172-025-281-021 D-Sub Receptacle 25 Position Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The NorComp Inc. 172-025-281-021 is a 25 position D-Sub receptacle connector with female sockets, designed for panel mount through-hole solder termination applications. This part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing system maintenance, repairs, and new designs requiring compatible alternatives.

The connector features a DB/B shell size (3) configuration with a 2-row layout, gold-plated flash contacts, and steel shell with yellow chromate plating. Current rating is 5A with an operating temperature range of -50°C to 100°C.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Connector Type	D-Sub Receptacle, Female Sockets
Number of Positions	25
Number of Rows	2
Shell Size, Connector Layout	3 (DB, B)
Mounting Type	Panel Mount, Through Hole
Termination	Solder
Shell Material, Finish	Steel, Yellow Chromate Plated
Contact Finish	Gold, Flash
Current Rating	5A
Operating Temperature	-50°C ~ 100°C
Dielectric Material	Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)
Material Flammability Rating	UL94 V-0
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 172-025-281-021 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

Connector type: Receptacle, Female Sockets
Number of positions: 25
Number of rows: 2
Shell size and layout: 3 (DB, B)
Termination method: Solder
Contact finish: Gold
Material flammability rating: UL94 V-0
Dielectric material: Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) or equivalent thermoplastic

Allowable Variation Parameters:

Mounting type: Panel mount or through-hole configurations
Shell material finish: Yellow chromate, nickel, or tin plating
Current rating: 5A or higher
Operating temperature: Range must encompass or exceed -50°C to 100°C
Contact form: Machined or stamped
Product status: Active or obsolete

Substitute parts must maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility with the original 172-025-281-021 connector footprint and mating interface.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	172-025-281-021	172-025-283L021	205738-1	FCE17B25SN2D0	FCE17B25SN480	FCE17B25SN4D0
Manufacturer	NorComp Inc.	NorComp Inc.	TE Connectivity AMP	Amphenol ICC	Amphenol ICC	Amphenol ICC
Connector Type	Receptacle, Female Sockets	Receptacle, Female Sockets	Receptacle, Female Sockets	Receptacle, Female Sockets	Receptacle, Female Sockets	Receptacle, Female Sockets
Positions	25	25	25	25	25	25
Rows	2	2	2	2	2	2
Shell Size	3 (DB, B)	3 (DB, B)	3 (DB, B)	3 (DB, B)	3 (DB, B)	3 (DB, B)
Mounting Type	Panel Mount, Through Hole	Panel Mount, Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Panel Mount, Through Hole	Panel Mount, Through Hole
Termination	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder
Shell Material, Finish	Steel, Yellow Chromate	Steel, Nickel Plated	Steel, Yellow Chromate Plated Zinc	Steel, Tin Plated	Steel, Tin Plated	Steel, Tin Plated
Contact Finish	Gold, Flash	Gold, Flash	Gold	Gold, 15.0µin (0.38µm)	Gold, 15.0µin (0.38µm)	Gold, 15.0µin (0.38µm)
Current Rating	5A	5A	6A	5A	5A	5A
Operating Temperature	-50°C ~ 100°C	-50°C ~ 125°C	-55°C ~ 105°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C
Dielectric Material	PBT	PBT	PBT, Glass Filled	Thermoplastic, Glass Filled	Thermoplastic, Glass Filled	Thermoplastic, Glass Filled
Flammability Rating	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active
RoHS Status	Non-compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	Not applicable	RoHS Compliant	RoHS Compliant	RoHS Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitute: 172-025-283L021 (NorComp Inc.)

The 172-025-283L021 is the direct equivalent within the NorComp 172 series. It maintains identical electrical and mechanical specifications with the original part while offering active product status and ROHS3 compliance. The extended operating temperature range (-50°C to 125°C) provides additional thermal margin. This part is recommended for direct replacement in existing designs.

Secondary Substitutes: Amphenol ICC FCE17 Series (FCE17B25SN2D0, FCE17B25SN480, FCE17B25SN4D0)

The Amphenol ICC FCE17 series connectors provide functional equivalence with RoHS compliance and active product status. These parts feature tin-plated steel shells and glass-filled thermoplastic dielectrics. The operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) is narrower than the original part; verification is required for applications requiring operation below -40°C or above 85°C. Mounting type variations exist: FCE17B25SN2D0 features unthreaded housing flange, while FCE17B25SN480 and FCE17B25SN4D0 feature board-side 4-40 flanges.

Alternative Substitute: 205738-1 (TE Connectivity AMP Connectors)

The TE Connectivity 205738-1 AMPLIMITE HDP-20 series connector meets core electrical and mechanical requirements with a 6A current rating and extended lower temperature limit (-55°C). The operating temperature upper limit (105°C) exceeds the original specification. This part features unthreaded housing flange mounting and is suitable for applications requiring higher current capacity or extended cold-temperature operation.

Compliance Considerations:

For applications requiring RoHS compliance, the 172-025-283L021, FCE17B25SN2D0, FCE17B25SN480, and FCE17B25SN4D0 are compliant options. The original 172-025-281-021 and 205738-1 do not meet RoHS requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 172-025-283L021 be used as a direct replacement for the 172-025-281-021?

A: Yes. The 172-025-283L021 maintains identical connector geometry, pin count, shell size, and solder termination. The primary differences are active product status, ROHS3 compliance, and extended operating temperature range to 125°C. No design modifications are required.

Q: What is the key difference between the Amphenol FCE17 variants (FCE17B25SN2D0, FCE17B25SN480, FCE17B25SN4D0)?

A: All three FCE17 variants share identical electrical specifications and core mechanical design. The distinction lies in flange configuration: FCE17B25SN2D0 features an unthreaded housing flange, while FCE17B25SN480 and FCE17B25SN4D0 feature board-side 4-40 threaded flanges. Selection depends on the mounting interface available on the target PCB or panel.

Q: Are there temperature limitations when substituting with Amphenol FCE17 series connectors?

A: Yes. The FCE17 series operates from -40°C to 85°C, which is narrower than the original 172-025-281-021 range of -50°C to 100°C. Applications requiring operation below -40°C or above 85°C must use the 172-025-283L021 or 205738-1 alternatives.

Q: Does the TE Connectivity 205738-1 require any design considerations?

A: The 205738-1 features an unthreaded housing flange, differing from the original part's board-side 4-40 flange. Mounting interface compatibility must be verified. The part is not RoHS compliant and has REACH-affected status. Current rating is 6A, exceeding the original 5A specification.

Q: Which substitute part is recommended for new designs?

A: The 172-025-283L021 is recommended for new designs requiring direct compatibility with existing tooling and interfaces. For applications where RoHS compliance is mandatory and operating temperature does not exceed 85°C, the Amphenol FCE17 series provides compliant alternatives.

Q: Can multiple substitute parts be used interchangeably within the same assembly?

A: Mechanical interchangeability is confirmed for all listed substitutes within the specified shell size and pin count. However, shell finish variations (yellow chromate, nickel, tin plating) and flange configurations may affect assembly processes and environmental performance. Consistency within a single assembly is recommended to avoid process complications.

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