Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
284051-2 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS 10.16MM	0
1942727 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 5.08MM	0
1278390000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK PLUG 32POS STR 3.5MM	12120
30.304 Altech Corporation	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 5MM	4002750
691340500007 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, VER	175
1803374 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS 3.81MM	14103850
1-284541-2 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS 3.81MM	58
691353500016 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, VER	15
TBP01R2-508-05BE CUI Devices	TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUGGABLE, 5.08,	2319
14110313002000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 2.54MM	0
1838490000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK HDR 7POS VERT 5.08MM	190
20020013-H041B01LF Anytek (Amphenol Anytek)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 5.08MM	0
XW4K-07A1-V1 Omron Electronics Components	TERM BLOCK HDR 7POS VERT 2.54MM	0
282830-5 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS 90DEG 5MM	539
TBP02R1W-381-05BE CUI Devices	TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUGGABLE, W SCR	546
691318400005 Würth Elektronik Midcom	7.62 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	359
1912236 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS STR 5.08MM	347
ED1550/10 On-Shore Technology, Inc.	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS STR 3.5MM	0
691322110002 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 3.5MM	4582
2351886-6 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	6POS TB HDR 180 DEG PITCH 3.5 TL	1896

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