Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
1852370 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 3.81MM	40
1862658 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS 3.81MM	89
1860743 Phoenix Contact	CONN TERM BLOCK PLG 21POS 5.08MM	5050
1766673 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT 7.5MM	29
3045499 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS 90DEG	28
1924457 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS VERT 5MM	37
1954935 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 5.08MM	0
1827020 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS 3.81MM	48
1792061 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS 90DEG 5MM	30
1717103 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HEADER HYBRID 3+4POS	37
1840353 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 20POS STR 3.81MM	46150
1777345 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR 5.08MM	0
1748367 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 3.81MM	6650
1765599 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR 3.5MM	31
5441786 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 5.08MM	0
1845250 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 20POS VERT 2.54MM	0
1754568 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 5.08MM	0
1851410 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 20POS STR 3.81MM	26
1830431 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS VERT 3.81MM	31
1893740 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR 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