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172-037-281-021 D-Sub 37 Position Receptacle Connector Equivalent & Substitute Parts
Part Overview
The 172-037-281-021 is a 37 Position D-Sub Receptacle connector manufactured by NorComp Inc., featuring female sockets for panel mount, through-hole solder termination applications. This connector is part of the 172 series and serves as a standard interface component in industrial and commercial electronic equipment requiring multi-pin signal distribution.
The main part is currently in stock with 915 units available. Due to product lifecycle considerations, manufacturing availability, and compliance requirements, equivalent substitute parts from both NorComp Inc. and alternative manufacturers such as Amphenol ICC are available to ensure design flexibility and supply chain continuity.
Substiute Parts
Key Parameters
| Parameter | 172-037-281-021 Specification |
|---|---|
| Connector Style | D-Sub |
| Connector Type | Receptacle, Female Sockets |
| Number of Positions | 37 |
| Number of Rows | 2 |
| Shell Size, Connector Layout | 4 (DC, C) |
| Mounting Type | Panel Mount, Through Hole |
| Termination | Solder |
| Current Rating (Amps) | 5A |
| Material Flammability Rating | UL94 V-0 |
| Operating Temperature Range | -50°C ~ 125°C |
| Dielectric Material | Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) |
| Contact Material | Brass |
| Color | Black |
Substitute Part Grouping Explanation
Substitution eligibility for the 172-037-281-021 is determined by strict alignment of the following critical parameters:
Primary Substitution Criteria:
- Connector Style: D-Sub
- Connector Type: Receptacle, Female Sockets
- Number of Positions: 37
- Number of Rows: 2
- Shell Size, Connector Layout: 4 (DC, C)
- Termination: Solder
- Material Flammability Rating: UL94 V-0
Secondary Compatibility Parameters:
- Mounting Type: Panel Mount, Through Hole (with allowance for Through Hole only variants)
- Current Rating: 5A minimum
- Operating Temperature: -50°C ~ 125°C or wider range
- Dielectric Material: PBT or equivalent thermoplastic, glass-filled material
Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:
Category 1: Direct NorComp Inc. Series 172 Variants Parts 172-037-281L021, 172-037-282-021, and 172-037-283L021 maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications with variations in packaging, shell finish, and product status. These parts are interchangeable at the functional level.
Category 2: Cross-Manufacturer Amphenol ICC Equivalents Parts FCE17C37SN280, FCE17C37SN2E0, FCE17C37SN480, FCE17C37SN4D0, L177SDCH37SOL2RM5G, and L177SDCH37SOL2RM8G meet core D-Sub 37-position receptacle requirements with variations in contact material, shell finish, flange feature, and operating temperature range. These parts satisfy the primary substitution criteria while introducing secondary parameter differences.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | 172-037-281-021 | 172-037-281L021 | 172-037-282-021 | 172-037-283L021 | FCE17C37SN280 | FCE17C37SN2E0 | FCE17C37SN480 | FCE17C37SN4D0 | L177SDCH37SOL2RM5G | L177SDCH37SOL2RM8G |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | NorComp Inc. | NorComp Inc. | NorComp Inc. | NorComp Inc. | Amphenol ICC | Amphenol ICC | Amphenol ICC | 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 | Receptacle, Female Sockets | Receptacle, Female Sockets | Receptacle, Female Sockets | Receptacle, Female Sockets |
| Number of Positions | 37 | 37 | 37 | 37 | 37 | 37 | 37 | 37 | 37 | 37 |
| Shell Size, Connector Layout | 4 (DC, C) | 4 (DC, C) | 4 (DC, C) | 4 (DC, C) | 4 (DC, C) | 4 (DC, C) | 4 (DC, C) | 4 (DC, C) | 4 (DC, C) | 4 (DC, C) |
| Termination | Solder | Solder | Solder | Solder | Solder | Solder | Solder | Solder | Solder | Solder |
| Mounting Type | Panel Mount, Through Hole | Panel Mount, Through Hole | Panel Mount, Through Hole | Panel Mount, Through Hole | Through Hole | Through Hole | Panel Mount, Through Hole | Panel Mount, Through Hole | Panel Mount, Through Hole | Panel Mount, Through Hole |
| Current Rating (Amps) | 5A | 5A | 5A | 5A | 5A | 5A | 5A | 5A | 3A | 3A |
| Material Flammability Rating | UL94 V-0 | UL94 V-0 | UL94 V-0 | UL94 V-0 | UL94 V-0 | UL94 V-0 | UL94 V-0 | UL94 V-0 | UL94 V-0 | UL94 V-0 |
| Operating Temperature Range | -50°C ~ 125°C | -50°C ~ 125°C | -50°C ~ 125°C | -50°C ~ 125°C | -40°C ~ 85°C | -40°C ~ 85°C | -40°C ~ 85°C | -40°C ~ 85°C | -55°C ~ 125°C | -55°C ~ 125°C |
| Shell Material, Finish | Steel, Yellow Chromate Plated | Steel, Yellow Chromate Plated | Steel, Yellow Chromate Plated | Steel, Nickel Plated | Steel, Tin Plated | Steel, Tin Plated | Steel, Tin Plated | Steel, Tin Plated | Steel, Tin Plated | Steel, Tin Plated |
| Contact Finish | Gold | Gold | Gold | Gold | Gold | Gold | Gold | Gold | Gold | Gold |
| Contact Material | Brass | Brass | Brass | Brass | Phosphor Bronze | Phosphor Bronze | Phosphor Bronze | Phosphor Bronze | Phosphor Bronze | Phosphor Bronze |
| Dielectric Material | Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) | Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) | Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) | Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) | Thermoplastic, Glass Filled | Thermoplastic, Glass Filled | Thermoplastic, Glass Filled | Thermoplastic, Glass Filled | Thermoplastic, Glass Filled | Thermoplastic, Glass Filled |
| Product Status | Active | Obsolete | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active |
| RoHS Status | RoHS non-compliant | RoHS non-compliant | RoHS non-compliant | ROHS3 Compliant | RoHS Compliant | RoHS Compliant | RoHS Compliant | RoHS Compliant | RoHS Compliant | RoHS Compliant |
Engineering Selection Recommendations
NorComp Inc. Series 172 Direct Substitutes (172-037-281L021, 172-037-282-021, 172-037-283L021)
These parts maintain functional equivalence with the 172-037-281-021 across all primary electrical and mechanical parameters. Selection among these variants depends on compliance and product lifecycle requirements:
172-037-281L021 is obsolete and should be avoided for new designs despite functional compatibility.
