Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	ELFR22110 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.198" REVERSED R/A HDR CLOSE	0
	ELFK1521G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM 45 ANGLED PLUG GRN	0
	ELVD045G0 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.150"/3.81MM DUAL ROW OFFSET VER	0
	ELFH0215G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" VERT HDR CLOSED ENDS G	0
	ELFR05230 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM REVERSED R/A HDR CL	0
	ELFR17130E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.198" REVERSED R/A HDR CLOSE	0
	ELFB1023G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM MALE HDR, R/A BOARD	0
	ELFD40260 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 40POS VERT 5.08MM	0
	ELVT14500E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.150"/3.81MM STRAIGHT PLUG TOP E	0
	ELFH1122G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM R/A HDR OPEN ENDS G	0
	ELFT19260 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 19POS 5.08MM	0
	ELFB20230 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 20POS 5.08MM	0
	ELFH0421GE Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM R/A HDR CLOSED ENDS	0
	ELVP22100 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 22POS STR 3.81MM	0
	ELFB1423G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM MALE HDR, R/A BOARD	0
	ELFP13210E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM R/A PLUG W/EARS BLK	0
	ELFH1925G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM VERT HDR CLOSED END	0
	ELFD20120 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 20POS 90DEG 5MM	0
	ELFK06210E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM 45 ANGLED PLUG W/EA	0
	ELFB2023G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM MALE HDR, R/A BOARD	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