Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
1546018-8 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 90DEG 5MM	0
691358710008 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 5.08MM	0
1845276 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 24POS VERT 2.54MM	0
0395278008 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 90DEG 5MM	270
1289340000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK HDR 20POS 90DEG 3.5MM	46
1238160000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 5.08MM	698800
ED1110/8 On-Shore Technology, Inc.	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 270DEG 5MM	0
EDSTLZ950/8-OE On-Shore Technology, Inc.	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 5.08MM	0
3210062 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 1POS STR	69
1828692 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 7.62MM	181100
691312710012 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS 90DEG 5MM	119
TBP01P1-508-08BE CUI Devices	TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUGGABLE, 5.08	1430
1878846 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 3.5MM	50
1753576 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 9POS VERT 5MM	0
1639780000 Weidmuller	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS 3.5MM	109
1902178 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR 5.08MM	31
1707913 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 20POS STR 5.08MM	50
1847107 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS STR 3.5MM	15
25-E900-09 NTE Electronics, Inc.	TERMINAL BLOCK EUROSTYLE	140
691311500014 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 14POS VERT 5.08MM	117

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