Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
PHP16-5,00 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER5MMPSCLOSED END 16P HO	20
PDSH12-10,16 Altech Corporation	DOUBLE LV1 HDR HORIZ 24P1016MMPS	0
PI09-5,08 Altech Corporation	PCB HDR 45 DEG 508PITCH OPEN END	0
SVF15-5,08 Altech Corporation	PLUG PCB 508MMPS VERT 15P 12A300	20
30.488 Altech Corporation	HEADER PCB 18POS 5MM HORZ	0
PVP13-3,50 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 13P 350MM VERTICAL 11	200
SVF08-10,16 Altech Corporation	PLUG PCB 1016MMPS VERT 8P 12A300	0
PH03-5,00 Altech Corporation	PCB HORIZ HEADER5MMPS 3POPEN END	1100
PDSH02-10,16 Altech Corporation	DOUBLE LV1 HDR HORIZ (100) 4P101	0
SF12-5,08 Altech Corporation	PCB HORIZ INVERTEDPLUG 508MMPS 1	0
PI07-5,08 Altech Corporation	PCB HDR 45 DEG 508PITCH OPEN END	0
SVP14-3,50-K Altech Corporation	PLUG PCB 14P 350MM VERT 11A 300V	0
PV06-10,16-K Altech Corporation	PCB VERT HEADERSCREW FLANGE 1016	0
PIP21-5,08 Altech Corporation	PCB HDR 45 DEG 508PITCH CLOSED E	0
SH05-5,08-K Altech Corporation	PCB-PLUG WSCREW FLANGE 508MMPS 5	100
37.464 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 14 P 5.08MM STLZ950/1	0
38.008 Altech Corporation	PCB PLUG 8 P 7.62MM HORIZONTAL A	0
PDV22-3,81-H-M Altech Corporation	PCB DUAL ROW HEADER 22P 381MM HO	0
SH20-5,00 Altech Corporation	PCBPLUG 5MMPS 20P12A300VGRN	0
36.455 Altech Corporation	PCB HDR 5P 3.81MM STLZ1550/05G3.	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