Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
691367110012 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.50 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	83
691374500016B Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 16POS STR 5.08MM	0
691368300013B Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 13POS STR 3.81MM	0
691321300013 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	215
691323300005 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	1162
691361300020 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 20POS 3.81MM	35
691305530008 Würth Elektronik Midcom	WR-TBL SERIES 3055_5.08 MM_PCB H	164
691369700012B Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.00 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	30
691701520003B Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	300
691701320008B Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	496
691321300015 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	164
691374500012B Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 5.08MM	0
691701520002B Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	290
691322110012 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.50 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	540
691325310003 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	454
691373500018B Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 18POS STR 5.08MM	0
691305340004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HEADER 4POS 90 3.8MM	185
691351500008 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 5.08MM	146
691363110004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 90DEG 3.5MM	584
691364100006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.50 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, VER	173

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