Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
691701540009B Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	500
691304130008 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 180 3.50MM	0
1842144 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 20POS 5.08MM	2250
691311500006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS VERT 5.08MM	318
0395000014 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 14POS STR 3.5MM	301
1753796 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 20POS VERT 5MM	49
1846904 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 22POS 90DEG 5MM	0
0395340004 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 5.08MM	436
691311500015 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 15POS VERT 5.08MM	70
1873375 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 5.08MM	4750
0395077005 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS 3.5MM	1728
1792630 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 5.08MM	37
1913536 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 10.16MM	92
1880300 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 5.08MM	3
1776489-4 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 5MM	0
1967443 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS STR 10.16MM	0
691345710006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.00 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	140
1729600000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 3.5MM	0
1242560000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 5.08MM	5908
691313710005 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS 90DEG 5MM	427

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