Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
1757242 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 5.08MM	2147483647
1766466 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT 7.5MM	0
5452010 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 3.5MM	82
1728905 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 7POS 90DEG 7.62MM	0
1808750 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 5.08MM	0
1757200 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 21POS STR 5.08MM	5050
1809271 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 5.08MM	48
1780406 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS VERT 3.5MM	0
1843813 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 3.5MM	20
1830350 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 24POS VERT 3.81MM	35
1944796 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 5MM	172
1844210 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 3.5MM	449315500
1745894 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 3.81MM	679
1912401 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS 5.08MM	397
1939976 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS STR 3.5MM	37
1754856 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR 5.08MM	62
3051043 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 1POS STR	3531450
1796005 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 5.08MM	24
1803277 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 3.81MM	8560250
1748370 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 3.81MM	145150

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