Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
0395011005 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS VERT 3.5MM	572
0395105011 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 11POS STR 3.81MM	706
0395316003 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT 5.08MM	1090
0395378003 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 5.08MM	1065
0395021014 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 14POS 90DEG 3.5MM	951
0395011015 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 15POS VERT 3.5MM	969
0395021011 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 11POS 90DEG 3.5MM	0
0395045012 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 3.5MM	523
0395316010 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS VERT 5.08MM	717
0395100720 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 20POS STR 3.81MM	0
0395238923 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 23POS 90DEG 5MM	0
0395178307 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS 3.81MM	0
0395300510 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS STR 5.08MM	0
0395285008 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 5MM	0
0395126504 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 3.81MM	0
0398690256 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 5.08MM	0
0395369017 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 17POS 5.08MM	0
0395166507 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 7POS 90DEG 3.81MM	0
0393740908 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 90DEG 7.5MM	0
0395156513 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 13POS VERT 3.81MM	0

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