Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
EM221806H PowerStor (Eaton)	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS 90DEG 5.08MM	0
EM501503 PowerStor (Eaton)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 90DEG 5MM	0
EM221506V PowerStor (Eaton)	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS VERT 5MM	0
EM241608 PowerStor (Eaton)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR 7.62MM	0
EM257502VC PowerStor (Eaton)	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 5.08MM	0
EM257514VC PowerStor (Eaton)	TERM BLOCK HDR 14POS VERT 5.08MM	0
EM257511VO PowerStor (Eaton)	TERM BLOCK HDR 11POS VERT 5.08MM	0
EM220107H PowerStor (Eaton)	TERM BLOCK HDR 7POS 90DEG 3.5MM	0
EM504510 PowerStor (Eaton)	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS VERT 5MM	0
EM257502HO PowerStor (Eaton)	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 5.08MM	0
EM253508HO PowerStor (Eaton)	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 5MM	0
EM358302 PowerStor (Eaton)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS 3.81MM	0
EM257503HO PowerStor (Eaton)	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 5.08MM	0
EM256510H PowerStor (Eaton)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS STR 5.08MM	100
EM242302 PowerStor (Eaton)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 3.81MM	0
EM256506H-BKL1 PowerStor (Eaton)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 5.08MM	0
EM358303 PowerStor (Eaton)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 3.81MM	0
EM257508HC PowerStor (Eaton)	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 5.08MM	0
EM252511 PowerStor (Eaton)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 11POS STR 5MM	0
EM359307VC PowerStor (Eaton)	TERM BLOCK HDR 7POS VERT 3.81MM	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