Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
3045415 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 90DEG	0
1803510 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 11POS VERT 3.81MM	0
1793500000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK HDR 16POS 3.81MM	0
TJ0331520000G Anytek (Amphenol Anytek)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 3.81MM	1870
1873304 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 5.08MM	46
691701500007B Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	300
1843318 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 11POS VERT 3.5MM	0
1998946 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 10.16MM	0
1940088 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 20POS STR 3.5MM	0
TBP02P1W-381-08BE CUI Devices	TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUGGABLE, 3.81,	954
1-796861-0 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS 5.08MM	239
1605130000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 3.5MM	397300
ELFH10210 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS 5.08MM	753
25-E1500-03 NTE Electronics, Inc.	TERMINAL BLOCK EUROSTYLE	90
1321760000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS 90DEG 5.08MM	14050
2-1986720-4 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 24POS STR 3.81MM	0
VM1035520000G Anytek (Amphenol Anytek)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS STR 3.81MM	0
EDSTLZ990/2 On-Shore Technology, Inc.	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 45DEG 5.08MM	0
1-1986720-2 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 3.81MM	0
691322310011 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	524

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