Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
1748396 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 3.81MM	79
5430807 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 3.5MM	3
3043161 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 1POS STR	5050
1878480 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 3.81MM	40
1760129 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 11POS STR 5.08MM	50
1732742 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 5MM	110
1808890 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS STR 5.08MM	21
1708394 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 7.62MM	5150
3042887 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 1POS STR	3
1836325 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS VERT 5.08MM	96
1823859 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 5.08MM	137
1939659 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 7.62MM	9
1740398 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 5MM	950
1720893 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS 7.62MM	16
1842102 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS 5.08MM	50
3210114 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 1POS STR	43
1777808 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 5.08MM	112
1969784 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT 10.16MM	45
1984112 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS 3.5MM	1088200
1786394 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 24POS STR 5.08MM	56

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