Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	31030112 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SHROUDED HEADER, RIGHT ANGLE, PC	0
	ASP0252104 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SPRING CLAMP TERMINAL BLOCK, PLU	0
	31330115 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SHROUDED HEADER, RIGHT ANGLE, PC	0
	31392113 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SHROUDED HEADER, RIGHT ANGLE, FL	0
	31157117 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SCREW TYPE TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUG,	0
	31393113 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SHROUDED HEADER, VERTICAL, FLANG	0
	31224117 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	PIN HEADER, VERTICAL, THR, PCB,	0
	31107116 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SCREW TYPE TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUG,	0
	ASP0451322 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SPRING CLAMP TERMINAL BLOCK, PLU	0
	31157123 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SCREW TYPE TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUG,	0
	31392123 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SHROUDED HEADER, RIGHT ANGLE, FL	0
	31041113 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	PIN HEADER, BACKWALL, VERTICAL,	0
	31166113 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SCREW TYPE TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUG,	0

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