Molex 0528931633 FFC Connector - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Molex 0528931633 is a 16-position FPC (Flat Flexible) connector with bottom contacts, 0.5mm pitch, and right-angle surface mount configuration. This connector is classified as obsolete, making identification of compatible substitute parts essential for ongoing production and maintenance applications. The part features a flip lock mechanism, zero insertion force (ZIF) design, and solder termination suitable for flexible cable assemblies in consumer electronics and portable devices.

Substiute Parts

0528931633
MolexIn Stock: 8310528931633 Datasheet
0528931633
Current Part
FFC2B35-16-T
GCTIn Stock: 4518FFC2B35-16-T Datasheet
FFC2B35-16-T
MFR Recommended

Key Parameters

Parameter Value
Manufacturer Part Number 0528931633
Manufacturer Molex
Category FFC, FPC (Flat Flexible) Connectors
Number of Positions 16
Pitch 0.020" (0.50mm)
Mounting Type Surface Mount, Right Angle
Connector/Contact Type Contacts, Bottom
Height Above Board 0.079" (2.00mm)
Voltage Rating 50V
Current Rating 0.5A
Operating Temperature Range -40°C ~ 85°C
Product Status Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the Molex 0528931633 is determined by strict alignment of the following critical parameters:

  • Position Count & Pitch: 16 positions at 0.020" (0.50mm) pitch are non-negotiable for mechanical and electrical compatibility
  • Mounting Configuration: Surface mount, right-angle orientation with bottom contacts must be maintained
  • Height Above Board: 0.079" (2.00mm) ensures PCB layout compatibility
  • Electrical Ratings: Voltage rating of 50V and current rating requirements must be met or exceeded
  • Termination Method: Solder termination is required for assembly process compatibility
  • Locking Mechanism: Flip lock feature must be present for secure cable retention
  • Flammability Compliance: UL94 V-0 rating is mandatory for safety standards

The GCT FFC2B35-16-T meets all critical substitution criteria and is classified as an active product with current manufacturing support.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter Molex 0528931633 GCT FFC2B35-16-T Compatibility Status
Number of Positions 16 16 Match
Pitch 0.020" (0.50mm) 0.020" (0.50mm) Match
Mounting Type Surface Mount, Right Angle Surface Mount, Right Angle Match
Connector/Contact Type Contacts, Bottom Contacts, Bottom Match
Height Above Board 0.079" (2.00mm) 0.079" (2.00mm) Match
Locking Feature Flip Lock Flip Lock Match
Cable End Type Straight, Tapered Straight, Tapered Match
Contact Material Phosphor Bronze Phosphor Bronze Match
Voltage Rating 50V 50V Match
Material Flammability Rating UL94 V-0 UL94 V-0 Match
Termination Solder Solder Match
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant Match
Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 (Unlimited) 1 (Unlimited) Match
Current Rating 0.5A 0.4A Substitute rated lower
Operating Temperature Range -40°C ~ 85°C -25°C ~ 85°C Substitute range narrower
Mating Cycles 20 30 Substitute rated higher
Product Status Obsolete Active Substitute actively manufactured

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The GCT FFC2B35-16-T is a direct functional substitute for the obsolete Molex 0528931633. Both connectors maintain identical mechanical interfaces, electrical ratings for primary applications, and compliance certifications.

Considerations for substitution:

The GCT substitute exhibits a narrower operating temperature range (-25°C to 85°C versus -40°C to 85°C). Applications requiring operation below -25°C must be evaluated against actual thermal requirements. The current rating of 0.4A on the substitute is lower than the original 0.5A specification; circuit designs operating near maximum current limits require verification that 0.4A capacity is sufficient.

The GCT FFC2B35-16-T carries active product status with current manufacturing support and inventory availability (4486 pieces in stock), ensuring long-term supply chain reliability compared to the obsolete Molex part. Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and identical moisture sensitivity ratings, supporting regulatory and environmental requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the GCT FFC2B35-16-T be used as a direct replacement in existing PCB designs?

A: Yes, for applications within the operating temperature range of -25°C to 85°C and current requirements not exceeding 0.4A. The mechanical footprint, pitch, height above board, and mounting configuration are identical, requiring no PCB layout modifications.

Q: What is the impact of the lower current rating on the substitute part?

A: The GCT substitute is rated for 0.4A maximum continuous current versus the original 0.5A. Applications drawing less than 0.4A per contact are unaffected. Designs operating at or near 0.5A must be re-evaluated to confirm operation within the 0.4A limit or consider alternative solutions.

Q: Does the narrower operating temperature range of the substitute affect compatibility?

A: The GCT substitute operates from -25°C to 85°C, compared to the original -40°C to 85°C. Applications limited to the -25°C to 85°C range experience no functional impact. Systems requiring operation below -25°C must verify actual thermal requirements against the substitute's lower temperature limit.

Q: Are there any differences in contact finish between the two parts?

A: The Molex original uses Tin Bismuth contact finish (1.00µm thickness specified), while the GCT substitute uses Tin finish with unspecified thickness. Both finishes provide equivalent corrosion resistance and solderability for standard assembly processes.

Q: What is the advantage of the GCT substitute regarding mating cycles?

A: The GCT FFC2B35-16-T is rated for 30 mating cycles compared to 20 cycles on the original Molex part. This provides additional mechanical durability for applications involving connector mating and unmating operations.

Q: Are both parts compliant with current regulatory standards?

A: Yes. Both the Molex 0528931633 and GCT FFC2B35-16-T are ROHS3 compliant, carry UL94 V-0 flammability ratings, and maintain MSL 1 (unlimited) moisture sensitivity levels, meeting current environmental and safety requirements.

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