Molex 0545482170 FFC/FPC Connector - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Molex 0545482170 is a 21-position FFC/FPC connector with 0.5mm pitch, designed for surface mount right-angle applications. This connector features a flip lock mechanism, zero insertion force (ZIF) design, and is rated for 50V and 0.5A operation across -20°C to 85°C. The product is currently obsolete, making equivalent substitutes necessary for new designs or component replenishment in legacy systems requiring compatible alternatives.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	0545482170
Manufacturer	Molex
Category	FFC, FPC (Flat Flexible) Connectors
Number of Positions	21
Pitch	0.020" (0.50mm)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount, Right Angle
Connector Type	Contacts, Bottom
Voltage Rating	50V
Current Rating	0.5A
Operating Temperature	-20°C ~ 85°C
Locking Feature	Flip Lock
Product Status	Obsolete
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The Hirose Electric FH62-21S-0.25SHW(10) is identified as a manufacturer-recommended substitute for the Molex 0545482170. Substitution eligibility is determined by the following critical parameters:

Position Count: Both connectors provide 21 positions, enabling direct pin-to-pin compatibility
Mounting Configuration: Both are surface mount, right-angle connectors suitable for identical PCB layouts
Locking Mechanism: Both feature flip lock actuation for secure cable retention
Termination Method: Both use solder termination for permanent board attachment
Housing Material: Both employ Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) for mechanical stability and environmental resistance
Compliance Standards: Both meet UL94 V-0 flammability requirements and RoHS/REACH regulations

Differences in pitch (0.50mm vs. 0.25mm), voltage rating (50V vs. 30V), current rating (0.5A vs. 0.25A), and contact finish specifications represent design trade-offs that must be evaluated against specific application requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	Molex 0545482170	Hirose FH62-21S-0.25SHW(10)
Manufacturer	Molex	Hirose Electric Co Ltd
Number of Positions	21	21
Pitch	0.020" (0.50mm)	0.010" (0.25mm)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount, Right Angle	Surface Mount, Right Angle
Connector Type	Contacts, Bottom	Contacts, Top
Voltage Rating	50V	30V
Current Rating	0.5A	0.25A
Operating Temperature	-20°C ~ 85°C	-55°C ~ 85°C
Locking Feature	Flip Lock	Flip Lock, Backlock
Housing Material	Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP)	Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP), Halogen Free
Termination	Solder	Solder
FFC/FCB Thickness	0.30mm	0.30mm
Height Above Board	0.047" (1.20mm)	0.043" (1.08mm)
Material Flammability Rating	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	RoHS Compliant
MSL Rating	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)
Product Status	Obsolete	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The Hirose FH62-21S-0.25SHW(10) is an active product with current manufacturing support, addressing the obsolescence status of the Molex 0545482170. Both connectors maintain UL94 V-0 flammability compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity ratings, ensuring equivalent environmental performance in standard applications.

The Hirose substitute offers extended low-temperature operation (-55°C vs. -20°C minimum), providing broader thermal range coverage. However, the reduced voltage (30V vs. 50V) and current (0.25A vs. 0.5A) ratings require verification against application power requirements. The finer pitch (0.25mm vs. 0.50mm) results in a more compact connector footprint with reduced height above board (1.08mm vs. 1.20mm).

Selection should prioritize application voltage and current demands. If the original design operates within 30V and 0.25A limits, the Hirose connector provides a compliant, actively manufactured alternative. For applications exceeding these electrical specifications, alternative substitutes with higher ratings must be evaluated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the Hirose FH62-21S-0.25SHW(10) directly replace the Molex 0545482170 in existing designs?

A: Direct replacement requires verification of three critical factors: (1) application voltage must not exceed 30V, (2) application current must not exceed 0.25A, and (3) PCB layout must accommodate the finer 0.25mm pitch and reduced height profile. Position count and mounting configuration are compatible.

Q: What is the primary difference between these connectors?

A: The primary difference is pitch specification. The Molex uses 0.50mm pitch with higher electrical ratings (50V, 0.5A), while the Hirose uses 0.25mm pitch with lower electrical ratings (30V, 0.25A). This represents a trade-off between connector density and power handling capacity.

Q: Are both connectors RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. The Molex 0545482170 is ROHS3 compliant, and the Hirose FH62-21S-0.25SHW(10) is RoHS compliant. Both meet halogen-free and lead-free requirements for regulated markets.

Q: What is the difference between bottom and top contact orientation?

A: The Molex features bottom contacts, while the Hirose features top contacts. This affects cable insertion direction and PCB routing. Bottom contacts typically interface with cables from below the board, while top contacts interface from above. PCB layout must accommodate the specific orientation.

Q: Does the Hirose connector offer any advantages in environmental performance?

A: The Hirose connector extends the minimum operating temperature to -55°C compared to -20°C for the Molex, providing broader low-temperature capability. Both maintain unlimited moisture sensitivity ratings and UL94 V-0 flammability compliance.

Q: What packaging format is available for the Hirose substitute?

A: The Hirose FH62-21S-0.25SHW(10) is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) packaging, suitable for automated assembly processes.

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