Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
1760051 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 5.08MM	40
1767025 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 7.62MM	1502950
1962613 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 5.08MM	66
1731691 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 3.5MM	240
1924198 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 5MM	230
1720686 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 7.62MM	73
1758050 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS VERT 5.08MM	170
1787153 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 32POS 90DEG 3.5MM	289
1809351 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 11POS VERT 5.08MM	0
1847275 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 17POS STR 3.5MM	34
1792391 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 17POS 5.08MM	50
1749586 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 16POS 3.81MM	0
1809283 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 5.08MM	0
5444673 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS VERT 3.81MM	208
1842380 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 5.08MM	97
1788677 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK RCPT 16POS 5.08MM	47
1810451 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 5.08MM	0
3045415 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 90DEG	0
1803510 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 11POS VERT 3.81MM	0
1873304 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 5.08MM	46

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