TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 146281-1 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 146281-1 is a rectangular connector header designed for through-hole mounting in board-to-board or cable applications. This single-position, unshrouded connector features male pin contacts with gold-plated mating surfaces and tin-lead post finishes. The part operates across a temperature range of -65°C to 105°C with a current rating of 3A and is constructed from liquid crystal polymer insulation material rated UL94 V-0.

The 146281-1 carries an obsolete product status, which necessitates identification of active equivalent components for new designs and ongoing production requirements. The substitute part 5-146281-1 provides functional continuity while offering improved compliance characteristics.

Substiute Parts

146281-1

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 916146281-1 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

5-146281-1

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 8635-146281-1 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the obsolete 146281-1 with the active equivalent 5-146281-1 is based on strict electrical and mechanical parameter equivalence within the AMPMODU Mod II series. Both parts maintain identical specifications across all critical dimensions, contact configurations, and performance ratings that determine functional compatibility.

The substitution logic is grounded in the following key parameters:

• Connector Type and Contact Configuration: Both parts are Header, Breakaway connectors with single-position, single-row male pin contacts
• Physical Dimensions: Contact lengths (mating, post, and overall), insulation height, and contact shape are identical
• Electrical Performance: Current rating (3A), operating temperature range (-65°C to 105°C), and contact material (Copper Alloy) are equivalent
• Termination and Mounting: Both employ solder termination with through-hole mounting and push-pull fastening
• Insulation Properties: Liquid crystal polymer construction with UL94 V-0 flammability rating is maintained
• Contact Finish - Mating Surface: Gold plating at 30.0µin (0.76µm) thickness is identical

The only material difference exists in the post finish: the obsolete 146281-1 uses tin-lead, while the active 5-146281-1 uses tin. This change reflects modern RoHS compliance requirements and does not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility in standard applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The 5-146281-1 is the direct active equivalent for the obsolete 146281-1 within the AMPMODU Mod II rectangular connector series. Selection of the 5-146281-1 for new designs and production applications is based on the following engineering criteria:

Product Status: The 146281-1 is classified as obsolete, which restricts availability for ongoing production and future procurement. The 5-146281-1 maintains active product status with confirmed inventory availability (853 pieces in stock), ensuring supply chain continuity.

Regulatory Compliance: The 5-146281-1 is RoHS compliant, whereas the 146281-1 is RoHS non-compliant. This distinction is significant for applications subject to RoHS directives and for manufacturers implementing lead-free manufacturing processes. The transition from tin-lead to tin post finish in the 5-146281-1 aligns with RoHS requirements without compromising electrical or mechanical performance.

Functional Equivalence: All critical electrical and mechanical parameters are identical between the two parts. The connector maintains the same single-position header configuration, contact dimensions, current rating (3A), operating temperature range (-65°C to 105°C), and material specifications (Liquid Crystal Polymer insulation, Copper Alloy contacts, UL94 V-0 flammability rating).

Interchangeability: The 5-146281-1 is a direct pin-for-pin and form-factor equivalent. No design modifications, PCB layout changes, or mating interface adjustments are required for substitution.

For applications currently using the 146281-1, transition to the 5-146281-1 is recommended to ensure long-term component availability and regulatory compliance alignment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are the 146281-1 and 5-146281-1 electrically interchangeable?

A: Yes. Both parts are electrically equivalent with identical current ratings (3A), operating temperature ranges (-65°C to 105°C), contact materials (Copper Alloy), and mating surface finishes (gold plating at 30.0µin thickness). The post finish difference (tin-lead versus tin) does not affect electrical performance in standard solder joint applications.

Q: What is the significance of the contact finish change from tin-lead to tin?

A: The transition from tin-lead to tin post finish reflects modern RoHS compliance standards. Tin provides equivalent solderability and electrical conductivity to tin-lead while eliminating lead content. This change enables the 5-146281-1 to meet RoHS directives applicable to many industries and markets.

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

A: Yes. The 5-146281-1 is a direct form-factor and functional equivalent. No PCB layout modifications, connector interface changes, or design alterations are required. The parts are mechanically and electrically interchangeable.

Q: Why is the 146281-1 listed as obsolete?

A: The 146281-1 has been superseded by the 5-146281-1 within the AMPMODU Mod II product line. TE Connectivity has transitioned production to the RoHS-compliant variant to align with regulatory requirements and manufacturing standards.

Q: Are there any packaging or moisture sensitivity differences between these parts?

A: No. Both parts share identical moisture sensitivity levels (MSL 1 - Unlimited), indicating no special moisture control requirements during storage or handling. Packaging specifications are equivalent.

Q: What are the key parameters that determine substitution eligibility for rectangular connectors in this category?

A: Substitution eligibility is determined by: connector type and contact configuration, number of positions and rows, contact dimensions (mating length, post length, overall length), insulation height, contact shape, current rating, operating temperature range, termination method, mounting type, contact material, insulation material, and flammability rating. All these parameters must be identical or functionally equivalent between the original and substitute part.

Q: Is the 5-146281-1 suitable for high-reliability applications?

A: The 5-146281-1 maintains the same UL94 V-0 flammability rating, operating temperature range (-65°C to 105°C), and material specifications as the 146281-1. Suitability for specific high-reliability applications depends on application-specific requirements beyond these standard electrical and mechanical parameters.

Q: What is the current inventory status for the 5-146281-1?

A: The 5-146281-1 has 853 pieces of new original stock currently available, ensuring adequate supply for production and design implementation.