Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
31049104 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SCREW TYPE TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUG,	278
ASP0440322 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SPRING CLAMP TERMINAL BLOCK, PLU	322
31041102 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	PIN HEADER, BACKWALL, VERTICAL,	4
31030103 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SHROUDED HEADER, RIGHT ANGLE, PC	122
31183102 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	PIN HEADER, VERTICAL, SHROUDED,	0
31049102 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SCREW TYPE TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUG,	466
31107105 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SCREW TYPE TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUG,	6
31049103 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SCREW TYPE TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUG,	412
31041106 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	PIN HEADER, BACKWALL, VERTICAL,	21
ASP0440622 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SPRING CLAMP TERMINAL BLOCK, PLU	1155
31017107 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	PIN HEADER, VERTICAL, THR, PCB,	970
ASP0450822 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SPRING CLAMP TERMINAL BLOCK, PLU	149
31169106 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SCREW TYPE, TERMINAL BLOCK, VERT	456
31392102 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SHROUDED HEADER, RIGHT ANGLE, FL	182
31189103 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SHROUDED HEADER, VERTICAL, PCB,	934
31176102 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SHROUDED HEADER, RIGHT ANGLE, TH	959
3142410622-0G44 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	PIN HEADER, VERTICAL, NON-SHROUD	336
31157103 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SCREW TYPE TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUG,	9432
31157108 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SCREW TYPE TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUG,	40
31189102 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SHROUDED HEADER, VERTICAL, PCB,	1070

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