Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	ELFR03250E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM REVERSED VERT HDR C	0
	ELFA4015G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" 2-TIER ALIGNED VERT HD	0
	ELFK07410E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.300"/7.62MM 45 ANGLED PLUG W/EA	0
	ELFH04280E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM VERT HDR CLOSED END	0
	ELFF1723G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM FRONT/FRONT TOP PLU	0
	ELXP22100E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	3.5MM/.138" R/A PLUG W/EARS BLK	0
	ELVD36500 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 36POS VERT 3.81MM	0
	ELFT02160E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.200" STRAIGHT PLUG-BOTTOM E	0
	ELFH14180 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 14POS VERT 5MM	0
	ELFH09290 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 9POS VERT 5.08MM	0
	ELFT13150E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.200" STRAIGHT PLUG-TOP ENTR	0
	ELFH17250E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 17POS VERT 5.08MM	0
	ELFR10260 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM REVERSED VERT HDR O	0
	ELFH12110 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS 90DEG 5MM	0
	ELFH11180E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" VERT HDR CLOSED ENDS H	0
	ELFH20160 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 20POS VERT 5MM	0
	ELFB2028G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM MALE HDR, VERT BOAR	0
	ELXH05100E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	3.5MM/.138" R/A HDR CLOSED ENDS,	0
	ELFH24190 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 24POS VERT 5MM	0
	ELFB0823G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM MALE HDR, R/A BOARD	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