Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
37.421 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 21 P 5.00MM STL950/21	0
PDV21-3,50-H-M Altech Corporation	PCB DUAL ROW HEADER 21P 350MM HO	0
PHP12-5,08 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER508MMPSCLOSED END 12PH	100
PV16-5,00 Altech Corporation	VERTHEADER 5MMPS 16POPEN END12A3	0
36.113 Altech Corporation	PCB PLUG 13P 5.08MM VERT AKZ1200	0
PDV09-3,81-H-P Altech Corporation	PCB DUAL ROW HDR 9P 381MM HORIZO	0
PHP19-3,81 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 19P 381MM HORIZONTAL	0
37.898 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER DOUBLE LEVEL 48 P 5.0	0
PDH02-5,08 Altech Corporation	PCB DUAL ROW HORIZ HDR 508MM 4P	0
SH07-10,00 Altech Corporation	PCBPLUG 10MMPS 7P 12A 300V GRN	0
SHM04-3,50-F Altech Corporation	SCREWLESSPCBPLUG 4P 350MM 8A 300	300
PV23-5,08 Altech Corporation	VERTHEADER 508MMPS 23POPENEND12A	0
PHP03-5,08 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER508MMPSCLOSED END 3PHO	11300
SH17-3,50 Altech Corporation	PCBPLUG 17P 350MM HORIZONTAL 11A	0
PHP21-3,50 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 21P 350MM HORIZONTAL	0
SVF03-3,81-K Altech Corporation	PLUG PCB 3P 381MM VERT 11A 300V	0
PDV05-3,50-H-P Altech Corporation	PCB DUAL ROW HDR 5P 350MM HORIZO	0
PVP10-3,50 Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 10P 350MM VERTICAL 11	450
PV05-3,50-K Altech Corporation	PCB HEADER 5P 350MM VERTICAL 11A	0
PDV07-3,50-H-K Altech Corporation	PCB DUAL ROW HDR 7P 350MM HORIZO	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