Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
32.506 Altech Corporation	PCB PIN HEADER 6P 5MM BLK VERT 1	0
SVF16-5,08 Altech Corporation	TERM BLOCK PLUG 16POS 5.08MM	981260
32.523 Altech Corporation	PCB PIN HEADER 23P 5MM BLK VERT	0
SH06-5,00 Altech Corporation	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS 5MM	36400
32.509 Altech Corporation	PCB PIN HEADER 9P 5MM BLK VERT 1	0
37.003 Altech Corporation	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 5.08MM	471
SH03-5,08 Altech Corporation	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 5.08MM	198
37.004 Altech Corporation	PCB PLUG 4P 5.08MM HORZ 15A GRN	401
SH08-5,08 Altech Corporation	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 5.08MM	15601750
37.105 Altech Corporation	CONN TERM BLK 5POS 5.08MM	2821350
SH06-3,50 Altech Corporation	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS 3.5MM	197
SHCS02-5,00 Altech Corporation	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS 5MM	6882900
37.466 Altech Corporation	CONN TERM BLK 16POS 5.08MM	45253270
SH12-5,00 Altech Corporation	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS 5MM	140400
32.507 Altech Corporation	PCB PIN HEADER 7P 5MM BLK VERT 1	0
32.511 Altech Corporation	PCB PIN HEADER 11P 5MM BLK VERT	0
SH04-5,08 Altech Corporation	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 5.08MM	1071850
32.514 Altech Corporation	PCB PIN HEADER 14P 5MM BLK VERT	0
36.303 Altech Corporation	PCB PLUG 3P 3.81MM HORZ AKZ1550/	683
30.306 Altech Corporation	TERM PLUG 6 P 5MM GRY 9A 150V	850

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