Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
ELFH04410 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 7.62MM	0
ELFB06280 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS VERT 5.08MM	100
ELFA18110 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 18POS 90DEG 5MM	0
ELFH07410 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 7POS 90DEG 7.62MM	0
ELFB09280 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 9POS VERT 5.08MM	0
ELFH05210E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS 90DEG 5.08MM	357
ELFP07410 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS STR 7.62MM	0
ELFP04410 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 7.62MM	0
ELFB07230 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 7POS 90DEG 5.08MM	0
ELFH03450 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT 7.62MM	202
FXPT04200 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 5.08MM	0
ELFT04450 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 7.62MM	0
FXPT09200 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS 5.08MM	0
ELFH03210E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 5.08MM	0
ELFB02230 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 5.08MM	14
ELFH05250E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS VERT 5.08MM	0
ELFA10110 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS 90DEG 5MM	0
ELFH10250 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS VERT 5.08MM	753
ELFH08210 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 5.08MM	0
ELFH10250J Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS VERT 5.08MM	147

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