Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
691318500005 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	357
691382000002 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 2.5MM	1195
691353500018 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, VER	15
691311400104 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 7.62MM	334
691311500110 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS VERT 5.08MM	1027
691305540006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	WR-TBL SERIES 3055_5.08 MM_PCB H	384
691322310010 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	415
691307500004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	241
691374500004B Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 5.08MM	0
691305140006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HEADER 6POS 90 3.5MM	99
691309310002 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 3.81MM	300
691312510018 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 18P 90DEG 5.08MM	5
691321300017 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	160
691308330007 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	300
691369700002B Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.00 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	186
691317710005 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.00 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	451
691382040005 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS 90DEG 2.5MM	0
691374500023B Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 23POS STR 5.08MM	0
691356310006B Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, D	257
691353500003 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, VER	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