Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
0395369515 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 15POS 5.08MM	0
0395340612 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 5.08MM	0
0395061014 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 14POS 90DEG 3.5MM	0
0395355012 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS VERT 5.08MM	600
0395373404 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 5.08MM	0
0393710008 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR 7.5MM	0
0395214009 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 9POS VERT 5MM	0
0395369002 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 5.08MM	0
0395314018 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 18POS VERT 5.08MM	0
0395345510 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS STR 5.08MM	0
0395232912 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS 270DEG 5MM	0
0397020011 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 11C 381MM	0
0395373014 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 14POS 5.08MM	0
0395005509 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS STR 3.5MM	0
0395132403 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 3.81MM	0
0395232804 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 270DEG 5MM	0
0395372912 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS 5.08MM	0
0395300105 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 5.08MM	0
0395300722 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 22POS STR 5.08MM	0
0395045618 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 18POS STR 3.5MM	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