1823696 Connectors, Interconnects

Terminal blocks - wire to board are increasingly being adopted in an ever widening range of industries. From medical, industrial, defense, automotive, aerospace and communications technology, to consumer electronics, the scope of applications for these electrical interconnection systems is growing exponentially.

1823696 application field and working principle use a wide variety of connector systems, from tin-plated screw-type terminals to snap-in and crimp-on terminals that provide a screwless connection, all of which can be classed as terminal blocks. They consist of a single-piece terminal block assembly, which is mounted onto a printed circuit board. The board itself is equipped with a terminal block socket or ground terminal having three to five positions. The block is inserted in the socket and locks securely in place.

When an electrical circuit is closed, current flows from the circuit board to the terminal block, eliminating the need for soldering. This ensures that the connection is secure and the wires do not come loose in harsh environments or over time. Employing terminal blocks eliminates the need for making stranded wire connections, freeing up valuable space for other components on the board. The connections are also relatively easy to manage, as a wire can be moved to a different connection on the block quickly and safely.

Terminal blocks are also extremely reliable and provide higher current carrying capacity compared to traditional wire-to-wire connections. Another advantage is that the terminal blocks use standardised contact technology that has been tested to IEC 61076-2-101 standard. This kind of connector has been designed to provide a very high degree of vibration and shock resistance, even in extreme industrial settings such as off-road vehicles and construction equipment.

Terminal blocks are also suitable for a range of temperatures thanks to the use of insulation materials such as polyester, fibre glass, nylon, PBT or ABS. This means that they are suitable for use in environments with varying temperatures, for example, in automotive applications where a cold engine can cause a relatively hot wire to expand.

In summary, terminal blocks - wire to board provide a reliable connection for a wide range of different applications, from industrial settings to consumer electronics. They are highly reliable, safe and easy to manage, and are available in a range of different designs to cater for specific applications, such as automotive and off-road use. Additionally, the connection system is designed to withstand the toughest of environmental conditions.