Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
796864-8 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 5MM	0
2-1986692-3 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 23POS STR 3.5MM	0
1-1986722-7 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 17POS STR 3.81MM	0
1-2342082-5 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 15POS VERT 5MM	175
1986716-6 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS 90DEG 3.5MM	0
2-1986723-3 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 23POS STR 3.5MM	0
796640-6 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 5MM	940
2-1546931-8 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 5MM	0
1986374-9 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS 3.81MM	0
796980-9 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 9POS VERT 7.62MM	174
1-2350513-5 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	15POS HEADER 90 DEG 5.00MM TA	2843
284041-4 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 5.08MM	3579
1-1546122-2 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS 5.08MM	0
284539-4 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 3.5MM	1020
2-2342078-2 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 22POS VERT 3.81MM	99
282812-8 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 5MM	0
2342079-4 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	4POS HDR 90 DEG HT 5.00MM PITCH	600
1986160-5 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 5.08MM	0
1-2342076-4 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 14POS 90DEG 3.5MM	200
1546931-5 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS VERT 5MM	496

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