Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
0395045010 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS STR 3.5MM	583
0395355003 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT 5.08MM	3559
0395205011 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 11POS STR 5MM	359
0395138004 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 3.81MM	895
0393710005 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 7.5MM	664
0394220002 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 12MM	78
0395033002 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS 90DEG 3.5MM	2150
0395277009 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS 270DEG 5MM	432
0395000013 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 13POS STR 3.5MM	423
0395365008 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 5.08MM	900
0395310002 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 5.08MM	2364
0395373005 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS 5.08MM	0
0395205004 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 5MM	1028
0395373012 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS 5.08MM	0
0395305110 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS STR 5.08MM	346
0395255008 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 5MM	900
0395332010 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS 5.08MM	147
0395311002 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 5.08MM	1770
0395305005 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 5.08MM	898
0395038008 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 90DEG 3.5MM	622

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