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172-037-181-021 D-Sub 37 Position Plug Connector - Equivalent & Substitute Parts
Part Overview
The NorComp Inc. 172-037-181-021 is a 37 position D-Sub plug connector with male pins, panel mount configuration, and solder termination. This connector is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing system maintenance, repairs, and new designs requiring compatible alternatives. The part features a 4-position shell size (DC, C) layout with steel shell construction and gold-plated contacts rated for 5A current at operating temperatures from -50°C to 100°C.
Substiute Parts
Key Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Connector Type | D-Sub Plug, Male Pins |
| Number of Positions | 37 |
| Shell Size / Layout | 4 (DC, C) |
| Mounting Type | Panel Mount, Through Hole |
| Termination | Solder |
| Current Rating | 5A |
| Operating Temperature Range | -50°C to 100°C |
| Shell Material / Finish | Steel, Yellow Chromate Plated |
| Contact Finish | Gold (Flash) |
| Dielectric Material | Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) |
| Flammability Rating | UL94 V-0 |
| RoHS Status | RoHS Non-Compliant |
Substitute Part Grouping Explanation
Substitution eligibility for the 172-037-181-021 is determined by strict alignment of the following core parameters:
- Connector Configuration: 37 position D-Sub plug with male pins
- Shell Size: 4 (DC, C) layout
- Mounting Method: Panel mount or through hole configurations
- Termination Type: Solder termination
- Electrical Performance: Current rating and operating temperature range
- Material Compliance: Shell material, contact finish, and dielectric composition
- Regulatory Status: RoHS compliance and flammability certification
Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on these criteria:
Category A - Direct Functional Equivalents: Parts maintaining panel mount configuration with comparable electrical ratings and material specifications.
Category B - Enhanced Performance Alternatives: Parts with improved current ratings, extended temperature ranges, or upgraded compliance status while maintaining core 37-position D-Sub plug configuration.
Parameter Comparison
| Part Number | Manufacturer | Mounting Type | Current Rating (A) | Operating Temp (°C) | Shell Finish | Contact Finish | RoHS Status | Product Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 172-037-181-021 | NorComp Inc. | Panel Mount, Through Hole | 5 | -50 to 100 | Steel, Yellow Chromate | Gold (Flash) | Non-Compliant | Obsolete |
| 172-037-183L021 | NorComp Inc. | Panel Mount, Through Hole | 5 | -50 to 125 | Steel, Nickel Plated | Gold (Flash) | ROHS3 Compliant | Active |
| 09654296702 | HARTING | Through Hole | 6.5 | -55 to 125 | Steel | Gold | ROHS3 Compliant | Active |
| 09654296701 | HARTING | Through Hole | 6.5 | -55 to 125 | Steel | Gold | ROHS3 Compliant | Active |
| 09654616711 | HARTING | Through Hole | 6.5 | -55 to 125 | Steel | — | ROHS3 Compliant | Active |
| 09654616712 | HARTING | Through Hole | 6.5 | -55 to 125 | Steel | — | ROHS3 Compliant | Active |
| 09664216701 | HARTING | Through Hole | 7.5 | -55 to 125 | Steel | — | ROHS3 Compliant | Active |
| 09664216703 | HARTING | Through Hole | 7.5 | -55 to 125 | Steel | — | ROHS3 Compliant | Active |
| 09664217703 | HARTING | Through Hole | 7.5 | -55 to 125 | Steel | — | ROHS3 Compliant | Active |
| SDCB-37P(55) | Hirose Electric Co Ltd | Panel Mount, Through Hole | 3 | — | Steel, Nickel Plated | Gold (8.00µin) | RoHS Compliant | Active |
Engineering Selection Recommendations
Primary Substitute - NorComp 172-037-183L021: This part represents the direct successor to the 172-037-181-021 within the same manufacturer's product line. It maintains identical connector configuration, mounting type, and current rating while offering ROHS3 compliance, extended operating temperature range to 125°C, and active product status. The nickel-plated steel shell provides equivalent corrosion resistance to the original yellow chromate finish.
Secondary Substitutes - HARTING 09654296701 and 09654296702: These connectors provide enhanced electrical performance with 6.5A current rating and extended temperature range (-55°C to 125°C). Both maintain the 37-position D-Sub plug configuration and solder termination. ROHS3 compliance and active product status ensure long-term availability. The through-hole mounting accommodates panel mount applications with appropriate PCB layout design.
Enhanced Performance Options - HARTING 09664216701, 09664216703, and 09664217703: These parts deliver the highest current rating (7.5A) among available substitutes with machined contact forms and extended temperature specifications. Suitable for applications requiring increased current capacity or wider thermal operating ranges.
Limited Current Application - Hirose SDCB-37P(55): This connector is suitable only for applications where the 3A current rating is sufficient. It provides panel mount configuration matching the original part and RoHS compliance. The 350V voltage rating and gold contact finish support signal-level applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can the 172-037-183L021 directly replace the 172-037-181-021 in existing designs?
A: Yes. The 172-037-183L021 maintains identical connector geometry, pin configuration, mounting footprint, and current rating. The primary differences are improved RoHS compliance, extended temperature range, and nickel plating instead of yellow chromate. No design modifications are required.
Q: What is the key difference between panel mount and through-hole mounting for D-Sub connectors?
A: Panel mount connectors feature a flange on the board side for direct panel attachment. Through-hole variants require PCB-mounted receptacles. The HARTING substitutes use through-hole mounting but can interface with panel-mounted mating connectors through appropriate cable assemblies.
Q: Why do some substitute parts show no contact finish specification?
A: Contact finish data was not provided in the source specifications for certain HARTING parts. This does not indicate inferior performance; it reflects incomplete documentation in the available technical data. Consult HARTING datasheets for complete contact material and finish specifications.
Q: Is the Hirose SDCB-37P(55) suitable as a general replacement?
A: The Hirose connector is suitable only for applications operating at 3A or below. The original 172-037-181-021 is rated for 5A. Use the Hirose part only when system current requirements do not exceed 3A.
Q: What compliance considerations apply when substituting the obsolete 172-037-181-021?
A: The original part is RoHS non-compliant. All active substitute options (172-037-183L021, HARTING series, and Hirose SDCB-37P(55)) are RoHS compliant. New designs and systems subject to RoHS regulations must use compliant substitutes. Existing legacy systems may continue using the original part if inventory permits.
Q: Are there mechanical compatibility issues between the original and substitute connectors?
A: All listed substitutes maintain the 37-position D-Sub plug configuration with 4-shell size (DC, C) layout. Mechanical compatibility with mating connectors is preserved. Verify flange feature specifications (board side vs. housing/shell) match your specific application requirements.
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