Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
691304330012 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, VER	74
691361300018 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 18POS 3.81MM	28
691344510004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	175
691345510004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	230
691385700004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 5MM	100
691304530007 Würth Elektronik Midcom	WR-TBL SERIES 3045_5.08 MM_SCREW	120
691304300009 Würth Elektronik Midcom	WR-TBL SERIES 3043_3.81MM_SCREWL	310
691374500007B Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS STR 5.08MM	0
691321300018 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	147
691311500111 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 11POS VERT 5.08MM	179
691701310006B Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	479
691318400004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	7.62 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	171
691351400004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 7.62MM	0
691325110006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.50 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	555
691368300012B Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 3.81MM	50
691359740012 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	20
691701530004B Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	500
691352510005 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS 5.08MM	0
691325110007 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.50 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	699
691361300004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 3.81MM	982

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