Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
1827004 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS 3.81MM	4250
1833085 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK RCPT 8POS 3.81MM	89
1840405 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 3.5MM	1978600
1825527 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 5.08MM	4114700
1755596 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 90DEG 5MM	3739
1792591 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS STR 5.08MM	0
1817615 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 3.5MM	45
1844578 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 2.54MM	0
1778641 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 2.5MM	1143
1961193 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 14POS 90DEG 2.5MM	14
1836066 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 5.08MM	53
1881341 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 2.5MM	1580
1828919 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 7.62MM	57
1832620 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS 7.62MM	46
5435734 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 5.08MM	0
1835339 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS 270DEG 5MM	0
1861852 Phoenix Contact	CONN TERM BLOCK PLG 18POS 5.08MM	50
1827059 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS 3.81MM	49
1777950 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 18POS STR 5.08MM	17
1998865 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 10.16MM	39

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