Molex 0444741821 Rectangular Connector - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Molex 0444741821 is an 18-position vertical header connector from the Mini-Fit HCS 44474 series, designed for through-hole board-to-board or cable applications. This connector features shrouded 4-wall construction with solder termination and latch holder fastening. The part is currently active in production with 1064 units in stock.

Substitute parts become necessary when the primary part reaches end-of-life status, experiences supply constraints, or when design requirements allow for compatible alternatives that meet the same electrical and mechanical specifications.

Substiute Parts

0444741821

MolexIn Stock: 11070444741821 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

1-1586586-8

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 8651-1586586-8 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the Molex 0444741821 is determined by strict alignment of the following critical parameters:

• Connector positioning and pitch: 18 positions, 2 rows, 0.165" (4.20mm) mating pitch and row spacing
• Physical form factor: Shrouded 4-wall construction with through-hole mounting
• Electrical interface: Male pin contacts with solder termination
• Mechanical fastening: Latch holder mechanism
• Insulation geometry: 0.555" (14.10mm) insulation height with square contact shape
• Material compliance: ROHS3 compliance and UL94 flammability rating

The TE Connectivity AMP Connectors part 1-1586586-8 from the VAL-U-LOK series meets these core substitution criteria. While this part is classified as obsolete, it maintains dimensional and functional compatibility with the Molex 0444741821 across all critical mating and mounting parameters.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The TE Connectivity 1-1586586-8 provides functional and dimensional substitution for the Molex 0444741821 based on matching connector architecture, pitch, row configuration, and mounting methodology.

Considerations for selection:

• Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating, supporting equivalent environmental handling.
• The TE Connectivity part is classified as obsolete, indicating limited future availability. The Molex 0444741821 remains active production and is the preferred choice for new designs.
• Contact material differs (Copper Alloy versus Brass Alloy) and contact finish thickness varies (100.0µin versus 39.4µin). These differences do not affect mechanical mating but may influence long-term contact resistance characteristics in specific environmental conditions.
• The Molex part achieves UL94 V-0 flammability rating while the TE Connectivity part is rated UL94 V-2. Applications requiring higher flammability performance should prioritize the Molex part.
• Both parts support identical electrical applications including automotive, general purpose, industrial, medical, and telecommunications use cases.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the TE Connectivity 1-1586586-8 directly replace the Molex 0444741821 in existing designs?

A: Yes, from a mechanical and dimensional standpoint. Both connectors share identical pitch (0.165" / 4.20mm), position count (18), row configuration (2 rows), shrouding style (4-wall), and mounting method (through-hole solder). The connectors are physically and functionally interchangeable for board-to-board and cable applications.

Q: What are the key differences between these two parts?

A: The primary differences are contact material composition (Copper Alloy versus Brass Alloy), contact finish thickness (100.0µin versus 39.4µin), flammability rating (UL94 V-0 versus UL94 V-2), and product status (Active versus Obsolete). These differences do not affect mating compatibility but may influence performance in specific environmental or high-reliability applications.

Q: Why is the TE Connectivity part marked as obsolete?

A: Obsolete status indicates the manufacturer has discontinued production. This classification does not affect the part's technical performance but signals limited future availability. For new designs, the active Molex 0444741821 is the recommended choice.

Q: Are there compliance or certification differences?

A: Both parts are ROHS3 compliant with unlimited moisture sensitivity rating (MSL 1). The Molex part carries UL94 V-0 flammability certification while the TE Connectivity part is UL94 V-2. Applications requiring higher flammability performance should specify the Molex part.

Q: What applications are these connectors suitable for?

A: Both parts support automotive, general purpose, industrial, medical, and telecommunications applications. The identical pitch and position configuration ensures compatibility across these application categories.

Q: How do the contact finishes compare?

A: Both use tin plating on mating contacts. The Molex part specifies 100.0µin (2.54µm) thickness while the TE Connectivity part specifies 39.4µin (1.00µm). Thicker plating may provide extended contact life in corrosive environments, though both meet standard performance requirements.