Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
691701530002B Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	500
691385700006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 5MM	50
691366310012 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	90
691358710004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 5.08MM	0
691701500010B Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	300
691319510004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, D	185
691382030005 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS VERT 2.5MM	45
691357300008B Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, D	120
691323300006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	1334
691353500022 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, VER	20
691358310004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 3.81MM	0
691312510002 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 5.08MM	119
691348300005 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 3.81MM	1403
691337500014 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, D	29
691361300005 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS 3.81MM	155
691373500002B Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 5.08MM	78
691318700008 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.00 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	299
691311500103 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT 5.08MM	0
691328310010 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, D	175
691366310003 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	874

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