Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	14120417005000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 4PIN MALE, VERTICA	0
	14130214001000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 2PIN MALE, VERTICA	0
	14310614106000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 6PIN FEMALE, HORIZ	0
	14310715402000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 7PIN FEMALE, HORIZ	0
	14120917002000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 9PIN MALE, HORIZON	0
	14310314102000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 3.5MM	0
	14311417402000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 14PIN FEMALE, HORI	0
	14120415001000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 3.81MM	0
	14310914102000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 9PIN FEMALE, HORIZ	0
	14310417402000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 4PIN FEMALE, HORIZ	0
	14310317106000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 3PIN FEMALE, HORIZ	0
	14310617402000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 6PIN FEMALE, HORIZ	0
	14121817006000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 18PIN MALE, HORIZO	0
	14120415006000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 4PIN MALE, HORIZON	0
	14120815002000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 3.81MM	0
	14121115002000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 11PIN MALE, HORIZO	0
	14120617001000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS VERT 5.08MM	0
	14310515102000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 5PIN FEMALE, HORIZ	0
	14310614401000 HARTING	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS 90DEG 3.5MM	0
	14311015106000 HARTING	HAR-FLEXICON, 10PIN FEMALE, HORI	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