Molex 0901200794 Rectangular Connector - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Molex 0901200794 is a vertical header connector from the C-Grid III 90120 series, designed for through-hole board-to-board or cable applications. This 34-position connector operates across a wide temperature range (-55°C to 125°C) and is actively manufactured. The part is ROHS3 compliant and rated UL94 V-0 for material flammability. Due to product lifecycle considerations or inventory constraints, equivalent substitute parts may be required for new designs or production continuity.

Substiute Parts

0901200794

MolexIn Stock: 9380901200794 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

4-103185-0

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 15934-103185-0 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for rectangular connectors is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Pitch (Mating): Must be 0.100" (2.54mm) to ensure mechanical and electrical compatibility with existing PCB layouts and mating connectors.
• Connector Type: Must be Header, Breakaway configuration for board-to-board or cable applications.
• Contact Type: Must be Male Pin to maintain gender compatibility.
• Mounting Type: Must be Through Hole for PCB assembly compatibility.
• Termination: Must be Solder for wave or reflow soldering processes.
• Contact Finish - Mating: Gold finish ensures reliable signal integrity and corrosion resistance.
• Insulation Material & Flammability: UL94 V-0 rating is required for safety-critical applications.
• Operating Temperature Range: Must support the application's thermal requirements.

The substitute part TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 4-103185-0 shares the core electrical and mechanical parameters (pitch, connector type, contact type, mounting, termination, and contact finish) but differs in position count (40 vs. 34), contact materials, and product status.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The Molex 0901200794 is the primary specification for new designs due to its active product status and ROHS3 compliance. The TE Connectivity 4-103185-0 is listed as an equivalent substitute based on shared core electrical and mechanical parameters (pitch, connector type, contact type, mounting, and termination).

However, the following differences require engineering evaluation:

• Position Count Mismatch: The substitute has 40 positions versus 34 on the main part. PCB layout and connector footprint compatibility must be confirmed before substitution.
• Operating Temperature Range: The main part supports -55°C to 125°C, while the substitute supports -65°C to 105°C. Applications requiring the full upper temperature range of the main part cannot use the substitute.
• Product Status: The main part is active; the substitute is obsolete. Long-term availability of the substitute cannot be assured.
• Compliance: The main part is ROHS3 compliant; the substitute status is not applicable. Regulatory requirements must be evaluated for the application.

Substitution is permissible only when PCB layout accommodates the 40-position configuration, operating temperature requirements fall within -65°C to 105°C, and regulatory compliance is not a constraint.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the TE Connectivity 4-103185-0 be used as a direct replacement for the Molex 0901200794?

A: Direct replacement is not possible due to position count difference (40 vs. 34). The substitute can only be used if the PCB layout is redesigned to accommodate the additional positions and if the application does not require the full operating temperature range of the main part.

Q: What is the significance of the 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch specification?

A: Pitch defines the center-to-center spacing between adjacent connector pins. Both parts share this specification, ensuring mechanical compatibility with standard 0.100" spaced PCB headers and mating connectors. Pitch mismatch would prevent proper mating.

Q: Why does the substitute part have a different operating temperature range?

A: Operating temperature range is determined by the insulation material and contact material properties. The main part uses polyester glass-filled insulation rated to 125°C; the substitute uses thermoplastic insulation rated to 105°C. Applications operating above 105°C require the main part.

Q: What does "Obsolete" product status mean for the substitute part?

A: Obsolete status indicates the TE Connectivity part is no longer in active production. While inventory may be available, long-term supply cannot be guaranteed. New designs should specify the active Molex part.

Q: Are the contact materials interchangeable?

A: Both parts use gold-plated mating contacts, ensuring electrical compatibility. However, the base materials differ (brass vs. copper alloy). For applications with specific corrosion or mechanical requirements, material compatibility should be confirmed.

Q: What does ROHS3 compliance mean?

A: ROHS3 (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive 3) compliance indicates the part meets EU environmental regulations restricting lead, cadmium, mercury, and other hazardous substances. The main part is compliant; the substitute status is not applicable. Regulatory requirements must be evaluated for the target market.