Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
691305130002 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 3.5MM	967
691311500010 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS VERT 5.08MM	317
691304330008 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 180 3.81MM	0
691381030002 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 2.5MM	251
691352510018 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 18POS 5.08MM	30
691323300004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	437
691313510009 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 9POS 90DEG 5.08MM	360
691317510003 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	315
691701500011B Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	300
691364300003 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, VER	420
691361300024 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 24POS 3.81MM	38
691311500002 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 5.08MM	572
691352410003 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 7.62MM	33
691343410012 Würth Elektronik Midcom	7.62 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	25
691344410002 Würth Elektronik Midcom	7.62 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	172
691701540004B Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	1000
691357300012B Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, D	50
691368300018B Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 18POS STR 3.81MM	0
691356300004B Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, D	400
691701510011B Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	300

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