Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
0395116012 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS VERT 3.81MM	1378
0395078010 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS 3.5MM	504
0395000004 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 3.5MM	3323
0395166007 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 7POS 90DEG 3.81MM	1867
0395321010 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS 5.08MM	388
0395316004 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 5.08MM	1790
0395377008 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 5.08MM	540
0395337008 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 5.08MM	426
0395232004 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 270DEG 5MM	0
0395126007 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 7POS 90DEG 3.81MM	2090
0394260002 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 12MM	0
0395051014 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 14POS VERT 3.5MM	1173
0395138005 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS 3.81MM	1187
0395277011 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 11POS 270DEG 5MM	360
0395232002 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS 270DEG 5MM	1260
0393710003 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 7.5MM	432
0395166011 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 11POS 3.81MM	1404
0395040002 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 3.5MM	5121
0395011007 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 7POS VERT 3.5MM	3077
0395011010 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS VERT 3.5MM	928

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