Molex 0878980366 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Molex 0878980366 is a surface mount rectangular connector header in the C-Grid SL 87898 series, designed for board-to-board or cable applications. This 3-position, 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch connector features unshrouded male pins with solder termination and push-pull fastening. The part is active in production with 681 units currently in stock. Equivalent and substitute parts are identified to support design flexibility, procurement optimization, and supply chain continuity for applications requiring compatible 3-position 2.54mm pitch header connectors.

Substiute Parts

0878980366

MolexIn Stock: 7770878980366 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

TSM-103-02-L-SV

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 1803TSM-103-02-L-SV Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

TSM-103-02-L-SV-P-TR

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 2889TSM-103-02-L-SV-P-TR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

TSM-103-02-S-SV-P-TR

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 1043TSM-103-02-S-SV-P-TR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

TSM-103-02-T-SV

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 1042TSM-103-02-T-SV Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

TSM-103-02-T-SV-P-TR

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 992TSM-103-02-T-SV-P-TR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the Molex 0878980366 are qualified based on strict electrical and mechanical compatibility criteria. All substitute parts maintain the core functional parameters that define interchangeability:

Critical Matching Parameters:

• Pitch - Mating: 0.100" (2.54mm)
• Number of Positions: 3
• Number of Rows: 1
• Contact Type: Male Pin
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount
• Termination: Solder
• Fastening Type: Push-Pull
• Contact Length - Mating: 0.320" (8.13mm)
• Insulation Height: 0.100" (2.54mm)
• Contact Shape: Square
• Material Flammability Rating: UL94 V-0
• Insulation Color: Black
• RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant
• Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL): 1 (Unlimited)
• REACH Status: REACH Unaffected

All five substitute parts are manufactured by Samtec Inc. in the TSM series and meet these core compatibility requirements. Variations exist in contact finish composition, contact finish thickness, insulation material, operating temperature range, and packaging format. These variations do not affect mechanical or electrical interchangeability for standard applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All five Samtec TSM series substitute parts are active production components with ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, matching the regulatory posture of the Molex 0878980366. Selection among substitutes depends on application-specific requirements and procurement constraints:

TSM-103-02-L-SV (Bulk Packaging): Gold-plated mating contacts with extended operating temperature range (-55°C to 125°C). Suitable for applications requiring enhanced corrosion resistance and wider thermal operating envelope. Bulk packaging accommodates manual assembly workflows.

TSM-103-02-L-SV-P-TR (Tape & Reel Packaging): Identical electrical and thermal specifications to TSM-103-02-L-SV with pick-and-place compatible tape and reel packaging. Optimized for automated assembly processes with higher inventory availability (2824 units in stock).

TSM-103-02-S-SV-P-TR (Tape & Reel Packaging): Gold-plated mating contacts with increased finish thickness (30.0µin versus 10.0µin) and pick-and-place packaging. Provides enhanced contact durability for high-cycle mating applications. Operating temperature range -55°C to 125°C.

TSM-103-02-T-SV (Bulk Packaging): Tin-plated mating contacts with reduced operating temperature range (-55°C to 105°C). Suitable for cost-optimized applications within the specified thermal envelope. Bulk packaging format.

TSM-103-02-T-SV-P-TR (Tape & Reel Packaging): Tin-plated mating contacts with pick-and-place compatible packaging and -55°C to 105°C operating range. Optimized for automated assembly with cost efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are all substitute parts mechanically compatible with the Molex 0878980366?

A: Yes. All five Samtec TSM-103 substitute parts maintain identical pitch (0.100" / 2.54mm), position count (3), row configuration (1), contact length (0.320" / 8.13mm), contact shape (square), mounting type (surface mount), termination method (solder), and fastening type (push-pull). Mechanical interchangeability is confirmed.

Q: What is the difference between gold-plated and tin-plated contact finishes?

A: Gold-plated contacts (TSM-103-02-L-SV, TSM-103-02-L-SV-P-TR, TSM-103-02-S-SV-P-TR) provide enhanced corrosion resistance and are specified for applications requiring extended shelf life or exposure to corrosive environments. Tin-plated contacts (TSM-103-02-T-SV, TSM-103-02-T-SV-P-TR) are suitable for standard applications and offer cost optimization. Both finishes are electrically compatible with standard PCB assembly processes.

Q: How do packaging formats affect component selection?

A: Bulk packaging (TSM-103-02-L-SV, TSM-103-02-T-SV) is suitable for manual assembly, prototyping, and low-volume production. Tape & Reel packaging (TSM-103-02-L-SV-P-TR, TSM-103-02-S-SV-P-TR, TSM-103-02-T-SV-P-TR) is optimized for automated pick-and-place assembly and high-volume manufacturing. Packaging format does not affect electrical or mechanical performance.

Q: What is the significance of the operating temperature range difference?

A: Samtec TSM-103-02-L-SV, TSM-103-02-L-SV-P-TR, and TSM-103-02-S-SV-P-TR are rated for -55°C to 125°C operation. Samtec TSM-103-02-T-SV and TSM-103-02-T-SV-P-TR are rated for -55°C to 105°C. Applications requiring operation above 105°C must use the extended-range variants. The Molex 0878980366 does not specify an operating temperature range.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All five Samtec TSM-103 substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant with MSL rating of 1 (unlimited moisture sensitivity) and REACH unaffected status, matching the regulatory compliance of the Molex 0878980366.

Q: What is the difference between "Breakaway" and "Cuttable" connector types?

A: The Molex 0878980366 features a breakaway design, while all Samtec substitutes feature a cuttable design. Both designs allow individual position separation from the connector strip. Cuttable designs provide equivalent functional capability for applications requiring individual connector extraction.

Q: Which substitute part offers the best value for standard applications?

A: Selection depends on assembly method and thermal requirements. For manual assembly within -55°C to 105°C range, TSM-103-02-T-SV offers cost optimization. For automated assembly, TSM-103-02-T-SV-P-TR provides equivalent performance with pick-and-place compatibility. For applications requiring extended thermal range or corrosion resistance, TSM-103-02-L-SV-P-TR is recommended.