Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	ELFK16110 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" 45 ANGLED PLUG BLK	0
	ELVF124G0E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.150"/3.81MM FRONT/FRONT PLUG W/	0
	ELFT15250E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM STRAIGHT PLUG-TOP E	0
	ELFA0425G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM 2-TIER ALIGNED VERT	0
	ELFH1415GE Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" VERT HDR CLOSED ENDS W	0
	ELXR10100 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	3.5MM/.138" REVERSE R/A HDR, CLO	0
	ELFF22130 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 22POS 90DEG 5MM	0
	ELFH13150 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 13POS VERT 5MM	0
	ELXT076G0E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	3.5MM/.138" STRAIGHT PLUG-BOTTOM	0
	ELFB0813G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" MALE HDR, R/A BOARD-MO	0
	ELFK0921GE Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM 45 ANGLED PLUG W/EA	0
	ELFB05130 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" MALE HDR, R/A BOARD-MO	0
	ELFH1128GE Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM VERT HDR CLOSED END	0
	ELXT15600E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	3.5MM/.138" STRAIGHT PLUG-BOTTOM	0
	ELXR171G0 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	3.5MM/.138" REVERSE R/A HDR, CLO	0
	ELFD3626G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" DUAL ROW OFFSET R/A HD	0
	ELFH23220 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 23POS 5.08MM	0
	ELFA4021G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM 2-TIER ALIGNED R/A	0
	ELXH21100E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	3.5MM/.138" R/A HDR CLOSED ENDS,	0
	ELFR11220 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM REVERSED R/A HDR OP	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