Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
691311700108 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 5MM	160
691317510002 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	464
691385700018 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.00 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	41
691301710003 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.00 MM TERMINAL BLOCK, HORIZONT	665
691313410002 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 7.62MM	754
691701510012B Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	150
691313510014 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 14P 90DEG 5.08MM	239
691313410005 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS 90DEG 7.62MM	169
691366310005 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	152
691312710008 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 5MM	129
691374500017B Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 17POS STR 5.08MM	0
691312710004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 5MM	300
691304330004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 180 3.81MM	151
691343510006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	117
691374500010B Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS STR 5.08MM	0
691344510008 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	92
691314520102 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, 4	600
691305340007 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HEADER 7POS 90 3.8MM	0
691352410002 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS 7.62MM	311
691367310006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	247

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