Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
691313710003 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 5MM	368
691311500018 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 18POS VERT 5.08MM	89
691701530012B Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	250
691309310012 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	166
691305530004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	WR-TBL SERIES 3055_5.08 MM_PCB H	0
691385700015 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.00 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	24
691322310009 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	674
691307300005 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS VERT 3.81MM	280
691367310012 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	89
691304530002 Würth Elektronik Midcom	WR-TBL SERIES 3045_5.08 MM_SCREW	237
691352410008 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 7.62MM	0
691358710008 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 5.08MM	0
691312710012 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS 90DEG 5MM	119
691311500014 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 14POS VERT 5.08MM	117
691348400006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	7.62 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, VER	109
691304100007 Würth Elektronik Midcom	WR-TBL SERIES 3041_3.50 MM_SCREW	444
691351700005 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS 5MM	88
691373500022B Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 22POS STR 5.08MM	0
691348500003 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, VER	370
691323100006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.50 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	279

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