Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
691311500121 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 21POS VERT 5.08MM	57
OQ0853510000G Anytek (Amphenol Anytek)	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 5.08MM	0
0399800404 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 5.08MM	26246
1597380000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 3.5MM	1114620
1818009 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT 3.5MM	0
3142410622-0G44 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	PIN HEADER, VERTICAL, NON-SHROUD	336
1862713 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 16POS 3.81MM	0
1-2351885-0 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	10POS HEADER 180 DEG 5.00MM T	2940
691373500009B Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS STR 5.08MM	0
1777875 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 7.62MM	40
1808844 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 14POS STR 5.08MM	0
2342079-9 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	9POS HDR 90 DEG HT 5.00MM PITCH	400
282830-8 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 90DEG 5MM	0
1944100000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 5.08MM	114144
2641180000 Weidmuller	TERM BLK HDR 6POS 90DEG 3.5MM	384384
1842911 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 3.81MM	53
1027618 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 16POS 2.54MM	25
1970690000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK PLUG 13POS STR 3.81MM	0
1820650000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK HDR 18POS VERT 5.08MM	80
691320510016 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, D	19

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