The JST EM02B-LEXSS-TF(HF) is a 2-position surface-mount male header from the LEX series, on a 0.098" (2.50 mm) pitch. It is a board-to-cable/wire interconnect, meaning it sits on the PCB and mates with a crimp-style receptacle housing to terminate discrete wires. The SMT termination and solder retention feature let it hold position during reflow without secondary through-hole anchors — useful for automated pick-and-place lines where the board sees no wave solder. Rated 3 A per circuit (derived at 22 AWG) and 300 V, this is a signal-level or light-power interconnect — think sensor harnesses, indicator LEDs, or low-current control loops inside an enclosure. The housing is natural polyamide (PA9T), a high-temperature nylon that withstands lead-free reflow profiles.
This header mates with the JST LEXR-02V-S receptacle housing, a 2-position, 2.50 mm pitch, free-hanging (in-line) crimp housing. The receptacle accepts the LEX series socket contacts, which are crimped onto 22 AWG wire (the gauge used for the 3 A rating). The pair locks via an integral latch on the receptacle — no secondary hardware needed. For harness builders: the LEXR-02V-S housing is a single-row, keyed design. The header's solder retention pads on the SMT footprint take the mechanical strain off the signal pins during cable flex.
The closest functional alternative is the EM02B-LEXSS-TF (without the (HF) suffix), which shares the same 2-position, 2.50 mm pitch, SMT footprint, and tin-plated contacts. The (HF) designation indicates a halogen-free housing material — the only difference. If your BOM does not require halogen-free compliance, the non-HF variant is a drop-in substitute.