Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
1827198 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS 3.81MM	164
1786970 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 16POS STR 5MM	43
1913633 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR 10.16MM	21
1809018 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 15POS STR 5.08MM	0
1863369 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 90DEG 3.5MM	35
1844304 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 11POS 90DEG 3.5MM	765
1777183 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 13POS VERT 5.08MM	58
1830428 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT 3.81MM	345
1862700 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 15POS 3.81MM	0
5441993 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG 5.08MM	256
1847903 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 7.62MM	39
5452092 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 3.5MM	83
1770711 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG 5.08MM	25
1766893 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 7.5MM	0
1952296 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 3.5MM	1812
1787467 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK HDR 18POS VERT 3.5MM	26
1830715 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS VERT 3.5MM	38
1939934 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 3.5MM	18200
3061541 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 1POS STR	0
3061703 Phoenix Contact	TERM BLOCK PLUG 1POS STR	0

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