Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
1809270 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT 5.08MM	26
1-796861-2 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS 5.08MM	0
1763032 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 5MM	0
1940004 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 3.5MM	29
31392102 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SHROUDED HEADER, RIGHT ANGLE, FL	182
1983140000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 5.08MM	71
1790360 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 18POS STR 3.5MM	175
1-1986722-2 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 3.81MM	375
OSTOQ037150 On-Shore Technology, Inc.	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT 5MM	19850
1943720000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK PLUG 16POS STR 5.08MM	0
31189103 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SHROUDED HEADER, VERTICAL, PCB,	934
ELFB03230 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 5.08MM	0
OSTOQ035350 On-Shore Technology, Inc.	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT 5.08MM	3856
691344410012 Würth Elektronik Midcom	7.62 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	30
1638610000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 90DEG 3.5MM	5523696
1-796866-2 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS 5.08MM	76
1879065 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 5.08MM	94
691381000004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 2.5MM	234
2641900000 Weidmuller	TERM BLK PLUG 2POS 90DEG 3.81MM	945
1-284517-0 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS VERT 3.81MM	419

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