Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
XW4H-12A1 Omron Electronics Components	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 2.54MM	0
1894655 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 3.5MM	4841600
1946280000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS 5.08MM	119
1808858 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 5.08MM	746100
1830402 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 3.81MM	58
1779709 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR 5MM	23
1781108 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 14POS STR 5.08MM	51
14310516102000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 5MM	0
1948060000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 5.08MM	2226
1173520000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 7.62MM	10940
1940740000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 3.81MM	247
1861771 Phoenix Contact	CONN TERM BLOCK PLG 10POS 5.08MM	100
1939921 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 3.5MM	27
32.515 Altech Corporation	PCB PIN HEADER 15P 5MM BLK VERT	0
EDZ1110/12 On-Shore Technology, Inc.	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS 5.08MM	19
1596130000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 5MM	48300
1986258-2 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	VERTICAL BDMT PLUG 2 POSN, 5.08M	0
1690200000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 3.5MM	104
1-284065-2 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 24POS VERT 5.08MM	0
1805987 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 7.62MM	47

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