Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	ELFF14130E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" FRONT/FRONT TOP PLUG W	0
	ELLH08110 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 10MM	0
	ELXT046G0 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 3.5MM	0
	ELFR18230 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM REVERSED R/A HDR CL	0
	ELFF0614GE Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" FRONT/FRONT BOTTOM PLU	0
	ELXH10500 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS VERT 3.5MM	0
	ELLA04250 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 10.16MM	0
	ELFT07160E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.200" STRAIGHT PLUG-BOTTOM E	0
	ELFR22210E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM REVERSED R/A HDR CL	0
	ELFP10210 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS STR 5.08MM	0
	ELFH16230 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 16POS 5.08MM	0
	ELFT14160 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 14POS 270DEG 5MM	0
	ELFB16230 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 16POS 5.08MM	0
	ELFK17210E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM 45 ANGLED PLUG W/EA	0
	ELXT11500 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 11POS 3.5MM	0
	ELFH1928GE Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM VERT HDR CLOSED END	0
	ELLH10150 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS VERT 10MM	0
	ELVP08100E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.150"/3.81MM R/A PLUG W/EARS BLK	0
	ELFH0828GE Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM VERT HDR CLOSED END	0
	ELFR10140 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.198" REVERSED R/A HDR OPEN	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