Molex 0349618385 MINI50 Rectangular Connector Header Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Molex 0349618385 is a MINI50 series rectangular connector header designed for through-hole, right-angle mounting applications. This 38-position, 3-row connector features male blade contacts with 0.079" (2.00mm) pitch spacing and is terminated by solder. The connector is rated for automotive applications with an operating temperature range of -40°C to 105°C and a voltage rating of 14VDC.

The 0349618385 carries an obsolete product status. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to ensure design continuity, maintain supply chain reliability, and support ongoing production and service requirements for systems utilizing this connector configuration.

Substiute Parts

0349618385

MolexIn Stock: 9400349618385 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

0349618388

MolexIn Stock: 9440349618388 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of rectangular connector headers is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Mechanical Compatibility:

• Number of positions (38)
• Number of rows (3)
• Pitch spacing (0.079" / 2.00mm)
• Mounting type (through hole, right angle)
• Shrouding configuration (shrouded - 4 wall)
• Insulation material and color (SPS glass-filled, gray)

Electrical Compatibility:

• Contact type (male blade)
• Contact material (brass)
• Contact finish (tin)
• Voltage rating (14VDC)
• Operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 105°C)
• Current rating (varies by wire gauge)

Termination & Assembly:

• Termination method (solder)
• Style (board to cable/wire)
• Number of positions loaded (all)

The substitute part Molex 0349618385 meets all critical mechanical and electrical parameters required for direct substitution. The primary distinction is product status: the substitute transitions from obsolete to active status, ensuring continued availability and supply chain support.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The Molex 0349618388 is the direct substitute for the obsolete Molex 0349618385. Both connectors share identical mechanical dimensions, electrical ratings, and material specifications within the Mini50 34961 series.

Product Status Consideration: The 0349618385 carries obsolete status, indicating discontinued manufacturing and limited long-term availability. The 0349618388 maintains active product status, ensuring ongoing supply chain support, manufacturing consistency, and compliance with current industry standards.

Compliance & Certification: Both parts maintain RoHS compliance and UL94 HB flammability rating. Both are classified under ECCN EAR99 and HTSUS 8536.69.4040, confirming regulatory equivalence for export and trade purposes.

Functional Equivalence: The substitute part incorporates breakaway connector capability and expanded contact shape options (rectangular and square), providing enhanced design flexibility while maintaining full backward compatibility with existing mating interfaces and PCB layouts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 0349618388 directly replace the 0349618385 in existing designs?

A: Yes. The 0349618388 maintains identical pitch spacing (0.079" / 2.00mm), position count (38), row configuration (3), mounting type (through hole, right angle), and electrical ratings (14VDC, -40°C to 105°C). PCB footprints and mating connector interfaces are fully compatible.

Q: What is the significance of the "breakaway" designation on the substitute part?

A: The breakaway feature on the 0349618388 allows individual connector sections to be separated after assembly, providing design flexibility. This feature does not affect compatibility with standard mating connectors or existing applications.

Q: Are the contact specifications identical between the two parts?

A: Contact material (brass), finish (tin), and post length (0.108" / 2.75mm) are identical. The substitute part specifies contact length at mating as 0.215" (5.45mm), whereas this parameter is not provided for the main part. Both maintain the same contact type (male blade) and fastening mechanism (latch lock for main part; latch holder for substitute).

Q: What is the difference in fastening type between these connectors?

A: The main part uses latch lock fastening, while the substitute uses latch holder fastening. Both are mechanical retention methods within the Mini50 series and do not affect electrical performance or mating compatibility.

Q: Why is product status important for this substitution?

A: The main part (0349618385) is obsolete, meaning Molex has discontinued production. The substitute (0349618388) is active, ensuring continued manufacturing, consistent quality control, and reliable supply chain availability for new production runs and field service applications.

Q: Are there any packaging or inventory differences?

A: Both parts are available in new original condition. The main part has 866 pieces in stock; the substitute has 879 pieces in stock. Packaging specifications are not provided for either part.

Q: Do both connectors meet automotive application requirements?

A: The main part explicitly lists automotive applications. The substitute part does not specify applications in the provided data. However, both maintain identical operating temperature range (-40°C to 105°C), voltage rating (14VDC), and material specifications (UL94 HB flammability rating), which are standard automotive connector requirements.

Q: Is the insulation material the same for both parts?

A: Yes. Both use syndiotactic polystyrene (SPS) glass-filled insulation with gray color and identical insulation height (0.654" / 16.61mm).