Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	ELFR21160 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.198" REVERSED VERT HDR OPEN	0
	ELFF06220 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS 5.08MM	0
	ELVH11500E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.150"/3.81MM VERT HDR CLOSED END	0
	ELLH11240 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 11POS 10.16MM	0
	ELFH1621G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM R/A HDR CLOSED ENDS	0
	ELVA08100E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.150"/3.81MM 2 TIER R/A HDR W/EA	0
	ELFA3011G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" 2-TIER ALIGNED R/A HDR	0
	ELFR02280E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM REVERSED VERT HDR C	0
	ELFK03410E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.300"/7.62MM 45 ANGLED PLUG W/EA	0
	ELXT126G0 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS 3.5MM	0
	ELVD261G0 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.150"/3.81MM DUAL ROW OFFSET R/A	0
	ELFF03140 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 270DEG 5MM	0
	ELFB0513G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" MALE HDR, R/A BOARD-MO	0
	ELFB07130 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" MALE HDR, R/A BOARD-MO	0
	ESZP20100 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 20POS 90DEG 5MM	0
	ELFR14230E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM REVERSED R/A HDR CL	0
	ELVA20500E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.150"/3.81MM 2 TIER VERT HDR W/E	0
	ELVT02600E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.150"/3.81MM STRAIGHT PLUG BOTTO	0
	ELFR05150 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.198" REVERSED VERT HDR CLOS	0
	ELXT11600E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	3.5MM/.138" STRAIGHT PLUG-BOTTOM	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