Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
1845374 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS VERT 5.08MM	0
1923759 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 5MM	282
1790535 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 14POS STR 3.5MM	28
1953716 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 3.5MM	382
1835494 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 90DEG 5MM	42
1762509 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 32POS 5.08MM	85
1942727 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 5.08MM	0
1803374 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS 3.81MM	14103850
1912236 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS STR 5.08MM	347
1809270 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT 5.08MM	26
1763032 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 5MM	0
1940004 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 3.5MM	29
1790360 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 18POS STR 3.5MM	175
1879065 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 5.08MM	94
1805301 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 5.08MM	0
1955866 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT 5.08MM	30
1900468 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 3.5MM	100700
1913772 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 10.16MM	44
1913659 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 10.16MM	2650
1935624 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 24POS VERT 5MM	142

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