Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
SH12-3,50 Altech Corporation	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS 3.5MM	1231400
32.503 Altech Corporation	PCB PIN HEADER 3P 5MM BLK VERT 1	0
32.516 Altech Corporation	PCB PIN HEADER 16P 5MM BLK VERT	0
32.508 Altech Corporation	PCB PIN HEADER 8P 5MM BLK VERT 1	0
32.510 Altech Corporation	PCB PIN HEADER 10P 5MM BLK VERT	0
32.524 Altech Corporation	PCB PIN HEADER 24P 5MM BLK VERT	1360
SHCS03-5,00 Altech Corporation	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 5MM	2001600
PDV07-3,81-H-M Altech Corporation	PCB DUAL ROW HDR 7P 381MM HORIZO	0
PV19-3,50 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 19P 350MM VERTICAL 11	0
37.461 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 11 P 5.08MM STLZ950/1	0
PHP14-5,00 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER5MMPSCLOSED END 14P HO	40
SVR19-5,00 Altech Corporation	PLUG PCB 500MMPS VERT 19P 12A300	0
PVP07-5,00-L Altech Corporation	VERT HEADER 5MM 144MMPINS 7P 12A	0
MVI-10 Altech Corporation	PCB TERM10PPLUG-INCARD EDGE 635M	0
37.018 Altech Corporation	PCB PLUG 18P 5.08MM HORZ15A GRN	0
PHP23-3,50 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 23P 350MM HORIZONTAL	0
PV11-10,16-K Altech Corporation	PCB VERT HEADERSCREW FLANGE 1016	0
PVP06-10,00 Altech Corporation	PCB HDR VERT 10MMPS 6PCLOSED END	0
PDSH05-5,08 Altech Corporation	DOUBLE LVL HDR HORIZ 10P 508MMPS	0
SVP18-3,81-K Altech Corporation	PLUG PCB 18P 381MM VERT 11A 300V	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