Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
284510-3 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 3.5MM	1287
2305909-3 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	SMT TB PARALLEL PLUG, 5.0MM, 3 P	1232
1-2342071-9 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 19POS VERT 3.5MM	200
1-284041-0 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS 5.08MM	564
2342071-4 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	4POS HDR ST HT 3.5MM PITCH TL 1.	570
284512-6 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS 90DEG 3.5MM	13049
1986374-3 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 3.81MM	0
2-1986723-1 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 21POS STR 3.5MM	0
1986718-6 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS VERT 3.5MM	393
282830-6 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS 90DEG 5MM	800
796645-5 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS 90DEG 5MM	0
2-282832-5 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 24POS VERT 5MM	0
1986722-5 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 3.81MM	0
1546105-9 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS 5.08MM	0
1986371-8 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 3.5MM	0
1-2342071-5 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 15POS VERT 3.5MM	200
282809-4 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 10.16MM	997
284541-5 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS 90DEG 3.81MM	91
2342078-9 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	9POS HDR ST HT 3.81MM PITCH TL 1	400
1-2342071-8 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 18POS VERT 3.5MM	200

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