Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	ELFK18110E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" 45 ANGLED PLUG W/EARS	0
	ELXA02100E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	3.5MM/.138" 2 TIER R/A HDR W/EAR	0
	ELFF1623G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM FRONT/FRONT TOP PLU	0
	ELFB24180 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" MALE HDR, VERT BOARD-M	0
	ELLH04110 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 10MM	0
	ELFH1913GE Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" R/A HDR CLOSED ENDS HI	0
	ELVF12400 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 3.81MM	0
	ELFT19160 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 19POS 270DEG 5MM	0
	ELXA09100E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	3.5MM/.138" 2 TIER R/A HDR W/EAR	0
	ELFH0218GE Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" VERT HDR CLOSED ENDS H	0
	ELVA325G0 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.150"/3.81MM 2 TIER VERT HDR GRN	0
	ELFR19120 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.198" REVERSED R/A HDR OPEN	0
	ELFH24280 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 24POS VERT 5.08MM	0
	ELVF15400 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 15POS STR 3.81MM	0
	ELFH1123G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM R/A HDR CLOSED ENDS	0
	ELXH21100 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 21POS 90DEG 3.5MM	0
	ELLA20110 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 20POS 90DEG 10MM	0
	ELVT04600 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 3.81MM	0
	ELFH0628GE Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM VERT HDR CLOSED END	0
	ELVH095G0E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.150"/3.81MM VERT HDR CLOSED END	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