Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
30.363 Altech Corporation	HEADER PCB 13POS 5MM VERT	0
SH06-5,08 Altech Corporation	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS 5.08MM	2291400
37.554 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 4 P 5.00MM STL950/04G	200600
32.512 Altech Corporation	PCB PIN HEADER 12P 5MM BLK VERT	0
30.322 Altech Corporation	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS 5MM	985300
32.520 Altech Corporation	PCB PIN HEADER 20P 5MM BLK VERT	0
SH10-3,50-K Altech Corporation	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS 3.5MM	901550
32.502 Altech Corporation	PCB PIN HEADER 2P 5MM BLK VERT 1	5006600
30.367 Altech Corporation	HEADER PCB 17POS 5MM VERT	0
32.521 Altech Corporation	PCB PIN HEADER 21P 5MM BLK VERT	0
30.309 Altech Corporation	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS 5MM	10432460
32.519 Altech Corporation	PCB PIN HEADER 19P 5MM BLK VERT	0
32.504 Altech Corporation	PCB PIN HEADER 4P 5MM BLK VERTL1	0
SHS03-5,00 Altech Corporation	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 5MM	2003900
30.328 Altech Corporation	TERM PLUG 8 P 5MM GRYBL 9A 150V	100270
SF02-5,08 Altech Corporation	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS 5.08MM	295500
SH08-5,00 Altech Corporation	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 5MM	166300
37.005 Altech Corporation	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 5.08MM	1301950
36.308 Altech Corporation	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR 3.81MM	71510
32.522 Altech Corporation	PCB PIN HEADER 22P 5MM BLK VERT	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