Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
1862904 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS 3.5MM	12
1843871 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS 90DEG 3.5MM	325
1962574 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 5.08MM	0
1839652 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 3.81MM	6450
1755606 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 90DEG 5MM	0
1766330 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS 7.62MM	50100
1027615 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 13POS 2.54MM	38
1827787 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS STR 3.81MM	696
1842063 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 5.08MM	0
1808792 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS STR 5.08MM	0
5441935 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 5.08MM	36
1881587 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS VERT 2.5MM	150
1873113 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR 5.08MM	45300
1842144 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 20POS 5.08MM	2250
1753796 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 20POS VERT 5MM	49
1846904 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 22POS 90DEG 5MM	0
1873375 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 5.08MM	4750
1792630 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 5.08MM	37
1913536 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 10.16MM	92
1880300 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 5.08MM	3

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