Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
691312510003 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 5.08MM	0
691345710002 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.00 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	300
OSTTJ0331530 On-Shore Technology, Inc.	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 3.81MM	3813
1-1986720-9 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 19POS STR 3.81MM	0
0395205005 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 5MM	796
31169106 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SCREW TYPE, TERMINAL BLOCK, VERT	456
OQ0971500000G Anytek (Amphenol Anytek)	TERM BLOCK HDR 9POS VERT 5MM	1332
1844918 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS VERT 2.54MM	0
284047-7 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS 5.08MM	0
1277970000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK PLUG 24POS STR 3.5MM	16872
1790496 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 3.5MM	0
2342078-7 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 7POS VERT 3.81MM	399
1861535 Phoenix Contact	CONN TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS 5.08MM	100
282822-5 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS VERT 5MM	0
1986718-3 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT 3.5MM	9668
1513360000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK HDR 9POS 90DEG 5.08MM	18
796642-2 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 5MM	978
1984332 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 90DEG 3.5MM	906
EBPA-02-D-C Adam Tech	EURO BLOCK 2P	859
3040708 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 1POS STR	54

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