Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
691352410004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 7.62MM	413
284511-3 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 3.81MM	1399
691701520006B Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	300
1815510000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR	46100
1770680000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 3.5MM	0
1845179 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 2.54MM	0
691320510004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, D	140
0395310008 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 5.08MM	88
XW4M-20D1-V1DS Omron Electronics Components	PLUG,SINGLE-ROW,STRAIGHT,TIN REF	0
1982720000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 5.08MM	10090
1862632 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 3.81MM	5
20020012-H021B01LF Anytek (Amphenol Anytek)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 5.08MM	0
691340500002 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, VER	383
1357890000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 3.5MM	0
0395325012 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS 5.08MM	720
1825718 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 5.08MM	10
1727650000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR 3.5MM	464
3043019 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 1POS STR	42350
2013890000 Weidmuller	LUP 10.16/06/90V 5.0SN BK BX	20
1805343 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 5.08MM	100

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