Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
691305530010 Würth Elektronik Midcom	WR-TBL SERIES 3055_5.08 MM_PCB H	296
691344510012 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	40
691363310003 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	396
691311700002 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 5MM	343
691701350007B Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	900
691368300010B Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS STR 3.81MM	10
691311700008 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 5MM	0
691382000007 Würth Elektronik Midcom	2.50 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	537
691373500012B Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 5.08MM	0
691325110012 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.50 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	223
691701350002B Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK, HORIZONT	885
691356310010B Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, D	180
691314520103 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, 4	600
691348500008 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, VER	170
691308330003 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT 3.81MM	0
691310340003 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 3.81MM	0
691312410003 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 7.62MM	0
691701510006B Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	300
691359740002 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS 5.08MM	0
691701510008B 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