Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
PDH05-5,08 Altech Corporation	PCB DUAL ROW HORIZ HDR 508MM 10P	0
SH19-3,81-K Altech Corporation	PCBPLUG 19P 381MM HORIZONTAL 11A	0
SHS07-5,00 Altech Corporation	PCB TERMPLUGGABLE5MMPS 7P10A250V	0
PI04-5,08 Altech Corporation	PCB HDR 45 DEG 508PITCH OPEN END	0
36.305 Altech Corporation	PCB PLUG 5P 3.81MM HORZ AKZ1550/	450
PDSV12-5,08 Altech Corporation	DOUBLE LVL HDR VERT 24P 508MMPS1	0
37.108 Altech Corporation	PCB HDR 8P 5.08MM STLZ950/08G5.0	120
SVP24-3,50-K Altech Corporation	PLUG PCB 24P 350MM VERT 11A 300V	0
PV13-5,08 Altech Corporation	VERTHEADER 508MMPS 13POPENEND12A	0
PDV16-3,81-V-P Altech Corporation	PCB DUAL ROW HEADER 16P 381MM VE	0
PVP05-5,08 Altech Corporation	VERTHEADER508PSCLOSED END 5P12A3	1900
PDV03-3,50-V-P Altech Corporation	PCB DUAL ROW HDR 3P 350MM VERTIC	0
PV04-3,50 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 4P 350MM VERTICAL 11A	0
PV02-3,50-K Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 2P 350MM VERTICAL 11A	0
PV15-5,00 Altech Corporation	VERTHEADER 5MMPS 15POPEN END12A3	0
PH24-5,08 Altech Corporation	PCB HORIZ HEADER508MMPS 24POPENE	0
PDV18-3,50-H-K Altech Corporation	PCB DUAL ROW HEADER 18P 350MM HO	0
PV07-5,00 Altech Corporation	PCB HDR VERT 5MMPS 7POPEN END12A	0
37.771 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 21 P 5.08MM STLZ990/2	0
SH05-3,50 Altech Corporation	PCBPLUG 5P 350MM HORIZONTAL 11A	900

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