than removable jumpers, though it requires for changes, making it suitable for field-upgradable prototypes or low-volume tweaks. In modern printed circuit boards, zero-ohm resistors act as fixed jumpers, providing compact, solderable connections for signal routing or optional features without the need for removable caps, facilitating automated assembly and design flexibility. As of 2025, while hardware jumpers have diminished in general consumer and enterprise computing, they continue in specialized applications such as those described, alongside non-volatile storage solutions like I2C EEPROMs store configurations electronically. These EEPROMs retain settings across power cycles via serial interfaces, allowing to read and apply parameters without physical hardware alterations, thus enhancing in modern devices.

References

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