172-050-181-021 D-Sub Connector Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 172-050-181-021 is a 50-position D-Sub plug connector manufactured by NorComp Inc., designed for panel mount, through-hole solder termination applications. This connector features male pins with a 3-row configuration and steel shell with yellow chromate plating. The part is currently in stock with 1018 units available. Due to product lifecycle considerations and varying compliance requirements across manufacturing batches, equivalent substitute parts with identical electrical and mechanical specifications are available to ensure design flexibility and supply chain continuity.

Substiute Parts

172-050-181-021

NorComp Inc.In Stock: 1125172-050-181-021 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

172-050-181L021

NorComp Inc.In Stock: 847172-050-181L021 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

172-050-182-021

NorComp Inc.In Stock: 752172-050-182-021 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

172-050-183L021

NorComp Inc.In Stock: 1137172-050-183L021 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the 172-050-181-021 are qualified based on strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

• Connector type: Plug with male pins
• Number of positions and rows: 50 positions, 3-row configuration
• Shell size and layout: Size 5 (DD, D)
• Mounting configuration: Panel mount, through-hole
• Termination method: Solder
• Contact specifications: Signal type, gold finish
• Electrical performance: 5A current rating, -50°C ~ 125°C operating range
• Dielectric material: Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)
• Flammability compliance: UL94 V-0

Variations in shell finish material (yellow chromate plated versus nickel plated) and product status (obsolete versus active) do not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility when all other parameters remain constant. These variations represent manufacturing updates within the same connector family.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All listed substitute parts maintain identical electrical and mechanical compatibility with the 172-050-181-021 across core connector specifications. Selection between equivalent parts should be based on the following criteria:

172-050-181L021: This part is functionally equivalent but carries obsolete product status. Use only when existing inventory constraints or legacy system requirements necessitate this variant. RoHS non-compliance status must be evaluated against application regulatory requirements.

172-050-182-021: This part maintains active product status and is electrically and mechanically equivalent to the primary part. Suitable for new designs and applications without specific compliance restrictions.

172-050-183L021: This part is the preferred substitute for applications requiring RoHS3 compliance. It features active product status and nickel-plated shell finish instead of yellow chromate plating. The nickel plating provides equivalent corrosion resistance and electrical performance while meeting modern environmental compliance standards. Highest inventory availability supports supply chain reliability.

For applications with no specific compliance mandates, any of the three substitutes provide equivalent performance. For new designs or regulated applications, 172-050-183L021 is the recommended selection due to active status and RoHS3 compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can 172-050-181L021 be used as a direct replacement for 172-050-181-021?

A: Yes, from an electrical and mechanical standpoint. However, the obsolete product status and RoHS non-compliance of 172-050-181L021 may present supply chain or regulatory concerns. Verify compliance requirements for your application before selection.

Q: What is the difference between yellow chromate plating and nickel plating on the shell?

A: Both finishes provide equivalent corrosion resistance and electrical performance for this connector category. Nickel plating (172-050-183L021) is the modern standard and supports RoHS3 compliance. Yellow chromate plating (172-050-181-021, 172-050-181L021, 172-050-182-021) is a legacy finish. Selection depends on application environment and compliance requirements, not electrical function.

Q: Are all four parts pin-compatible?

A: Yes. All parts feature identical 50-position, 3-row male pin configurations with the same pin spacing, contact finish, and signal type. They are fully interchangeable at the connector interface level.

Q: Which substitute should I specify for a new design?

A: For new designs, specify 172-050-183L021. It offers active product status, RoHS3 compliance, and the highest inventory availability, ensuring long-term supply chain stability and regulatory alignment.

Q: Does the packaging format affect compatibility?

A: No. Packaging format (tray versus bulk) affects logistics and handling only, not electrical or mechanical compatibility. All parts function identically once installed.

Q: What is the significance of the "M Series" designation on some parts?

A: The M Series designation indicates a product line variant within the 172 series family. It does not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility for the specified connector parameters.