What Is a Board Terminal Block?
A board terminal block is a component designed for installation on a printed circuit board (PCB) and for electrical connection to other boards or components via wires or cables.
There are various methods to connect a board terminal block to wires and cables. For example, some types use screws to fasten wires via crimp terminals attached to the wire ends. Others incorporate a spring in each terminal of the block, allowing wires to be fastened by inserting them while pressing down on specific parts of the terminal.
In both types, soldering to connect wires or cables to the board terminal block is not necessary, enabling use by individuals without soldering expertise.
Uses of Board Terminal Blocks
Board terminal blocks facilitate the connection of multiple PCBs or between PCBs and components. This modular approach allows for separation of boards or components into functional units. For instance, a circuit design might be divided into three types of boards: A, B, and C. The A board handles basic functions, while the B and C boards provide additional features.
By using board terminal blocks, different products can be created through various combinations of these boards, such as a product with only board A, a product with both boards A and B, a product with boards A and C, or a product with all three boards.
Principles of Board Terminal Blocks
When selecting board terminal blocks, consider factors like material, insulation resistance, operating temperature range, applicable PCB thickness, and compliance with various laws and regulations. For sale in Japan, products must adhere to domestic regulations, while exports to Europe require compliance with the ROHS directive (Restriction of Hazardous Substances).
The ROHS directive mandates that electrical and electronic equipment contain less than 0.1% of specific hazardous chemical substances, including lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium, cadmium, polybrominated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, butyl benzyl phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate, and diisobutyl phthalate. This regulation aims to facilitate recycling and minimize health risks associated with electronic waste.