Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
1873692 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS 5.08MM	6
1732755 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 5MM	204
1717314 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 5MM	232
1827127 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS 3.81MM	43468350
1786129 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 20POS VERT 5.08MM	0
5447379 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 5.08MM	295
1883530 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR 3.5MM	54
5444709 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 3.81MM	893900
1911017 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 3.5MM	0
1754627 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 11POS STR 5MM	69250
1847301 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 20POS STR 3.5MM	35200
1850958 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 3.81MM	44
1084018 Phoenix Contact	PCB HEADERS, NUMBER OF POSITIONS	94
1939947 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 3.5MM	50
1766097 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS 90DEG 7.5MM	0
3041082 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 1POS 90DEG	0
1837365 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS BLK	145
5435750 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 5.08MM	1002900
1843703 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS VERT 3.5MM	9782250
2853750 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 5MM	102

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