Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
0395305124 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 24POS STR 5.08MM	170
0395326012 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS 5.08MM	0
0395378009 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS 5.08MM	432
0395178006 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS 3.81MM	1215
0395345005 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 5.08MM	540
0395311005 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS VERT 5.08MM	157
0395166005 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS 90DEG 3.81MM	2018
0395105003 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 3.81MM	569
0395211003 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT 5MM	1850
0395215003 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT 5MM	3590
0395326006 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS 90DEG 5.08MM	1652
0395037009 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS 3.5MM	601
0395211005 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS VERT 5MM	0
0395121004 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 3.81MM	998
0395016011 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 11POS VERT 3.5MM	1848
0395377004 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 5.08MM	864
0395000005 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 3.5MM	367
0395005005 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 3.5MM	0
0395011012 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS VERT 3.5MM	692
0395377003 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 5.08MM	1074

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