Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
691701320007B Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	500
691351500003 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 5.08MM	0
691361300016 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 16POS 3.81MM	50
691359740008 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 5.08MM	0
691343710002 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.00 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, VER	307
691327310016 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, D	33
691312510005 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS 90DEG 5.08MM	73
691368300006B Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 3.81MM	1
691363110005 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS 90DEG 3.5MM	185
691343410008 Würth Elektronik Midcom	7.62 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	78
691305540009 Würth Elektronik Midcom	WR-TBL SERIES 3055_5.08 MM_PCB H	316
691701350006B Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	904
691345710005 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.00 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	140
691382010003 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 2.5MM	0
691351500015 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 15POS 5.08MM	43
691333500004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, D	197
691305540008 Würth Elektronik Midcom	WR-TBL SERIES 3055_5.08 MM_PCB H	315
691307400008 Würth Elektronik Midcom	7.62 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	120
691344710002 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.00 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	456
691353500006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, VER	380

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