Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
1766330 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS 7.62MM	50100
1838440000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 5.08MM	604
1842340000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 3.5MM	0
14310410301000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 1.27MM	71
1027615 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 13POS 2.54MM	38
0395126002 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 3.81MM	3778
VK0852500000G Anytek (Amphenol Anytek)	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 45DEG 5.08MM	0
1728660000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS 90DEG 3.5MM	198
691371700007B Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.00 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	99
1-284541-0 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS 3.81MM	770
1827787 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS STR 3.81MM	696
30.361 Altech Corporation	HEADER PCB 11POS 5MM VERT	1801020
1842063 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 5.08MM	0
1808792 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS STR 5.08MM	0
5441935 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 5.08MM	36
1982130000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 5.08MM	143288
1881587 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS VERT 2.5MM	150
1873113 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR 5.08MM	45300
282812-3 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 5MM	0
EDZ951/2 On-Shore Technology, Inc.	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 5.08MM	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