Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
0395061006 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS 90DEG 3.5MM	0
0395225006 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS 90DEG 5MM	1404
0395005010 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS STR 3.5MM	1421
0395311007 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 7POS VERT 5.08MM	1726
0395265009 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 9POS 90DEG 5MM	720
0395166004 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 3.81MM	2858
0395360003 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 5.08MM	513
0395021015 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 15POS 90DEG 3.5MM	0
0395305114 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 14POS STR 5.08MM	272
0395205005 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 5MM	796
0395373006 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS 5.08MM	0
0395355008 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 5.08MM	529
0395337012 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS 5.08MM	429
0395026002 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 3.5MM	3652
0395021020 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 20POS 90DEG 3.5MM	270
0395221003 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 5MM	3
0395321004 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 5.08MM	0
0395215009 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 9POS VERT 5MM	900
0395166008 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 3.81MM	1598
0399800404 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 5.08MM	26246

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