Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
0393720003 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT 7.5MM	2408
691344510002 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	349
0395278004 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 90DEG 5MM	864
1786187 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 5.08MM	19401550
1524460000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS VERT 5.08MM	7251800
1830606 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT 3.81MM	0
1793840000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 3.81MM	56
31157103 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SCREW TYPE TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUG,	9432
1930270000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 7.62MM	0
1893313 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 5MM	40
1776489-6 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS VERT 5MM	0
OQ0632510000G Anytek (Amphenol Anytek)	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS 90DEG 3.81MM	2368
1719125 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 5.08MM	15
1689323 Phoenix Contact	CONN D-TYPE RCPT 5POS R/A SLDR	0
1808637 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS STR 5.08MM	0
284506-5 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 3.5MM	3508
1243060000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK HDR 7POS VERT 5.08MM	363550
1873197 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 16POS STR 5.08MM	303
1845108 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 20POS 2.54MM	0
1942880000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS VERT 3.81MM	100

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