Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
0395216012 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS VERT 5MM	720
0395137005 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS 3.81MM	1230
0395011009 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 9POS VERT 3.5MM	1199
0395066007 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 7POS 90DEG 3.5MM	1824
0395326005 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS 90DEG 5.08MM	1571
0395255009 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 9POS VERT 5MM	700
0395166010 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS 3.81MM	1374
0395232003 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 270DEG 5MM	497
0395245008 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR 5MM	425
0395156007 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 7POS VERT 3.81MM	1872
0395116007 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 7POS VERT 3.81MM	1904
0395315008 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 5.08MM	1080
0395221012 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS 90DEG 5MM	326
0395245006 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 5MM	540
0395240002 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 5MM	2012
0395265002 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 5MM	2062
0395337010 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS 5.08MM	537
0395166012 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS 3.81MM	1152
0395320003 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 5.08MM	321
0395305105 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 5.08MM	820

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