172-037-282-021 remains active and RoHS non-compliant, suitable for legacy system maintenance where RoHS compliance is not mandated.
172-037-283L021 is the recommended NorComp Inc. substitute, offering active product status, ROHS3 compliance, and nickel-plated shell finish for enhanced corrosion resistance compared to the yellow chromate plating of the original part.
Amphenol ICC FCE17 Series Substitutes (FCE17C37SN280, FCE17C37SN2E0, FCE17C37SN480, FCE17C37SN4D0)
These parts meet core D-Sub 37-position receptacle requirements with the following considerations:
All FCE17 variants are RoHS compliant and active products, supporting modern compliance frameworks.
Operating temperature range is restricted to -40°C ~ 85°C, narrower than the original -50°C ~ 125°C specification. Selection requires confirmation that application requirements fall within this range.
Mounting type varies: FCE17C37SN280 and FCE17C37SN2E0 provide through-hole mounting only without panel mount flange, while FCE17C37SN480 and FCE17C37SN4D0 include panel mount capability with board-side 4-40 flange.
Contact material is phosphor bronze rather than brass, with identical gold finish and 15.0µin (0.38µm) thickness.
Amphenol ICC SD Series Substitutes (L177SDCH37SOL2RM5G, L177SDCH37SOL2RM8G)
These parts provide the widest operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 125°C) and are RoHS compliant:
Current rating is 3A, lower than the 5A specification of the original part. Selection requires confirmation that circuit current requirements do not exceed 3A per contact.
Voltage rating of 250V is specified, providing additional electrical specification clarity.
Board lock feature and stamped contact form distinguish these parts from the original design.
L177SDCH37SOL2RM8G includes female screwlock feature on the mating side, providing mechanical retention not present in other variants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can 172-037-281L021 be used as a direct replacement for 172-037-281-021?
A: 172-037-281L021 is functionally equivalent across all primary electrical and mechanical parameters. However, this part is obsolete and should not be selected for new designs. Use 172-037-283L021 instead for active product status and improved compliance.
Q: What is the key difference between NorComp 172-037-283L021 and the original 172-037-281-021?
A: Both parts are functionally identical in connector configuration, pin count, and electrical ratings. The primary differences are shell finish (nickel plated vs. yellow chromate plated) and RoHS compliance status (ROHS3 compliant vs. non-compliant). 172-037-283L021 is the recommended substitute for new designs.
Q: Can Amphenol ICC FCE17C37SN280 replace 172-037-281-021 in all applications?
A: FCE17C37SN280 meets the core D-Sub 37-position receptacle specification but has two critical limitations: operating temperature range is -40°C ~ 85°C (vs. -50°C ~ 125°C), and mounting type is through-hole only without panel mount flange. Substitution is valid only if application requirements fall within these constraints.
Q: Why do L177SDCH37SOL2RM5G and L177SDCH37SOL2RM8G have a 3A current rating instead of 5A?
A: These parts are specified with 3A current rating per contact. Applications requiring 5A per contact cannot use these substitutes. Verify circuit current requirements before selection.
Q: What is the difference between FCE17C37SN480 and FCE17C37SN4D0?
A: Both parts are functionally identical. The difference is in the flange feature designation within the part number. Both provide panel mount capability with board-side 4-40 flange. Selection between these variants depends on manufacturer availability and inventory status.
Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?
A: No. The original 172-037-281-021 and variants 172-037-281L021 and 172-037-282-021 are RoHS non-compliant. 172-037-283L021 is ROHS3 compliant. All Amphenol ICC parts (FCE17 and SD series) are RoHS compliant. RoHS compliance requirement determines which substitutes are acceptable for your application.
Q: Can L177SDCH37SOL2RM8G be used where mechanical retention is required?
A: Yes. L177SDCH37SOL2RM8G includes female screwlock feature on the mating side (4-40), providing mechanical retention capability not present in other variants. This feature is specified in the part description and distinguishes it from L177SDCH37SOL2RM5G.
Q: What packaging options are available for these substitutes?
A: 172-037-281L021, 172-037-283L021, L177SDCH37SOL2RM5G, and L177SDCH37SOL2RM8G are supplied in Tray packaging. 172-037-281-021 and 172-037-282-021 packaging is not specified. FCE17 series parts packaging is not specified. Confirm packaging requirements with supplier if specific packaging is mandated.
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