Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
1969483 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 10.16MM	10
2908993 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 5MM	92525800
1827185 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 3.81MM	680
1726970000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 5.08MM	0
1784871 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 15MM	20
1759512 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 5.08MM	265
691300700024 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.00 MM TERMINAL BLOCK, VERTICAL	58
1790221 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 28POS STR 3.5MM	95
1646250000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 5.08MM	3581620
XW4M-03D1-H1DS Omron Electronics Components	PLUG,SINGLE-ROW,RIGHT-ANGLE,TIN	0
1792795 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 5.08MM	30
1827198 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS 3.81MM	164
1786970 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 16POS STR 5MM	43
691313510016 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 16P 90DEG 5.08MM	243
1913633 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR 10.16MM	21
1809018 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 15POS STR 5.08MM	0
31107105 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SCREW TYPE TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUG,	6
1147450000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 5.08MM	133
1863369 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 90DEG 3.5MM	35
0395337004 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 5.08MM	642

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