Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
ELFP06410 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 7.62MM	0
ELFH12210J Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS 5.08MM	0
ELFP0721P0 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS STR 5.08MM	63
ELFH04210 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 5.08MM	198
ELFA14110 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 14POS 90DEG 5MM	0
ELFB10230 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS 5.08MM	0
ELFH10210J Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS 5.08MM	0
ELFF02230 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS 5.08MM	290
ELFH12210 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS 5.08MM	0
FXPT12200 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS 5.08MM	0
ELFH11210 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 11POS 5.08MM	0
ELFT03450 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 7.62MM	207
ELFH11250 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 11POS VERT 5.08MM	0
ELFA20110 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 20POS 90DEG 5MM	0
ELFB10280 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS VERT 5.08MM	0
FXPT07200 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS 5.08MM	0
FXPT03200E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 5.08MM	0
ELFP0421P0 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 5.08MM	98
FXPT05200 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS 5.08MM	0
ELFA06110 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS 90DEG 5MM	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