Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
1717106 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HEADER HYBRID 4+6POS	49
1984138 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 14POS 3.5MM	727
1858772 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 7.62MM	281300
1815950 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 5.08MM	79
1736690 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG 5MM	0
1925692 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 5.08MM	49
1790409 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 26POS STR 3.5MM	48
1808828 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 5.08MM	0
1803361 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 11POS 3.81MM	18
1821685 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 16POS VERT 2.54MM	0
1826283 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS 5.08MM	189800
1893708 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 3.5MM	40
1806245 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 7.62MM	35
1900963 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS STR 5.08MM	0
1827017 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS 3.81MM	267
5452136 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 5MM	0
1883048 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 5MM	27
1769074 Phoenix Contact	PLUG COMPONENT NOMINAL CURRENT:	5750
1962590 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 5.08MM	40
5441184 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 5MM	84

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