Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
5444262 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 3.81MM	0
5441359 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 3.5MM	100100
1796597 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS VERT 5.08MM	0
1792685 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 5.08MM	59
1945151 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 3.5MM	5025
1861849 Phoenix Contact	CONN TERM BLOCK PLG 17POS 5.08MM	50
1834958 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS 5.08MM	37
3045460 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 90DEG	2
1835216 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 14POS 5.08MM	13450
1757543 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS 90DEG 5MM	0
1767407 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS 45DEG 5.08MM	50
1796364 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS VERT 5.08MM	0
1757307 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 5.08MM	1250
1720482 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 7.62MM	0
5433011 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 5MM	0
1776919 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS VERT 5MM	0
1845179 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 2.54MM	0
1862632 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 3.81MM	5
1825718 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 5.08MM	10
3043019 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 1POS STR	42350

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