Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
1755590 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 11POS VERT 5MM	33
1945096 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 3.5MM	496177950
1952474 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 3.5MM	50
1716958 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG HYBRID 5+6POS	20
1808705 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 16POS STR 5.08MM	0
1910393 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 5MM	136600
1772618 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 3.5MM	10
1721067 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 7POS 90DEG 7.62MM	0
1827295 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 45DEG 3.81MM	182250
1945216 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 14POS VERT 3.5MM	231
1737709 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS 90DEG 7.5MM	131
1860730 Phoenix Contact	CONN TERM BLOCK PLG 21POS 5.08MM	4650
1844922 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 20POS VERT 3.81MM	50
1827800 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 3.81MM	34650
1826380 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS 5.08MM	46
1753712 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 16POS VERT 5MM	31100
1939756 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 7.62MM	0
1777749 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 7.62MM	259
1836105 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 5.08MM	150
1863097 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 11POS 3.5MM	31

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