Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
691701550011B Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	500
691701340003B Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	853
691701510007B Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	300
691343410004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	7.62 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	170
691312510012 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 12P 90DEG 5.08MM	93
691311500105 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS VERT 5.08MM	0
691356300010B Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, D	180
691305340006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HEADER 6POS 90 3.8MM	98
691343410006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	7.62 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	99
691366110006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.50 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	37
691330300012 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, D	45
691351700007 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS 5MM	149
691311400106 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS VERT 7.62MM	157
691352510003 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 5.08MM	150
691369700004B Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.00 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	119
691364100003 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.50 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, VER	573
691352710004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 5MM	433
691334500006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, D	80
691368300009B Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS STR 3.81MM	0
691312410008 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 7.62MM	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