Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
OSTTJ0211530 On-Shore Technology, Inc.	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 3.5MM	2686
2713764 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 5MM	20130
1014450000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS STR 5.08MM	88
0393730002 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 7.5MM	568
0395126004 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 3.81MM	3882
1830605 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS 90DEG 3.5MM	48
1043290000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 7.62MM	200
1-796980-0 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS VERT 7.62MM	198
OSTTJ060150 On-Shore Technology, Inc.	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 7.62MM	95
1792595 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS 270DEG 5MM	1
2640190000 Weidmuller	TERM BLK PLUG 2POS 180DEG 3.5MM	497500
2646180000 Weidmuller	TERM BLK HDR 6POS 180DEG 5.00MM	240240
1967498 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 10.16MM	0
691323100006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.50 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	279
1757255 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 5.08MM	530821750
1013790000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 5.08MM	438610
1830664 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 9POS VERT 3.81MM	161800
31041102 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	PIN HEADER, BACKWALL, VERTICAL,	4
1-2342076-7 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 17POS 90DEG 3.5MM	200
ELFH06210 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS 90DEG 5.08MM	223

Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

1. Overview

Terminal blocks, headers, plugs, and sockets are essential components in electrical and electronic systems for establishing reliable connections between circuits. These devices enable signal transmission, power distribution, and system modularity. Their standardized designs ensure interoperability, scalability, and ease of maintenance in complex systems.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Characteristics	Application Examples
Terminal Blocks	Screw/clamp-based connections for high current/ voltage	Industrial control panels, power distribution units
PCB Headers	Pin/grid arrays for board-to-board connections	Embedded systems, Arduino shields
RJ Connectors	Modular jacks for data/telecom signals	Ethernet networks (RJ45), telephone systems (RJ11)
D-Sub Connectors	Multi-pin trapezoidal shells for analog/digital signals	Legacy serial interfaces, industrial sensors
USB Connectors	Hot-pluggable interfaces for power/data	Consumer electronics, peripheral devices

3. Structure and Components

Typical structures include:

Insulating housing (PA66, PBT, or LCP plastics)
Contact elements (phosphor bronze, beryllium copper)
Plating materials (gold, tin, nickel for corrosion resistance)
Actuation mechanisms (screws, spring clamps, or friction fits)
EMI shielding layers (for high-frequency applications)

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Importance
Current Rating (A)	Determines power handling capacity
Voltage Rating (V)	Defines dielectric strength requirements
Contact Resistance (m )	Impacts signal integrity and power loss
Insertion Loss (dB)	Critical for high-speed data transmission
Mating Cycles	Indicates mechanical durability
Operating Temperature (- C to + C)	Defines environmental tolerance

5. Application Fields

Primary industries include:

Industrial automation (PLCs, HMIs)
Telecommunications (5G base stations, routers)
Consumer electronics (smartphones, wearables)
Medical equipment (imaging devices, patient monitors)
Automotive (EV charging systems, ADAS)

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product
Phoenix Contact	COMBICON series terminal blocks
TE Connectivity	MICRO MATCH connectors
Molex	SL Series headers
Amphenol	D-Subminiature connectors
Samtec	QTE high-speed socket systems

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations:

Electrical requirements (current/voltage levels)
Mechanical constraints (space, vibration)
Environmental factors (temperature, humidity)
Signal integrity needs (frequency, noise rejection)
Cost vs. reliability trade-offs
Compliance with standards (IPC, IEC, UL)

8. Industry Trends

Emerging developments include:

Miniaturization for wearable devices
High-speed connectors for 5G/6G ( 25 Gbps)
Hybrid connectors integrating power/data
Eco-friendly materials (halogen-free, RoHS compliant)
Smart connectors with built-in sensors
Automotive-grade connectors for EVs