Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	14120517006000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 5PIN MALE, HORIZON	0
	14311214106000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 12PIN FEMALE, HORI	0
	14121016002000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS 90DEG 5MM	0
	14120514001000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 5PIN MALE, VERTICA	0
	14310316403000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 3PIN, FEMALE, VERT	0
	14310917401000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 9PIN FEMALE, VERTI	0
	14310615102000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 3.81MM	0
	14311617106000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 16PIN FEMALE, HORI	0
	14311116402000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 11PIN FEMALE, HORI	0
	14311616402000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 16PIN FEMALE, HORI	0
	14310215102000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 3.81MM	0
	14311217102000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 5.08MM	0
	14310816102000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR 5MM	0
	14311216402000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS 90DEG 5MM	0
	14311216102000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 5MM	0
	14311014102000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS STR 3.5MM	0
	14120315005000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 3PIN MALE, VERTICA	0
	14130617001000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 6PIN MALE, VERTICA	0
	14310314106000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 3PIN FEMALE, HORIZ	0
	14121216001000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS VERT 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