Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
691361100006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 3.5MM	0
691374500015B Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 15POS STR 5.08MM	0
691701310010B Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	500
691325310008 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	324
691373500003B Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 5.08MM	0
691328310012 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, D	39
691313510002 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 5.08MM	127
691344410006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	7.62 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	140
691313710012 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS 90DEG 5MM	239
691382040007 Würth Elektronik Midcom	2.50 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	659
691318500006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	420
691359740006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS 5.08MM	0
691343410003 Würth Elektronik Midcom	7.62 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	187
691344710003 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.00 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	258
691368300017B Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 17POS STR 3.81MM	0
691321300023 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	120
691308330002 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 3.81MM	0
691343510004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	213
691304130012 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.50 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, VER	79
691317410003 Würth Elektronik Midcom	7.62 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	395

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