Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
691322110008 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 3.5MM	2965
691334500016 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, D	19
691348300006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 3.81MM	0
691701550006B Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	500
691701520004B Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	290
691314520104 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, 4	360
691330300016 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, D	40
691307300003 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT 3.81MM	95
691701520005B Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	300
691311500107 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 7POS VERT 5.08MM	281
691322310005 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS 90DEG 3.81MM	686
691701310012B Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	250
691369700003B Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.00 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	153
691336500006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, D	149
691361300022 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 22POS 3.81MM	40
691366110012 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.50 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	62
691701340011B Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	900
691368300005B Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 3.81MM	90
691701350003B Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	899
691334500014 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, D	48

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