Amphenol RF 031-4541 BNC Connector Plug Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Amphenol RF 031-4541 is a BNC connector plug designed for 50-ohm coaxial cable applications. This male pin connector features crimp or solder termination and operates across a frequency range up to 4 GHz, making it suitable for RF and signal transmission applications. The connector is classified as Active product status with 1094 units currently in stock. Substitute parts are necessary when specific termination methods, cable compatibility requirements, or compliance certifications differ from the original specification, or when inventory availability necessitates alternative sourcing.

Substiute Parts

031-4541

Amphenol RFIn Stock: 1165031-4541 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

1-221265-1

TE Connectivity Aerospace, Defense and MarineIn Stock: 1228101-221265-1 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

1-5221128-1

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 9481-5221128-1 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

5285

Pomona ElectronicsIn Stock: 6875285 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the Amphenol RF 031-4541 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

• Connector Style: BNC (fixed requirement)
• Connector Type: Plug, Male Pin (fixed requirement)
• Impedance: 50 Ohms (fixed requirement)
• Mounting Type: Free Hanging (In-Line) (fixed requirement)
• Fastening Type: Bayonet Lock (fixed requirement)
• Frequency - Max: 4 GHz (fixed requirement)
• Voltage Rating: 500 V (fixed requirement)

Secondary Compatibility Criteria:

• Contact Termination: Crimp or Solder (substitutes may differ in termination method)
• Shield Termination: Clamp or Crimp (substitutes may differ)
• Cable Group: Compatibility with RG-series cables (substitutes may support different cable groups)
• Operating Temperature Range: -65°C ~ 165°C (substitutes must meet or exceed this range)
• Mating Cycles: 500 (substitutes must meet or exceed this specification)

All substitute parts listed maintain the core BNC 50-ohm plug configuration with identical mechanical and electrical performance characteristics within the specified frequency and voltage parameters.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitute: TE Connectivity Aerospace, Defense and Marine 1-221265-1

The 1-221265-1 maintains full electrical and mechanical compatibility with the 031-4541 across all critical parameters. Both connectors operate at 50 ohms, 4 GHz maximum frequency, and 500 V rating with identical operating temperature ranges (-65°C ~ 165°C). The primary difference is termination method: the 1-221265-1 features solder-only termination versus the 031-4541's crimp or solder capability. This substitute is suitable for applications where solder termination is acceptable. Product status is Active with substantial inventory availability (122,800 units).

Secondary Substitute: TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 1-5221128-1

The 1-5221128-1 provides crimp termination matching the 031-4541's crimp capability. However, this part carries Obsolete product status and features a reduced operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 85°C) compared to the 031-4541 (-65°C ~ 165°C). The dielectric material differs (polyethylene versus PTFE), and shield termination is crimp rather than clamp. This substitute is applicable only for applications operating within the narrower temperature range and where crimp termination is required. Limited inventory (922 units) and obsolete status restrict its use to legacy system support.

Tertiary Substitute: Pomona Electronics 5285

The 5285 offers crimp or solder termination flexibility matching the 031-4541. Both parts are Active status and ROHS3 compliant. However, the 5285 supports different cable groups (RG-58 series versus RG-59 series for the 031-4541), indicating different impedance matching characteristics for specific cable types. Operating temperature and mating cycle specifications are not provided for the 5285, limiting its applicability to applications where these parameters are non-critical. Inventory is available (647 units).

Recommendation Summary:

For direct replacement with full specification compliance, select 1-221265-1 when solder termination is acceptable. For applications requiring crimp termination and full temperature range operation, the 031-4541 remains the optimal choice. The 1-5221128-1 is restricted to legacy applications within its narrower operating parameters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the TE Connectivity 1-221265-1 directly replace the Amphenol RF 031-4541?

A: The 1-221265-1 is electrically and mechanically compatible for applications accepting solder termination. Both connectors meet 50-ohm impedance, 4 GHz frequency, 500 V voltage, and -65°C to 165°C operating temperature specifications. The primary difference is termination method: the 1-221265-1 is solder-only, while the 031-4541 supports both crimp and solder. Cable group compatibility differs (RG-59 series for 031-4541 versus RG-59, 59A, 59B, 62, 62A, 62B, 71, 71A, 71B, 210 for 1-221265-1), providing broader cable support with the substitute.

Q: Why is the TE Connectivity AMP 1-5221128-1 listed as Obsolete?

A: The 1-5221128-1 carries Obsolete product status, indicating it is no longer in active production. While 922 units remain in inventory, this part should be reserved for legacy system maintenance only. New designs should utilize Active status alternatives such as the 031-4541 or 1-221265-1.

Q: What is the significance of the operating temperature difference between the 031-4541 and 1-5221128-1?

A: The 031-4541 operates across -65°C to 165°C, while the 1-5221128-1 operates across -55°C to 85°C. This 80°C reduction in maximum operating temperature and 10°C reduction in minimum operating temperature restricts the 1-5221128-1 to applications within the narrower range. Applications requiring full temperature range operation must use the 031-4541 or 1-221265-1.

Q: How do cable group specifications affect substitution?

A: Cable group specifications indicate which RG-series coaxial cables are compatible with each connector. The 031-4541 supports RG-59, 59B, 62, 140, 210, and Belden 8241, 8263, 8279, 9209. The 1-221265-1 supports a broader range including RG-59, 59A, 59B, 62, 62A, 62B, 71, 71A, 71B, and 210. The 5285 supports RG-58, 58A, 58C, 141, 141A. Substitution is valid only when the substitute's cable group includes the cables used in the application.

Q: What is the difference between Crimp and Solder termination?

A: Crimp termination uses mechanical pressure to attach the connector to the cable conductor and shield, while solder termination uses molten solder to create the connection. The 031-4541 supports both methods, the 1-221265-1 supports solder only, and the 1-5221128-1 supports crimp only. Selection depends on assembly equipment and process requirements.

Q: Does shield termination method affect connector performance?

A: Shield termination method (Clamp versus Crimp) affects assembly process and mechanical robustness but does not alter electrical performance at the specified 4 GHz frequency and 50-ohm impedance. The 031-4541 and 1-221265-1 use Clamp termination, while the 1-5221128-1 and 5285 use Crimp termination. Selection depends on assembly capability and mechanical durability requirements.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: The 031-4541 and 5285 are ROHS3 compliant. The 1-221265-1 RoHS status is not specified. The 1-5221128-1 is RoHS compliant (non-ROHS3 designation). For applications requiring ROHS3 compliance, use the 031-4541 or 5285.

Q: What inventory considerations apply to these substitutes?

A: The 031-4541 has 1,094 units in stock. The 1-221265-1 has 122,800 units available, providing substantial supply. The 1-5221128-1 has 922 units with Obsolete status. The 5285 has 647 units in stock. For long-term supply security, the 1-221265-1 offers the highest inventory availability.