Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
1546018-3 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 90DEG 5MM	0
2342082-3 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	3POS HDR ST HT 5.00MM PITCH TL 2	800
2213935-3 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	SMT TB PERP PLUG, RET, 5.0MM, 3	989
282807-4 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 5.08MM	339
1-1546108-0 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS STR 5.08MM	0
796639-5 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS 90DEG 5.08MM	0
282825-3 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT 5.08MM	1907
284519-2 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 3.81MM	0
1-1986722-8 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 18POS STR 3.81MM	0
796644-7 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 7POS 90DEG 5MM	0
1-2351885-4 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	14POS HEADER 180 DEG 5.00MM T	2000
1986717-5 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS VERT 3.5MM	0
2-1546931-9 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS VERT 5MM	0
1986720-5 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 3.81MM	212
1-1986723-6 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 16POS STR 3.5MM	0
2342077-7 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 7POS 90DEG 3.81MM	399
1-2342071-7 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 17POS VERT 3.5MM	200
2342078-5 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	5POS HDR ST HT 3.81MM PITCH TL 1	600
2342083-5 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	5POS HDR 90 DEG HT 5.08MM PITCH	600
1-282830-0 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS 90DEG 5MM	20

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