Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
1923432 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 2.5MM	41650
1922488 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 10.16MM	40
1792724 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS 5.08MM	2
1873087 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 5.08MM	100
1787373 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 38POS VERT 3.5MM	38
3043064 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 1POS STR	32
1842128 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 16POS 5.08MM	6
1939950 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 3.5MM	331200
1912443 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS 5.08MM	100
1827305 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS 45DEG 3.81MM	7100
1717021 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HEADER 7.62MM 6POS	50
1981225 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 5.08MM	0
1778001 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 5.08MM	2411
1779424 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 5MM	49
1840052 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 16POS 5.08MM	324
3208694 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 6.1MM	0
1788505 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 3.5MM	1118
5441346 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 3.5MM	102
1718481 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 7.62MM	547
1787205 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 3.5MM	232

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