Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
5434353 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS VERT 5.08MM	73
1845234 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 16POS VERT 2.54MM	0
1984183 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 3.5MM	656
1861739 Phoenix Contact	CONN TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS 5.08MM	86
1788538 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK RCPT 2POS 5.08MM	32
1786174 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 5.08MM	28012350
1808721 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 5.08MM	12
1759907 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS 5.08MM	50
1975817 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 10.16MM	19
1858073 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 3.81MM	0
1792834 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS VERT 5.08MM	0
1829183 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS VERT 7.62MM	93
1792090 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS 90DEG 5MM	3044050
1766819 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS VERT 7.62MM	50
5452134 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS VERT 5MM	0
3042803 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 1POS STR	0
1786462 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 5.08MM	78
1708595 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 3.5MM	0
3208733 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS STR 6.1MM	0
1825352 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 5.08MM	223

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