Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
691357310012B Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, D	50
691353500011 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, VER	60
691351500004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 5.08MM	2220
691343510012 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	40
691374500018B Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 18POS STR 5.08MM	0
691305330006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS VERT 3.8MM	515
691348500007 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, VER	130
691352510015 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 15POS 5.08MM	30
691305540003 Würth Elektronik Midcom	WR-TBL SERIES 3055_5.08 MM_PCB H	800
691351400007 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS 7.62MM	89
691309310008 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 3.81MM	100
691309410007 Würth Elektronik Midcom	7.62 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	175
691304100005 Würth Elektronik Midcom	WR-TBL SERIES 3041_3.50 MM_SCREW	575
691701320003B Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	500
691373500021B Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 21POS STR 5.08MM	0
691307500003 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	323
691340400005 Würth Elektronik Midcom	7.62 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, VER	119
691366110005 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.50 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	240
691314520110 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, 4	156
691701350008B Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	890

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