Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
SVR21-5,00-K Altech Corporation	PLUG PCB SCREW VERT 5MMPS 21P 12	0
38.112 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 12 P 7.62MM STLZ960/1	0
37.565 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 15 P 5.00MM STL950/15	40
PH16-3,50 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 16P 350MM HORIZONTAL	0
PDV14-3,50-H-M Altech Corporation	PCB DUAL ROW HEADER 14P 350MM HO	0
36.054 Altech Corporation	PCB PLUG 4P 5.08MM VERT AKZ1110/	501000
38.102 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 2 P 7.62MM STLZ960/02	0
36.211 Altech Corporation	PCB PLUG 11P 5.00MM VERT AK1100/	0
37.417 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 17 P 5.00MM STL950/17	0
PVP15-5,00 Altech Corporation	VERTHEADER5MMPSCLOSED END 15P12A	240
SH04-5,00 Altech Corporation	PCBPLUG 5MMPS 4P12A300VGRN	505700
PV19-3,81-K Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 19P 381MM VERTICAL 11	0
PV18-5,00 Altech Corporation	VERTHEADER 5MMPS 18POPEN END12A3	0
SH10-10,00 Altech Corporation	PCBPLUG 10MMPS 10P 12A 300V GRN	0
PHP05-10,16 Altech Corporation	PCB HDR HORIZ 1016MMPS CLOSED EN	0
36.209 Altech Corporation	PCB PLUG 9P 5.00MM VERT AK1100/0	0
PH19-3,81 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 19P 381MM HORIZONTAL	0
37.219 Altech Corporation	PCB HDR 19P 5.08MM STLZ950/19G5.	0
PDV22-3,50-V-M Altech Corporation	PCB DUAL ROW HEADER 22P 350MM VE	0
PI03-5,08 Altech Corporation	PCB HDR 45 DEG 508PITCH OPEN END	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