Molex 0878981626 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Molex 0878981626 is a surface mount rectangular connector header with 16 positions at 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch, designed for board-to-board or cable applications. This connector features an unshrouded, breakaway design with male pins, tin-plated copper alloy contacts, and polyamide insulation. The part is active in production with 894 units currently in stock.

Substitute parts are identified based on matching core electrical and mechanical parameters: 16-position configuration, 0.100" pitch, surface mount termination, male pin contact type, and identical mating contact length. Alternatives from Samtec Inc. provide equivalent functionality with variations in contact material, insulation composition, and packaging options.

Substiute Parts

0878981626

MolexIn Stock: 9240878981626 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

TSM-116-01-L-SV

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 1292TSM-116-01-L-SV Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

TSM-116-01-L-SV-A

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 1759TSM-116-01-L-SV-A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

TSM-116-01-T-SV

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 872TSM-116-01-T-SV Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

TSM-116-01-T-SV-P-TR

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 1334TSM-116-01-T-SV-P-TR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

TSM-116-02-L-SV-LC

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 735TSM-116-02-L-SV-LC Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the Molex 0878981626 are qualified based on the following matching parameters:

• 16-position configuration with 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch spacing
• Surface mount solder termination
• Male pin contact type with square contact shape
• Mating contact length of 0.230" (5.84mm)
• Unshrouded header design
• Board-to-board or cable style application
• UL94 V-0 flammability rating
• ROHS3 compliance

All five Samtec TSM-116 series variants meet these core substitution criteria. Variations exist in contact material (phosphor bronze vs. copper alloy), contact finish (gold vs. tin), insulation material (liquid crystal polymer vs. polyamide), packaging format (tube vs. tape & reel), and optional features (cuttable, board guide, board lock, pick and place).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All five Samtec TSM-116 series connectors are active production parts with ROHS3 compliance and UL94 V-0 flammability certification, matching the regulatory status of the Molex 0878981626.

TSM-116-01-L-SV and TSM-116-01-L-SV-A: These variants feature gold-plated mating contacts and operate across -55°C to 125°C. TSM-116-01-L-SV-A includes a board guide feature and has the highest inventory availability (1709 units). Both use liquid crystal polymer insulation and phosphor bronze contacts.

TSM-116-01-T-SV and TSM-116-01-T-SV-P-TR: These variants match the tin contact finish of the original Molex part and operate across -55°C to 105°C. TSM-116-01-T-SV-P-TR is packaged in tape & reel format with pick-and-place features, suitable for automated assembly environments. Standard tube packaging is available with TSM-116-01-T-SV.

TSM-116-02-L-SV-LC: This variant features extended mating contact length (0.320" vs. 0.230"), gold plating, and board lock functionality. Operating temperature range extends to -55°C to 125°C. This option is appropriate for applications requiring deeper mating engagement or mechanical retention.

Selection between these substitutes depends on specific application requirements: contact finish preference (gold vs. tin), operating temperature range, packaging format (tube vs. tape & reel), mating contact depth, and optional mechanical features (board guide, board lock, pick and place capability).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can TSM-116 series connectors directly replace the Molex 0878981626 in existing designs?

A: Yes, all five TSM-116 variants are direct substitutes for the core 16-position, 0.100" pitch, surface mount header function. The mating interface, pin count, and pitch are identical. Minor differences in insulation height (0.100" vs. 0.098") and contact material composition do not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility for standard board-to-board applications.

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

A: TSM-116-01-L-SV and TSM-116-01-L-SV-A feature gold-plated mating contacts (10.0µin thickness), while TSM-116-01-T-SV and TSM-116-01-T-SV-P-TR use tin plating. The original Molex part uses tin plating. Gold plating provides enhanced corrosion resistance and lower contact resistance in low-signal applications. Tin plating is standard for general-purpose board-to-board connections.

Q: What packaging options are available?

A: Four variants are supplied in tube packaging (standard for manual assembly and small-volume applications). TSM-116-01-T-SV-P-TR is supplied in tape & reel format with pick-and-place features, optimized for high-volume automated assembly.

Q: How do the operating temperature ranges differ?

A: TSM-116-01-L-SV, TSM-116-01-L-SV-A, and TSM-116-02-L-SV-LC operate across -55°C to 125°C. TSM-116-01-T-SV and TSM-116-01-T-SV-P-TR operate across -55°C to 105°C. Select the appropriate range based on application thermal requirements.

Q: What is the significance of the extended mating contact length in TSM-116-02-L-SV-LC?

A: The TSM-116-02-L-SV-LC features 0.320" mating contact length compared to 0.230" in other variants. This extended length provides deeper engagement with mating connectors and includes board lock functionality for mechanical retention. Use this variant when additional mating depth or positive mechanical locking is required.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes, all five Samtec TSM-116 variants are ROHS3 compliant with UL94 V-0 flammability rating, matching the regulatory compliance of the original Molex 0878981626.