Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
691313710008 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 5MM	106
691305530006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	WR-TBL SERIES 3055_5.08 MM_PCB H	825
691365110006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.50 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	268
691311400004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 7.62MM	0
691701530005B Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, H	500
691305130006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS VERT 3.5MM	598
691309310004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 3.81MM	515
691701320012B Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	250
691374500009B Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS STR 5.08MM	0
691363310012 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	82
691337500004 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, D	140
691345710012 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.00 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	38
691352510022 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 22POS 5.08MM	20
691385700007 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.00 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	99
691321300021 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, V	120
691351500007 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS 5.08MM	56
691367310008 Würth Elektronik Midcom	3.81 MM TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG, HOR	220
691311500123 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK HDR 23POS VERT 5.08MM	59
691334500008 Würth Elektronik Midcom	5.08 MM TERMINAL BLOCK HEADER, D	120
691381000006 Würth Elektronik Midcom	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 2.5MM	713

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