Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
SVP04-3,81-K Altech Corporation	PLUG PCB 4P 381MM VERT 11A 300V	0
PDV02-3,50-H-P Altech Corporation	PCB DUAL ROW HDR 2P 350MM HORIZO	0
SH02-3,50-K Altech Corporation	PCBPLUG 2P 350MM HORIZONTAL 11A	0
PH09-10,16 Altech Corporation	PCB HDR HORIZ1016MMPS OPEN END9P	0
PV04-3,81 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 4P 381MM VERTICAL 11A	0
PHP03-3,50 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 3P 350MM HORIZONTAL 1	356
PDV21-3,81-H-M Altech Corporation	PCB DUAL ROW HEADER 21P 381MM HO	0
PV05-10,00 Altech Corporation	PCB HDR VERT 10MMPS 5P OPEN END	0
PIP18-5,08 Altech Corporation	PCB HDR 45 DEG 508PITCH CLOSED E	0
PDV20-3,81-H-M Altech Corporation	PCB DUAL ROW HEADER 20P 381MM HO	0
SVF18-3,50 Altech Corporation	PLUG PCB 18P 350MM VERT 11A 300V	0
PH18-3,50-K Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 18P 350MM HORIZONTAL	0
36.216 Altech Corporation	PCB PLUG 16P 5.00MM VERT AK1100/	0
PDSH08-10,16 Altech Corporation	DOUBLE LV1 HDR HORIZ 16P1016MMPS	0
PDH06-5,08 Altech Corporation	PCB DUAL ROW HORIZ HDR 508MM 12P	0
PI19-5,08 Altech Corporation	PCB HDR 45 DEG 508PITCH OPEN END	0
PHP02-3,50 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 2P 350MM HORIZONTAL 1	200
36.116 Altech Corporation	PCB PLUG 16P 5.08MM VERT AKZ1200	0
SH02-3,50 Altech Corporation	PCBPLUG 2P 350MM HORIZONTAL 11A	400
PI10-5,08 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