Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	ELXT11600 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 11POS 3.5MM	0
	ELFF14220 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 14POS 5.08MM	0
	ELVD085G0 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.150"/3.81MM DUAL ROW OFFSET VER	0
	SCVF11400 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 11POS STR 3.81MM	0
	ELFH19240 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 19POS 5.08MM	0
	ELVH11100 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 11POS 3.81MM	0
	ELFK11110 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" 45 ANGLED PLUG BLK	0
	ELFT17150E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.200" STRAIGHT PLUG-TOP ENTR	0
	ELFH2215GE Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" VERT HDR CLOSED ENDS W	0
	ELFA38110 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 38POS 90DEG 5MM	0
	ELVM049G0 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.150"/3.81MM VERT WIRE FIXED BLO	0
	ELVP13100E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.150"/3.81MM R/A PLUG W/EARS BLK	0
	ELFT07260E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM STRAIGHT PLUG-BOTTO	0
	ELFP12110E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" R/A PLUG W/EARS BLK	0
	ELVA36500E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.150"/3.81MM 2 TIER VERT HDR W/E	0
	ELFH14250E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM VERT HDR CLOSED END	0
	FXPT13200 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 13POS 5.08MM	0
	ELFB11130 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" MALE HDR, R/A BOARD-MO	0
	ELFA2211G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" 2-TIER ALIGNED R/A HDR	0
	ELXR21100 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	3.5MM/.138" REVERSE R/A HDR, CLO	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