Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
691318500002 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	188
691365110004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.50 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	284
691323300002 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	803
691300700024 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.00 MM TERMINAL BLOCK, VERTICAL	58
691313510016 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 16P 90DEG 5.08MM	243
691358710002 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS 5.08MM	0
691311500108 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 5.08MM	0
691322310023 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	119
691353500002 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, VER	179
691304330005 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS 180 3.81MM	0
691328310008 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, D	109
691373500013B Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 13POS STR 5.08MM	0
691313510010 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 10P 90DEG 5.08MM	381
691304130006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS 180 3.50MM	0
691311500119 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 19POS VERT 5.08MM	90
691328310004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, D	125
691368300003B Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 3.81MM	0
691361300002 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS 3.81MM	2778
691352410004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 7.62MM	413
691701520006B 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