Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	A-TB381-TJ08 ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR 3.81MM	0
	A-TB350-OQ13CH ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK HDR 13POS 90DEG 3.5MM	0
	A-TB381-OQ20CH ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK HDR 20POS 3.81MM	0
	A-TB381-TS24E ASSMANN WSW Components	TERMINAL BLOCK	0
	A-TB500-VK17 ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK HDR 17POS 45DEG 5MM	0
	A-TB350-OQ18CV ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK HDR 18POS VERT 3.5MM	0
	A-TB508-TJ15 ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK PLUG 15POS STR 5.08MM	0
	A-TB508-OQ23CV ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK HDR 23POS VERT 5.08MM	0
	A-TB500-OP11 ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK HDR 11POS VERT 5MM	0
	A-TB508-TJ05 ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 5.08MM	0
	A-TB350-OP20 ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK HDR 20POS VERT 3.5MM	0
	A-TB381-OP14 ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK HDR 14POS VERT 3.81MM	0
	A-TB508-OQ05CV ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS VERT 5.08MM	0
	A-TB508-OQ19CH ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK HDR 19POS 5.08MM	0
	A-TB381-OP13 ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK HDR 13POS VERT 3.81MM	0
	A-TB750-OQ15CV ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK HDR 15POS VERT 7.5MM	0
	A-TB350-VK15 ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK HDR 15POS 45DEG 3.5MM	0
	A-TB350-OQ12CV ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS VERT 3.5MM	0
	A-TB381-OP06 ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS VERT 3.81MM	0
	A-TB500-TJ04 ASSMANN WSW Components	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 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