Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	ELVH155G0 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.150"/3.81MM VERT HDR CLOSED END	0
	ELFH02260 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 5.08MM	0
	ELFH1223GE Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM R/A HDR CLOSED ENDS	0
	ELFB10130 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" MALE HDR, R/A BOARD-MO	0
	ELLH08180 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 10MM	0
	ELVR15500E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.150"/3.81MM REVERSED VERT HDR C	0
	ELXR215G0 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	3.5MM/.138" REVERSE VERT HDR, CL	0
	ELFH07110E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" R/A HDR CLOSED ENDS W/	0
	ELFH16150E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" VERT HDR CLOSED ENDS W	0
	ELXT20600 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 20POS 3.5MM	0
	ELFA0421G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM 2-TIER ALIGNED R/A	0
	ELVT07500E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.150"/3.81MM STRAIGHT PLUG TOP E	0
	ELFA1211G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" 2-TIER ALIGNED R/A HDR	0
	ELFH1613G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" R/A HDR CLOSED ENDS HI	0
	ELFK0721G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM 45 ANGLED PLUG GRN	0
	ELFT03150 Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 90DEG 5MM	0
	ELFH2424G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM R/A HDR OPEN ENDS H	0
	ELVH02500E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.150"/3.81MM VERT HDR CLOSED END	0
	ELFH2118G Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	5MM/.197" VERT HDR CLOSED ENDS H	0
	ELFK03210E Socapex (Amphenol Pcd)	.200"/5.08MM 45 ANGLED PLUG W/EA	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