Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
14310516102000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 5MM	0
14310214102000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 3.5MM	194
14111213001000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS VERT 2.54MM	489
14310410301000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 1.27MM	71
14310514106000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 5PIN FEMALE, HORIZ	0
14110313002000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 2.54MM	0
14310613101000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 2.54MM	0
14110913001000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK HDR 9POS VERT 2.54MM	443
14120516002000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS 90DEG 5MM	0
14310517102000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 5.08MM	0
14120416002000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 5MM	400
14110813001000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 2.54MM	76
14111113002000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK HDR 11POS 2.54MM	592
14110213001000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 2.54MM	7671
14310815102000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR 3.81MM	0
14310813101000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR 2.54MM	162
14311113101000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK PLUG 11POS STR 2.54MM	0
14310313101000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 2.54MM	0
14110613001000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS VERT 2.54MM	1551
14311213101000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 2.54MM	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