Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
37.515 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 15 P 5.08MM STLZ950/1	0
PHP11-5,08 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER508MMPSCLOSED END 11PH	0
PDV16-3,50-H-K Altech Corporation	PCB DUAL ROW HEADER 16P 350MM HO	0
PH22-3,50-K Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 22P 350MM HORIZONTAL	0
PVS16-5,00 Altech Corporation	PCB TERMPINS 5MMPS 16P	200
36.203 Altech Corporation	PCB PLUG 3P 5.00MM VERT AK1100/0	1900
PDH10-5,08 Altech Corporation	PCB DUAL ROW HORIZ HDR 508MM 20P	0
PVP09-5,00 Altech Corporation	VERTHEADER5MMPSCLOSED END 9P12A3	250
PV12-5,08-K Altech Corporation	PCB VERTHEADERSCREW FLANGE 508PS	0
PDV18-3,50-H-P Altech Corporation	PCB DUAL ROW HEADER 18P 350MM HO	0
PV23-3,81 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 23P 381MM VERTICAL 11	0
PV13-3,50-K Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 13P 350MM VERTICAL 11	0
PDV17-3,50-V-K Altech Corporation	PCB DUAL ROW HEADER 17P 350MM VE	0
SH06-5,08-K Altech Corporation	PCB-PLUG WSCREW FLANGE 508MMPS 6	0
37.722 Altech Corporation	PCB PLUG 22 P 5.00MM HORIZONTAL	0
SHS16-5,00 Altech Corporation	PCB TERMPLUGGABLE5MMPS 16P10A250	0
37.454 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 4 P 5.08MM STLZ950/04	0
PVP08-10,16 Altech Corporation	PCB HDR VERT 1016MMPS CLOSED END	0
37.806 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER DOUBLE LEVEL 6 P 5.08	200
36.058 Altech Corporation	PCB PLUG 8P 5.08MM VERT AKZ1110/	240

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