Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	ELFA1815G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" 2-TIER ALIGNED VERT HD	0
	ELFT02160 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS 270DEG 5MM	0
	ELFR19210 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM REVERSED R/A HDR CL	0
	ELFA1025G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM 2-TIER ALIGNED VERT	0
	ELFH2426G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM VERT HDR OPEN ENDS	0
	ELFT11160E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.200" STRAIGHT PLUG-BOTTOM E	0
	ELFH19160 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 19POS VERT 5MM	0
	ELFF1123G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM FRONT/FRONT TOP PLU	0
	ELFT21150 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 21POS 90DEG 5MM	0
	ELFH24120 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 24POS 90DEG 5MM	0
	ELFH1123GE Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM R/A HDR CLOSED ENDS	0
	ELLA08150 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 10MM	0
	ELFH1G11GE Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" R/A HDR CLOSED ENDS W/	0
	ELFH1314G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" R/A HDR OPEN ENDS HIGH	0
	ELVT10500E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.150"/3.81MM STRAIGHT PLUG TOP E	0
	ELFH13260 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 13POS VERT 5.08MM	0
	ELFF18240 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 18POS 5.08MM	0
	ELFB22280 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM MALE HDR, VERT BOAR	0
	ELFR18150 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.198" REVERSED VERT HDR CLOS	0
	ELFR04240 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