Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	14120515001000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 5PIN MALE, VERTICA	0
	14310515401000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 5PIN FEMALE, VERTI	0
	14120316002000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 5MM	0
	14311214402000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 3.5MM	0
	14120914005000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 9PIN MALE, VERTICA	0
	14311017106000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 10PIN FEMALE, HORI	0
	14120417002000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 5.08MM	0
	14310715401000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 7PIN FEMALE, VERTI	0
	14311214102000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 3.5MM	0
	14120317005000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 3PIN MALE, VERTICA	0
	14310315106000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 3PIN FEMALE, HORIZ	0
	14120217006000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 2PIN MALE, HORIZON	0
	14311215402000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 12PIN FEMALE, HORI	0
	14310417106000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 4PIN FEMALE, HORIZ	0
	14120717002000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 7PIN MALE, HORIZON	0
	14310217402000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 2PIN FEMALE, HORIZ	0
	14120515005000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 5PIN MALE, VERTICA	0
	14311615402000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 16PIN FEMALE, HORI	0
	14310414402000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 3.5MM	0
	14310316102000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 5MM	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