Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
OSTTS12515A On-Shore Technology, Inc.	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS 5.08MM	3543
1730720000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 5MM	100
691367310012 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	89
1626040000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 5MM	30050
1755732 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS 90DEG 5MM	2490
TBPHR-00-200-02-GR-LF Major League Electronics	TERMINAL BLOCK PLUGGABLE HEADER	500
OQ0754510000G Anytek (Amphenol Anytek)	TERM BLOCK HDR 7POS 90DEG 5.08MM	1997
XW4M-06D2-H1DS Omron Electronics Components	PLUG,DOUBLE-ROW,RIGHT-ANGLE,TIN	0
1851245 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 3.81MM	4050
1705504 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS 90DEG 5MM	0
1833098 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK RCPT 9POS 3.81MM	5
0395145005 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 3.81MM	559
XW4M-15D1-H1DS Omron Electronics Components	PLUG,SINGLE-ROW,RIGHT-ANGLE,TIN	0
1827936 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 9POS 90DEG 3.81MM	0
1897458 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR 3.81MM	45
1776702 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 5MM	90
1939701 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS STR 7.62MM	0
1835232 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 16POS 5.08MM	13
1016410000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR 5MM	72
1787056 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS 90DEG 3.5MM	21

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