TE Connectivity 104878-3 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 104878-3 is a rectangular connector header designed for through-hole mounting applications. This connector features a vertical 4-position configuration with 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch spacing, suitable for board-to-board or cable interconnections. The part operates as an unshrouded, breakaway header with male pin contacts and push-pull fastening.

The 104878-3 carries an obsolete product status within the AMPMODU Mod II series. Due to this obsolescence, equivalent substitute parts from active manufacturers are necessary to maintain design continuity and ensure long-term component availability for new production runs and field replacements.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Connector Type	Header, Breakaway
Contact Type	Male Pin
Pitch - Mating	0.100" (2.54mm)
Number of Positions	4
Number of Rows	1
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Termination	Solder
Fastening Type	Push-Pull
Contact Length - Mating	0.230" (5.84mm)
Insulation Height	0.090" (2.29mm)
Contact Shape	Square
Insulation Material	Thermoplastic
Insulation Color	Black
Style	Board to Board or Cable
Shrouding	Unshrouded

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 104878-3 is determined by strict alignment of the following core parameters:

Critical Matching Parameters:

Pitch - Mating: 0.100" (2.54mm)
Number of Positions: 4
Number of Rows: 1
Contact Type: Male Pin
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Termination: Solder
Fastening Type: Push-Pull
Contact Length - Mating: 0.230" (5.84mm)
Contact Shape: Square
Style: Board to Board or Cable
Shrouding: Unshrouded

Secondary Parameters Affecting Compatibility:

Contact Length - Post (affects insertion depth and board clearance)
Overall Contact Length (affects total connector height)
Insulation Height (affects mating interface geometry)
Contact Finish - Mating (affects electrical performance and durability)
Contact Material (affects mechanical and electrical properties)
Insulation Material (affects thermal and mechanical performance)

All substitute parts listed maintain the critical matching parameters. Variations in secondary parameters are documented to enable informed selection based on specific application requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	104878-3 (TE)	69190-604H (Amphenol)	TSW-104-07-T-S (Samtec)	TSW-104-08-G-S (Samtec)	TSW-104-08-T-S (Samtec)	TSW-104-23-L-S (Samtec)	TSW-104-23-S-S (Samtec)	TSW-104-23-T-S (Samtec)	TSW-104-26-G-S (Samtec)
Manufacturer	TE Connectivity	Amphenol ICC (FCI)	Samtec Inc.	Samtec Inc.	Samtec Inc.	Samtec Inc.	Samtec Inc.	Samtec Inc.	Samtec Inc.
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active
Pitch - Mating	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)
Number of Positions	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4
Number of Rows	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
Contact Type	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Termination	Solder	Press-Fit, Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder
Fastening Type	Push-Pull	Push-Pull	Push-Pull	Push-Pull	Push-Pull	Push-Pull	Push-Pull	Push-Pull	Push-Pull
Contact Length - Mating	0.230" (5.84mm)	0.230" (5.84mm)	0.230" (5.84mm)	0.230" (5.84mm)	0.230" (5.84mm)	0.230" (5.84mm)	0.230" (5.84mm)	0.230" (5.84mm)	0.230" (5.84mm)
Contact Length - Post	0.120" (3.05mm)	0.120" (3.05mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.200" (5.08mm)	0.200" (5.08mm)	0.115" (2.92mm)	0.115" (2.92mm)	0.115" (2.92mm)	0.126" (3.20mm)
Overall Contact Length	0.440" (11.18mm)	0.450" (11.43mm)	0.430" (10.92mm)	0.530" (13.46mm)	0.530" (13.46mm)	0.445" (11.30mm)	0.445" (11.30mm)	0.445" (11.30mm)	0.456" (11.58mm)
Insulation Height	0.090" (2.29mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)
Contact Shape	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square
Contact Finish - Mating	Gold	Gold or Gold, GXT™	Tin	Gold	Tin	Gold	Gold	Tin	Gold
Contact Material	Copper Alloy	Phosphor Bronze	Phosphor Bronze	Phosphor Bronze	Phosphor Bronze	Phosphor Bronze	Phosphor Bronze	Phosphor Bronze	Phosphor Bronze
Insulation Material	Thermoplastic	Polycyclohexylenedimethylene Terephthalate (PCT), Glass Filled	Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)	Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)	Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)	Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)	Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)	Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)	Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)
Insulation Color	Black	Black	Black	Black	Black	Black	Black	Black	Black
Style	Board to Board or Cable	Board to Board	Board to Board or Cable	Board to Board or Cable	Board to Board or Cable	Board to Board or Cable	Board to Board or Cable	Board to Board or Cable	Board to Board or Cable
Shrouding	Unshrouded	Unshrouded	Unshrouded	Unshrouded	Unshrouded	Unshrouded	Unshrouded	Unshrouded	Unshrouded
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant	RoHS non-compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
Operating Temperature	Not specified	Not specified	-55°C ~ 105°C	-55°C ~ 125°C	-55°C ~ 105°C	-55°C ~ 125°C	-55°C ~ 125°C	-55°C ~ 105°C	-55°C ~ 125°C
Material Flammability Rating	Not specified	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0
REACH Status	REACH Affected	REACH Affected	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: Samtec TSW Series

The Samtec TSW series connectors (TSW-104-07-T-S, TSW-104-08-G-S, TSW-104-08-T-S, TSW-104-23-L-S, TSW-104-23-S-S, TSW-104-23-T-S, TSW-104-26-G-S) are the preferred substitutes for the obsolete 104878-3. All TSW variants carry active product status and ROHS3 compliance, providing long-term availability and regulatory alignment. These parts maintain all critical matching parameters and are available in high inventory quantities.

