Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
0395310005 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS VERT 5.08MM	1770
0395321005 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS 90DEG 5.08MM	1619
0395138011 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 11POS 3.81MM	567
0395105012 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 3.81MM	605
0395378011 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 11POS 5.08MM	360
0395021017 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 17POS 90DEG 3.5MM	0
0395315002 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 5.08MM	3000
0395178012 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS 3.81MM	431
0395000012 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 3.5MM	4829
0395345004 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 5.08MM	589
0395038009 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS 90DEG 3.5MM	832726
0395045008 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR 3.5MM	508
0395310009 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 9POS VERT 5.08MM	1781
0395378008 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 5.08MM	270
0393710002 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 7.5MM	454
0395333008 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 5.08MM	383
0395325002 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 5.08MM	2988
0395365003 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 5.08MM	1799
0395000002 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 3.5MM	2857
0395056008 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 3.5MM	1860

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