Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
5452131 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT 5MM	0
1861659 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 3.81MM	100
1825514 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 5.08MM	1181550
1844918 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS VERT 2.54MM	0
1790496 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 3.5MM	0
1861535 Phoenix Contact	CONN TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS 5.08MM	100
1984332 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 90DEG 3.5MM	906
3040708 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 1POS STR	54
1766686 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 7.5MM	651
1735866 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 5.08MM	14
5452215 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 5MM	186
1731549 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 3.5MM	156
1809160 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 11POS 5.08MM	0
1015463 Phoenix Contact	CONN PLUG 3POS 2.5MM	498250
1027613 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 11POS 2.54MM	50
1880753 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 11POS STR 5.08MM	50
1737822 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 7.5MM	50
3210855 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 1POS STR	0
1714346 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS STR 7.62MM	8
1863068 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 3.5MM	50

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