Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	ELFH2318G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" VERT HDR CLOSED ENDS H	0
	ELVT07600 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS 3.81MM	0
	ELFT14160E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.200" STRAIGHT PLUG-BOTTOM E	0
	ELFD46260 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 46POS VERT 5.08MM	0
	ELFR03210 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM REVERSED R/A HDR CL	0
	ELFF03230E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM FRONT/FRONT TOP PLU	0
	ELFH2222G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM R/A HDR OPEN ENDS G	0
	ELFH07150E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" VERT HDR CLOSED ENDS W	0
	ELXT115G0E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	3.5MM/.138" STRAIGHT PLUG-TOP EN	0
	ELFR03120 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.198" REVERSED R/A HDR OPEN	0
	ELFH15140 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 15POS 90DEG 5MM	0
	ELVR03100E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.150"/3.81MM REVERSED R/A HDR CL	0
	ELVA28100E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.150"/3.81MM 2 TIER R/A HDR W/EA	0
	ELFH10250E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM VERT HDR CLOSED END	0
	ELFR21180 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.198" REVERSED VERT HDR CLOS	0
	ELFA06150 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS VERT 5MM	0
	ELFR22250E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM REVERSED VERT HDR C	0
	ELFB21280 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM MALE HDR, VERT BOAR	0
	ELFT23260 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 23POS 5.08MM	0
	ELFH2223GE Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM R/A HDR CLOSED ENDS	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