Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
2649570000 Weidmuller	TERM BLK HDR 3POS 180DEG 5.08MM	300300
25-E1400-02 NTE Electronics, Inc.	TERMINAL BLOCK EUROSTYLE	132
1808913 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 5.08MM	352
0395360003 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 5.08MM	513
1821148 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS STR 2.54MM	0
1755875 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 16POS VERT 5.08MM	312
3212730 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 1POS STR	37
1912427 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 5.08MM	0
5452131 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT 5MM	0
1861659 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 3.81MM	100
1825514 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 5.08MM	1181550
691304100004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 3.5MM	609
1982330000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 5.08MM	180
691305130008 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 3.5MM	0
0395021015 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 15POS 90DEG 3.5MM	0
TBP02R2W-381-06BE CUI Devices	TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUGGABLE, W SCR	1586
691701350009B Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	900
0395305114 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 14POS STR 5.08MM	272
2741760000 Weidmuller	PCB CONNECTOR, PLUG, 5.00MM PITC	0
EDSTLZ1555/4 On-Shore Technology, Inc.	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 3.81MM	915

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