TE Connectivity 104344-1 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity 104344-1 is a rectangular connector header manufactured under the AMPMODU Mod II series. This through-hole connector features a vertical 3-position configuration with 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch spacing, designed for board-to-board or cable interconnection applications. The connector utilizes male pin contacts with kinked pin solder termination and unshrouded design.

The 104344-1 carries an obsolete product status. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to support legacy system maintenance, design updates, and procurement continuity where original components are no longer actively manufactured or stocked.

Substiute Parts

104344-1

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 1539104344-1 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

5-146293-3

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 26885-146293-3 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

5-146281-3

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 38045-146281-3 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 104344-1 is determined by strict alignment with the following core parameters:

Critical Matching Parameters:

• Connector type: Header, Breakaway
• Contact type: Male Pin
• Pitch spacing: 0.100" (2.54mm)
• Number of positions: 3
• Number of rows: 1
• Mounting type: Through Hole
• Current rating: 3A
• Operating temperature range: -65°C ~ 105°C
• Contact finish (mating surface): Gold
• Material flammability: UL94 V-0

Allowable Variations:

• Termination method (kinked pin solder, press-fit solder, or solder-only)
• Insulation material (thermoplastic or liquid crystal polymer)
• Contact finish on post (tin-lead or tin)
• Product status (obsolete or active)
• RoHS compliance status

The substitute parts identified below maintain functional and mechanical compatibility while accommodating these allowable variations.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

5-146281-3 (Manufacturer Recommended Substitute)

The 5-146281-3 is the primary recommended substitute for the obsolete 104344-1. This part maintains active product status with TE Connectivity, ensuring ongoing availability and supply chain stability. The 5-146281-3 achieves ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, meeting current regulatory requirements. All critical electrical and mechanical parameters align with the original 104344-1, including 3-position configuration, 2.54mm pitch, 3A current rating, and -65°C to 105°C operating temperature range. The insulation material upgrade to liquid crystal polymer (LCP) provides enhanced thermal and mechanical performance compared to the original thermoplastic. Contact finish specifications remain identical on the mating surface (gold, 30.0µin thickness). The termination method simplification to solder-only reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining solder joint reliability.

5-146293-3 (Alternative Substitute)

The 5-146293-3 provides an alternative substitute option with identical electrical and mechanical specifications to the 104344-1. This part also achieves ROHS3 compliance. The primary distinction is the press-fit solder termination method, which offers alternative assembly flexibility compared to kinked pin or solder-only approaches. Like the 5-146281-3, this part features LCP insulation material and tin contact finish on the post. The 5-146293-3 remains in obsolete product status, which may present longer-term availability considerations compared to the active 5-146281-3.

Regulatory Compliance Consideration

Both substitute parts achieve ROHS3 compliance, addressing the non-compliant status of the original 104344-1. This compliance upgrade is significant for applications subject to European Union Restriction of Hazardous Substances regulations or equivalent regional requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 5-146281-3 be used as a direct replacement for the 104344-1 in existing designs?

A: Yes. The 5-146281-3 maintains identical pitch spacing (2.54mm), position count (3), contact configuration (male pin), mounting type (through hole), and electrical ratings (3A, -65°C to 105°C). All critical mechanical dimensions including contact lengths and insulation height are identical. The part is compatible with existing PCB layouts and mating connectors designed for the 104344-1.

Q: What is the difference between the termination methods used in these parts?

A: The 104344-1 uses kinked pin solder termination, the 5-146293-3 uses press-fit solder termination, and the 5-146281-3 uses solder-only termination. All three methods produce reliable solder joints suitable for through-hole PCB assembly. The termination method does not affect electrical performance or mating compatibility.

Q: Why do the substitute parts not specify a voltage rating?

A: The voltage rating specification is not provided in the substitute part data. The original 104344-1 specifies 30VAC. For applications requiring voltage rating confirmation, contact the manufacturer directly. The current rating (3A) and operating temperature range (-65°C to 105°C) remain the primary electrical performance parameters.

Q: Is the insulation material change from thermoplastic to LCP significant?

A: Liquid crystal polymer (LCP) provides superior thermal stability, mechanical strength, and dimensional consistency compared to thermoplastic materials. This upgrade enhances connector reliability and performance, particularly in applications subject to thermal cycling or mechanical stress. The change does not affect electrical performance or mating compatibility.

Q: What is the significance of RoHS3 compliance in the substitute parts?

A: RoHS3 compliance indicates conformance to the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, which restricts the use of specific hazardous materials in electrical and electronic equipment. The original 104344-1 is RoHS non-compliant. Substitute parts achieving ROHS3 compliance meet current regulatory requirements for applications in regulated markets and support environmental sustainability objectives.

Q: Why is the 5-146281-3 recommended over the 5-146293-3?

A: The 5-146281-3 carries active product status with TE Connectivity, ensuring ongoing manufacturing and supply availability. The 5-146293-3 remains in obsolete status, which may present future procurement challenges. Both parts are functionally equivalent; the active status of the 5-146281-3 provides superior long-term supply chain assurance.

Q: Are there packaging differences between these parts?

A: The 104344-1 and 5-146293-3 packaging specifications are not provided in the available data. The 5-146281-3 is supplied in bulk packaging. For specific packaging requirements or custom packaging options, contact the manufacturer or authorized distributor.

Q: Can these connectors be used in applications requiring higher voltage ratings?

A: The original 104344-1 specifies 30VAC. The substitute parts do not provide voltage rating specifications in the available data. Applications requiring voltage ratings above 30VAC require confirmation with the manufacturer before part selection.