Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	A-TB500-OQ10CH ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS 90DEG 5MM	0
	A-TB762-OQ04CH ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 7.62MM	0
	A-TB381-TT24 ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK PLUG 24POS 3.81MM	0
	A-TB508-OQ21CH ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK HDR 21POS 5.08MM	0
	A-TB500-VG22SB ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK PLUG 22POS 90DEG 5MM	0
	A-TB750-OQ12CV ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS VERT 7.5MM	0
	A-TB381-OQ22CH ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK HDR 22POS 3.81MM	0
	A-TB381-OP07 ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK HDR 7POS VERT 3.81MM	0
	A-TB508-VK09 ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK HDR 9POS 45DEG 5.08MM	0
	A-TB350-OQ05CV ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS VERT 3.5MM	0
	A-TB350-OQ15CV ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK HDR 15POS VERT 3.5MM	0
	A-TB762-TJ15 ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK PLUG 15POS STR 7.62MM	0
	A-TB750-TJ13 ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK PLUG 13POS STR 7.5MM	0
	A-TB350-TH18 ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK PLUG 18POS 3.5MM	0
	A-TB762-OQ15CH ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK HDR 15POS 7.62MM	0
	A-TB500-VG14SB ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK PLUG 14POS 90DEG 5MM	0
	A-TB381-TT11 ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK PLUG 11POS 3.81MM	0
	A-TB350-TT07 ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS 90DEG 3.5MM	0
	A-TB508-OQ15CV ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK HDR 15POS VERT 5.08MM	0
	A-TB350-OQ24CV ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK HDR 24POS VERT 3.5MM	0

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