Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
PH07-7,50 Altech Corporation	PCB HDR HORIZ 75MMPS OPEN END7PS	0
SH04-3,50 Altech Corporation	PCBPLUG 4P 350MM HORIZONTAL 11A	700
37.469 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 19 P 5.08MM STLZ950/1	0
PV24-5,00 Altech Corporation	VERTHEADER 5MMPS 24POPEN END12A3	0
SVF24-3,81-K Altech Corporation	PLUG PCB 24P 381MM VERT 11A 300V	0
PV10-3,81 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 10P 381MM VERTICAL 11	0
37.470 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 20 P 5.08MM STLZ950/2	0
38.104 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 4 P 7.62MM STLZ960/04	0
SH09-10,00 Altech Corporation	PCBPLUG 10MMPS 9P 12A 300V GRN	0
37.020 Altech Corporation	PCB PLUG 20P 5.08MM HORZ 15A 300	30
SH21-5,08-K Altech Corporation	PCB-PLUG WSCREW FLANGE 508MMPS21	0
PVP16-5,08 Altech Corporation	VERTHEADER508PSCLOSED END 16P12A	180
PH21-5,00 Altech Corporation	PCB HORIZ HEADER5MMPS 21POPEN EN	0
SVF23-3,81 Altech Corporation	PLUG PCB 23P 381MM VERT 11A 300V	0
MVI-3 Altech Corporation	PCB TERM 3PPLUG-INCARD EDGE 635M	0
36.410 Altech Corporation	PCB HDR 10P 3.81MM HORZ	690
36.269 Altech Corporation	PCB PLUG 19P 5.00MM VERT AK1110/	0
37.892 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER DOUBLE LEVEL 42 P 5.0	0
SH10-3,81 Altech Corporation	PCBPLUG 10P 381MM HORIZONTAL 11A	300
37.119 Altech Corporation	PCB HDR 19P 5.08MM HORZ	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