Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
1780215 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT 3.5MM	0
1912634 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 5.08MM	50
2278364 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 3.5MM	78
1861687 Phoenix Contact	CONN TERM BLOCK PLG 24POS 5.08MM	50
5446105 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 5MM	0
1936018 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 5.08MM	0
3209879 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR	76450
1861700 Phoenix Contact	CONN TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 5.08MM	240
5452093 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT 3.5MM	100
1717005 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG HYBRID 5+6POS	25
1881419 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 11POS STR 2.5MM	120
1933286 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS VERT 5MM	14371450
1923885 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 5.08MM	172700
1790137 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS STR 3.5MM	0
1844375 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 18POS 90DEG 3.5MM	1
1720806 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 7.62MM	25
1777293 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 5.08MM	2882000
1735879 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 5.08MM	126
1720961 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 7.62MM	50
1792540 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 270DEG 5MM	812

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