Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
PDV14-3,81-V-K Altech Corporation	PCB DUAL ROW HEADER 14P 381MM VE	0
38.110 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 10 P 7.62MM STLZ960/1	0
SVF04-3,81-K Altech Corporation	PLUG PCB 4P 381MM VERT 11A 300V	0
36.208 Altech Corporation	PCB PLUG 8P 5.00MM VERT AK1100/0	30
PHP18-3,81 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 18P 381MM HORIZONTAL	0
37.420 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 20 P 5.00MM STL950/20	0
36.020 Altech Corporation	PCB PLUG 20P 5.08MM VERT AKZ1100	0
PDV06-3,81-V-M Altech Corporation	PCB DUAL ROW HDR 6P 381MM VERTIC	0
SVF03-3,50 Altech Corporation	PLUG PCB 3P 350MM VERT 11A 300V	0
PH05-5,08-K Altech Corporation	PCB HORIZHEADERSCREW FLANGE 508P	0
PH20-5,00 Altech Corporation	PCB HORIZ HEADER5MMPS 20POPEN EN	0
PDV15-3,50-V-K Altech Corporation	PCB DUAL ROW HEADER 15P 350MM VE	0
PHP13-3,81 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 13P 381MM HORIZONTAL	0
36.314 Altech Corporation	PCB PLUG 14P 3.81MM HORZ AKZ1550	0
PH02-7,50 Altech Corporation	PCB HDR HORIZ 75MMPS OPEN END2PS	0
PDSH08-5,08 Altech Corporation	DOUBLE LVL HDR HORIZ 16P 508MMPS	0
SVF18-3,81-K Altech Corporation	PLUG PCB 18P 381MM VERT 11A 300V	0
SVF13-3,81 Altech Corporation	PLUG PCB 13P 381MM VERT 11A 300V	0
PHP08-5,00 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER5MMPSCLOSED END 8P HOR	150
PV05-5,08 Altech Corporation	PCB HDR VERT 508MMPS 5POPEN END1	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