Secondary Recommendation: Amphenol ICC 69190-604H

The Amphenol ICC BERGSTIK® II series part 69190-604H provides an alternative from an established connector manufacturer. This part maintains critical matching parameters and offers press-fit termination as an additional option alongside solder termination. However, this part retains RoHS non-compliant status, similar to the original 104878-3.

Selection Criteria by Application:

For RoHS3 Compliant Applications: Select any Samtec TSW variant. All TSW parts meet ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, suitable for modern production environments and export markets.

For Contact Finish Requirements:

Gold mating finish: TSW-104-08-G-S, TSW-104-23-L-S, TSW-104-23-S-S, TSW-104-26-G-S
Tin mating finish: TSW-104-07-T-S, TSW-104-08-T-S, TSW-104-23-T-S

For Operating Temperature Range:

Extended temperature (-55°C to 125°C): TSW-104-08-G-S, TSW-104-23-L-S, TSW-104-23-S-S, TSW-104-26-G-S
Standard temperature (-55°C to 105°C): TSW-104-07-T-S, TSW-104-08-T-S, TSW-104-23-T-S

For Post Length Variations:

Shortest post (0.100"): TSW-104-07-T-S
Standard post (0.115"): TSW-104-23-L-S, TSW-104-23-S-S, TSW-104-23-T-S
Extended post (0.126"): TSW-104-26-G-S
Long post (0.200"): TSW-104-08-G-S, TSW-104-08-T-S

For Legacy Non-Compliant Applications: The Amphenol ICC 69190-604H maintains compatibility with existing RoHS non-compliant designs while providing active product status and higher inventory availability than the obsolete 104878-3.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the TSW-104-07-T-S directly replace the 104878-3 in existing designs?

A: The TSW-104-07-T-S maintains all critical matching parameters including pitch, position count, contact type, mounting method, and mating contact length. The primary difference is a shorter post length (0.100" versus 0.120"), which affects insertion depth into the mating connector. Board layout and clearance must be verified before substitution.

Q: What is the significance of the different post lengths in the TSW series?

A: Post length determines how far the solder tail extends below the printed circuit board. Shorter posts (TSW-104-07-T-S at 0.100") require less board clearance but provide less mechanical support. Standard posts (TSW-104-23 variants at 0.115") balance support and clearance. Extended posts (TSW-104-08 and TSW-104-26 variants) provide maximum mechanical support for high-vibration applications but require greater board clearance.

Q: Are all Samtec TSW variants mechanically interchangeable with the 104878-3?

A: All TSW variants share identical mating contact length (0.230"), pitch (0.100"), position count (4), and insulation height (0.100"). Mechanical interchangeability is confirmed for the mating interface. However, post length variations affect board-level integration and must be evaluated for each application.

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

A: Gold finish (TSW-104-08-G-S, TSW-104-23-L-S, TSW-104-23-S-S, TSW-104-26-G-S) provides superior corrosion resistance and is preferred for harsh environments or long-term storage. Tin finish (TSW-104-07-T-S, TSW-104-08-T-S, TSW-104-23-T-S) offers cost efficiency and adequate performance for standard applications. The 104878-3 original part uses gold finish; gold-finished substitutes maintain this characteristic.

Q: Why do some TSW parts have different operating temperature ranges?

A: Operating temperature range is determined by the insulation material formulation and contact material properties. TSW parts rated to -55°C to 125°C use enhanced material specifications compared to those rated to -55°C to 105°C. Selection depends on the thermal environment of the application.

Q: Is the Amphenol ICC 69190-604H suitable for new designs?

A: The 69190-604H is suitable for new designs requiring RoHS non-compliant components or legacy system compatibility. However, for new production, Samtec TSW variants are preferred due to ROHS3 compliance, REACH unaffected status, and superior long-term availability as active products.

Q: What does "REACH Unaffected" status mean for the Samtec TSW parts?

A: REACH Unaffected status indicates that the component does not contain substances of very high concern (SVHC) listed under the EU REACH regulation. This simplifies compliance documentation and supply chain management compared to REACH Affected components like the original 104878-3.

Q: Can the TSW-104-08-G-S and TSW-104-08-T-S be used interchangeably?

A: These parts are identical except for contact finish (gold versus tin) and operating temperature range (125°C versus 105°C). They share the same extended post length (0.200") and overall contact length (0.530"). Selection depends on finish and temperature requirements; they are not interchangeable if specific finish or temperature performance is required.

Q: What is the difference between the TSW-104-23 variants?

A: The TSW-104-23-L-S, TSW-104-23-S-S, and TSW-104-23-T-S share identical post length (0.115") and overall contact length (0.445"). Differences are: TSW-104-23-L-S has gold mating finish with tin post; TSW-104-23-S-S has gold mating finish with thicker plating (30.0µin); TSW-104-23-T-S has tin mating finish. All three operate to -55°C to 125°C except TSW-104-23-T-S which operates to -55°C to 105°C.

Q: Is the insulation height difference between 104878-3 (0.090") and substitute parts (0.100") significant?

A: The 0.010" (0.254mm) difference in insulation height affects the overall mating interface geometry. Mating connectors designed for 0.100" insulation height will interface correctly with substitute parts. If the original design uses a mating connector specified for 0.090" insulation height, compatibility must be verified with the mating connector manufacturer.

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