Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
1755855 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 14POS 90DEG 5MM	0
1850987 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 15POS STR 3.81MM	25
3040274 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR	202000
1804700 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 7.62MM	0
5445465 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS 90DEG 5MM	92
1910364 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 5MM	104
1786918 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 20POS 90DEG 3.5MM	198
1836312 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 5.08MM	95
1766576 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT 7.62MM	67
1902136 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 5.08MM	118
1845218 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS VERT 2.54MM	0
1836353 Phoenix Contact	HEADER, NOMINAL CURRENT: 12 A, R	100
1777235 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 18POS VERT 5.08MM	282
1777219 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 16POS VERT 5.08MM	764250
1777914 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS STR 7.62MM	0
1777888 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS STR 7.62MM	61700
1777060 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 20POS VERT 5MM	0
1877287 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 5.08MM	100
1762062 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 5.08MM	0
1753754 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 18POS VERT 5MM	0

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