Molex 0901200948 Rectangular Connector - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Molex 0901200948 is an active-status vertical header connector featuring 28 positions at 2.54mm pitch, designed for through-hole board-to-board or cable applications. This unshrouded, single-row connector utilizes male pins with gold-plated mating contacts and tin-plated posts, housed in a glass-filled polyester insulation body rated UL94 V-0. The connector operates across -55°C to 125°C and is ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 rating.

Substitute parts become necessary when the primary part reaches end-of-life status, inventory constraints occur, or design requirements necessitate alternative connector configurations while maintaining functional compatibility within specified electrical and mechanical parameters.

Substiute Parts

0901200948

MolexIn Stock: 8290901200948 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

4-103239-0

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 37784-103239-0 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for rectangular connectors is determined by strict alignment of core mechanical and electrical parameters. The primary criteria for the Molex 0901200948 are:

• Pitch - Mating: 0.100" (2.54mm) — determines PCB footprint compatibility
• Connector Type: Header, Breakaway — defines form factor and application class
• Contact Type: Male Pin — specifies mating interface
• Mounting Type: Through Hole — establishes board assembly method
• Termination: Solder — defines connection technology
• Fastening Type: Push-Pull — indicates engagement mechanism
• Material Flammability Rating: UL94 V-0 — ensures safety compliance

The identified substitute part TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 4-103239-0 shares these core parameters. However, differences exist in position count (40 vs. 28), contact dimensions, insulation height, operating temperature range, and compliance status. These differences must be evaluated against specific application requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Selection between the Molex 0901200948 and TE Connectivity 4-103239-0 must account for the following factors:

Product Status Consideration: The Molex 0901200948 maintains active status with current manufacturing and supply availability. The TE Connectivity 4-103239-0 is classified as obsolete, indicating discontinued production and limited inventory availability.

Compliance and Regulatory Status: The Molex part is ROHS3 compliant, meeting current environmental and hazardous substance restrictions. The TE Connectivity part carries "Not applicable" RoHS status, reflecting its obsolete classification and potential non-compliance with current regulatory requirements.

Position Count Mismatch: The TE Connectivity substitute provides 40 positions versus the 28-position requirement of the primary part. This difference necessitates PCB layout redesign and may introduce incompatibility with existing mating connectors or cable assemblies.

Contact Dimension Variations: Differences in contact length (mating and post), overall contact length, and insulation height create potential mechanical fit issues with existing receptacles or housing assemblies designed for the Molex specification.

Operating Temperature Range: The Molex part supports -55°C to 125°C operation, while the TE Connectivity part operates -65°C to 105°C. Applications requiring the upper temperature limit of 125°C cannot use the substitute.

Contact Finish Composition: The Molex part uses tin plating on posts; the TE Connectivity part uses tin-lead plating. This difference may affect solderability characteristics and long-term reliability in lead-free assembly processes.

For new designs or active-status component requirements, the Molex 0901200948 is the appropriate selection. The TE Connectivity 4-103239-0 is suitable only for legacy system maintenance where position count, contact dimensions, and temperature range compatibility have been verified against application specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the TE Connectivity 4-103239-0 directly replace the Molex 0901200948 in existing assemblies?

A: Direct replacement is not possible. The 40-position TE Connectivity connector is physically incompatible with mating receptacles designed for the 28-position Molex connector. Contact dimensions and insulation height also differ, preventing mechanical fit with existing housings or cable assemblies.

Q: What is the significance of the position count difference?

A: Position count determines the physical length and footprint of the connector on the PCB. A 40-position connector requires a longer mating surface than a 28-position connector at the same 2.54mm pitch. This difference necessitates PCB redesign and new mating connector procurement.

Q: Why is the TE Connectivity part listed as obsolete?

A: Obsolete status indicates the manufacturer has discontinued production. This classification affects supply chain reliability, pricing stability, and compliance with current regulatory standards. New designs should not incorporate obsolete components.

Q: Are there temperature range limitations when considering substitution?

A: Yes. The Molex part operates to 125°C maximum; the TE Connectivity part operates to 105°C maximum. Applications requiring operation above 105°C cannot use the TE Connectivity substitute. Conversely, the TE Connectivity part supports lower temperature operation to -65°C versus -55°C for the Molex part.

Q: What is the impact of different contact finish materials?

A: The Molex part uses tin plating on posts; the TE Connectivity part uses tin-lead plating. In lead-free manufacturing environments, tin-lead plating may create compatibility issues with lead-free solder processes. The Molex tin plating is compatible with both lead-free and traditional solder processes.

Q: How do insulation material differences affect performance?

A: The Molex part uses glass-filled polyester; the TE Connectivity part uses thermoplastic. Glass-filled polyester provides enhanced mechanical strength and thermal stability. Thermoplastic offers different processing characteristics but may have lower temperature capability and mechanical rigidity.

Q: Is the TE Connectivity part suitable for new product designs?

A: No. The obsolete status, non-compliance with current RoHS standards, and dimensional incompatibilities make this part unsuitable for new designs. The Molex 0901200948 is the appropriate selection for active product development.