Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
0395373004 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 5.08MM	0
0395311524 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 24POS VERT 5.08MM	90
0395360002 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 5.08MM	3178
0395305117 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 17POS STR 5.08MM	131
0395326011 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 11POS 5.08MM	1181
0395166006 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS 90DEG 3.81MM	1822
0395300008 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR 5.08MM	453
0395026504 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 3.5MM	4415
0395378007 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS 5.08MM	270
0395360004 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 5.08MM	1070
0395000003 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 3.5MM	5915
0395305116 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 16POS STR 5.08MM	216
0395305004 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 5.08MM	889
0395138007 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS 3.81MM	733
0395177011 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 11POS 3.81MM	504
0395177009 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS 3.81MM	540
0395226005 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS 90DEG 5MM	1440
0395237006 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS 270DEG 5MM	444
0395037010 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS 3.5MM	735
0395156012 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS VERT 3.81MM	1102

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