Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
5446749 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS 90DEG 5.08MM	18
1044738 Phoenix Contact	PCB CONNECTOR, NOMINAL CURRENT:	20
1808886 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 5.08MM	0
1862852 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS 3.5MM	0
1830392 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 32POS VERT 3.81MM	50
1731688 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 3.5MM	38
1926251 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 5MM	16
1875506 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS VERT 3.81MM	0
1767038 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 7.62MM	1331200
1758157 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 16POS VERT 5.08MM	17
3212675 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 1POS STR	47
1777358 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS STR 5.08MM	50100
3061583 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR	2
1778140 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 18POS STR 5.08MM	0
1779686 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 5MM	27
1787140 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 30POS 90DEG 3.5MM	17
1843651 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 7POS VERT 3.5MM	911
1850851 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 3.81MM	92
1748422 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS STR 3.81MM	0
1843295 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 9POS VERT 3.5MM	100200

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