Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
TBP02R1-381-14BE CUI Devices	TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUGGABLE, 3.81,	931
TBP02R2-381-16BE CUI Devices	TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUGGABLE, 3.81,	248
TBP01R2-508-07BE CUI Devices	TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUGGABLE, 5.08,	486
TBP01R2W-508-20BE CUI Devices	TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUGGABLE, W SCR	474
TBP01R2-508-20BE CUI Devices	TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUGGABLE, 5.08,	462
TBP01R1-508-09BE CUI Devices	TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUGGABLE, 5.08,	1569
TBP01R2-508-09BE CUI Devices	TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUGGABLE, 5.08,	575
TBP02P1W-381-10BE CUI Devices	TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUGGABLE, 3.81,	182
TBP01R1-508-08BE CUI Devices	TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUGGABLE, 5.08,	919
TBP01R1-508-07BE CUI Devices	TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUGGABLE, 5.08,	453
TBP02P1W-381-03BE CUI Devices	TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUGGABLE, 3.81,	448
TBP01P1-508-10BE CUI Devices	TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUGGABLE, 5.08	721
TBP02R2-381-10BE CUI Devices	TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUGGABLE, 3.81,	924
TBP01P1-508-06BE CUI Devices	TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUGGABLE, 5.08	743
TBP02P1-381-16BE CUI Devices	TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUGGABLE, 3.81,	19
TBP01P1W-508-20BE CUI Devices	TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUGGABLE, W SCR	421
TBP01R1W-508-20BE CUI Devices	TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUGGABLE, W SCR	636
TBP02R2W-381-04BE CUI Devices	TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUGGABLE, W SCR	0
TBP02P1-381-05BE CUI Devices	TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUGGABLE, 3.81,	1439
TBP02R1-381-16BE CUI Devices	TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUGGABLE, 3.81,	525

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