Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
EDSTL130/06 On-Shore Technology, Inc.	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS VERT 5MM	1622
XW4N-34D2-A Omron Electronics Components	SOCKET,DOUBLE-ROW,,GOLD,	0
1767025 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 7.62MM	1502950
1515910000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS 5.08MM	0
1962613 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 5.08MM	66
1731691 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 3.5MM	240
691314520124 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, 4	16
796642-5 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS VERT 5MM	717
0395300109 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS STR 5.08MM	509
1924198 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 5MM	230
EDSTL130/13 On-Shore Technology, Inc.	TERM BLOCK HDR 13POS VERT 5MM	0
TBP02R1W-381-02BE CUI Devices	TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUGGABLE, W SCR	2934
0395056002 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 3.5MM	3536
0395305108 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR 5.08MM	379
1720686 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 7.62MM	73
1758050 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS VERT 5.08MM	170
EDZ1200/3 On-Shore Technology, Inc.	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 5.08MM	0
1065160000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 5.08MM	10064
1748280000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK PLUG 28POS STR 3.5MM	120
1787153 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 32POS 90DEG 3.5MM	289

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