Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
1836748 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS BLK	100
1817987 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 20POS 3.81MM	0
1912663 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS 5.08MM	56
1759033 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 5.08MM	8754750
1845069 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS 2.54MM	0
3061729 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 1POS STR	0
1845276 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 24POS VERT 2.54MM	0
3210062 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 1POS STR	69
1828692 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 7.62MM	181100
1878846 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 3.5MM	50
1753576 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 9POS VERT 5MM	0
1902178 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR 5.08MM	31
1707913 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 20POS STR 5.08MM	50
1847107 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS STR 3.5MM	15
1776980 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS VERT 5MM	43
5444327 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 3.81MM	27
1787137 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 28POS 90DEG 3.5MM	26
1709453 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 2.5MM	551
1922640 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 10.16MM	0
1827949 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS 3.81MM	523100

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