Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
1546018-5 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS 90DEG 5MM	0
1986371-9 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS 3.5MM	0
1778887 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS STR 2.5MM	293
0395100002 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 3.81MM	3898
1546019-6 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS VERT 5MM	0
1817631 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 3.5MM	49
3212565 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS STR	11100
OSTOQ087150 On-Shore Technology, Inc.	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 5MM	116
TS10715A0000G Anytek (Amphenol Anytek)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS 90DEG 5MM	0
691365310006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	270
OQ1032510000G Anytek (Amphenol Anytek)	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS 3.81MM	2285
1753550 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 5MM	462
1862904 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS 3.5MM	12
691701500009B Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	300
1843871 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS 90DEG 3.5MM	325
2643240000 Weidmuller	TERM BLK HDR 3POS 180DEG 3.81MM	479480
0395172004 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 3.81MM	1908
1962574 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 5.08MM	0
1839652 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 3.81MM	6450
1755606 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 90DEG 5MM	0

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