Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
1768891 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 16POS 225DEG 5MM	23950
1755583 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS 90DEG 5MM	7874
1709454 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 2.5MM	54700
1803646 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS STR 3.81MM	2529700
5434557 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 3.5MM	82
1027610 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 2.54MM	44
1792397 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 7.62MM	63150
1844294 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS 90DEG 3.5MM	8301200
1860552 Phoenix Contact	CONN TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 5.08MM	5
1792643 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 5.08MM	0
1897157 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 3.5MM	37
1861564 Phoenix Contact	CONN TERM BLOCK PLG 12POS 5.08MM	50
1787386 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 40POS VERT 3.5MM	0
1754436 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 5MM	1262
1845507 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 5.08MM	80
1753534 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 7POS VERT 5MM	99
1839610 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 3.81MM	4731150
1709457 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 2.5MM	1410
1894833 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS 90DEG 2.5MM	92
1754795 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 20POS 90DEG 5MM	118

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