Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
31393102 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SHROUDED HEADER, VERTICAL, FLANG	199
31188104 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SHROUDED HEADER, RIGHT ANGLE, PC	784
31157104 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SCREW TYPE TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUG,	15651
ASP0460322 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SPRING CLAMP TERMINAL BLOCK, PLU	476
ASP0840606 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SPRING CLAMP TERMINAL BLOCK, PLU	473
31392104 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SHROUDED HEADER, RIGHT ANGLE, FL	88
31177103 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SHROUDED HEADER, VERTICAL, THR,	245
31166108 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SCREW TYPE TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUG,	412
31177108 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SHROUDED HEADER, VERTICAL, THR,	135
ASP0840806 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SPRING CLAMP TERMINAL BLOCK, PLU	100
31177104 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SHROUDED HEADER, VERTICAL, THR,	397
31166104 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SCREW TYPE TERMINAL BLOCK, PLUG,	5914
31220103 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	PIN HEADER, VERTICAL, SHROUDED,	189
ASP0460822 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SPRING CLAMP TERMINAL BLOCK, PLU	898
31176108 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SHROUDED HEADER, RIGHT ANGLE, TH	98
31188106 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SHROUDED HEADER, RIGHT ANGLE, PC	516
31020106 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SHROUDED HEADER, VERTICAL, PCB,	169
31020102 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SHROUDED HEADER, VERTICAL, PCB,	556
ASP0440222 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SPRING CLAMP TERMINAL BLOCK, PLU	931
31190108 RIA Connect / METZ CONNECT	SHROUDED HEADER, RIGHT ANGLE, TH	148

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