Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
0395051012 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS VERT 3.5MM	591
0395345010 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS STR 5.08MM	360
0395021008 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 3.5MM	338
0395016006 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS VERT 3.5MM	2763
0395326007 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 7POS 90DEG 5.08MM	1651
0395345008 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR 5.08MM	427
0395021006 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS 90DEG 3.5MM	9864
0395245011 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 11POS STR 5MM	288
0395377002 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS 5.08MM	1593
0395032006 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS 3.5MM	1032
0395021009 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 9POS 90DEG 3.5MM	1267
0395066004 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 3.5MM	2869
0395216007 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 7POS VERT 5MM	1068
0395100012 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 3.81MM	586
0395345012 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 5.08MM	288
0395000510 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS STR 3.5MM	0
0395116002 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 3.81MM	3089
0395056011 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 11POS VERT 3.5MM	931
0395116006 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS VERT 3.81MM	1958
0395245009 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS STR 5MM	360

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