Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
0395066002 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 3.5MM	3992
0395116003 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT 3.81MM	1800
0395340003 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 5.08MM	19
0395238012 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS 90DEG 5MM	432
0395016008 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 3.5MM	2282
0395016005 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS VERT 3.5MM	3454
0395005006 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 3.5MM	0
0395011016 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 16POS VERT 3.5MM	0
0395100010 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS STR 3.81MM	382
0395200004 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 5MM	1022
0395005012 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 3.5MM	0
0395216005 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS VERT 5MM	1240
0395037006 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS 3.5MM	951
0395166003 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 3.81MM	3286
0395337003 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 5.08MM	290
0395216002 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 5MM	0
0395116010 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS VERT 3.81MM	1510
0395300007 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS STR 5.08MM	510
0395133004 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 3.81MM	848
0395066009 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 9POS 90DEG 3.5MM	1728

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