Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
1843318 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 11POS VERT 3.5MM	0
1998946 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 10.16MM	0
1940088 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 20POS STR 3.5MM	0
1894901 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 24POS 90DEG 2.5MM	61
1758364 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 5.08MM	199
1762266 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS VERT 5.08MM	39
1844853 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 30POS 2.54MM	0
1015458 Phoenix Contact	CONN PLUG 8POS 2.5MM	496100
1754591 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS 90DEG 5MM	983
1778612 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 2.5MM	417
1720819 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 7.62MM	142
1731811 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 16POS 90DEG 3.5MM	50
1757572 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 13POS 90DEG 5MM	0
1830240 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 32POS 3.81MM	0
1847945 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 7.62MM	16
1808913 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 5.08MM	352
1821148 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS STR 2.54MM	0
1755875 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 16POS VERT 5.08MM	312
3212730 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 1POS STR	37
1912427 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 5.08MM	0

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