3M 2308-6121-TP Rectangular Connector Header - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 3M 2308-6121-TP is an 8-position, 2-row through-hole rectangular connector header with 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch spacing. This connector is designed for board-to-board or cable applications with solder termination and push-pull fastening. The part is currently active in production with 1040 units in stock. Equivalent and substitute parts are necessary when the original manufacturer part becomes unavailable, when alternative compliance certifications are required, or when specific contact finish or material specifications better suit application requirements.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Connector Type	Header
Contact Type	Male Pin
Number of Positions	8
Number of Rows	2
Pitch - Mating	0.100" (2.54mm)
Row Spacing - Mating	0.100" (2.54mm)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Termination	Solder
Fastening Type	Push-Pull
Operating Temperature Range	-55°C ~ 105°C
Current Rating	3A
Material Flammability Rating	UL94 V-0
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 3M 2308-6121-TP is determined by the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

8 positions, 2 rows
0.100" (2.54mm) mating pitch
0.100" (2.54mm) row spacing
Male pin contact type
Through-hole mounting
Solder termination
Push-pull fastening
UL94 V-0 flammability rating
3A current rating
MSL 1 (Unlimited)

Allowable Variations:

Contact finish (Tin, Gold, or Tin-Lead)
Contact material (Copper Alloy or Phosphor Bronze)
Insulation material (Thermoplastic glass-filled, LCP, or PCT/Polyester glass-filled)
Operating temperature range (minimum -55°C, maximum 105°C or higher)
Contact shape (Square or Circular)
Overall contact length and insulation height (within mechanical compatibility)
Product status (Active or Obsolete)
RoHS compliance status

Parts that deviate from mandatory parameters are not suitable substitutes.

Parameter Comparison

Manufacturer	Part Number	Series	Connector Type	Positions	Pitch (mm)	Contact Finish - Mating	Contact Material	Operating Temp (°C)	RoHS Status	Product Status	Inventory
3M	2308-6121-TP	2300	Header	8 (2x4)	2.54	Tin-Lead	Copper Alloy	-55 ~ 105	Non-compliant	Active	1040
Molex	0010897081	C-Grid 70280	Header, Breakaway	8 (2x4)	2.54	Tin	Copper Alloy	Not specified	ROHS3 Compliant	Active	2770
Molex	0010897082	C-Grid 70280	Header, Breakaway	8 (2x4)	2.54	Gold	Copper Alloy	Not specified	ROHS3 Compliant	Active	3303
Preci-Dip	450-10-208-00-001101	450	Header	8 (2x4)	2.54	Gold	Brass	-55 ~ 125	ROHS3 Compliant	Active	1725
TE Connectivity	5-146256-4	AMPMODU Mod II	Header, Breakaway	8 (2x4)	2.54	Gold	Copper Alloy	-65 ~ 105	ROHS3 Compliant	Active	3010
Amphenol ICC (FCI)	67996-108HLF	BERGSTIK® II	Header	8 (2x4)	2.54	Gold or Gold, GXT™	Phosphor Bronze	-65 ~ 125	RoHS Compliant	Active	2200
Amphenol ICC (FCI)	67996-208HLF	BERGSTIK® II	Header	8 (2x4)	2.54	Gold or Gold, GXT™	Phosphor Bronze	-65 ~ 125	RoHS Compliant	Active	930
Amphenol ICC (FCI)	67996-408HLF	BERGSTIK® II	Header	8 (2x4)	2.54	Tin	Phosphor Bronze	-65 ~ 125	RoHS Compliant	Active	3675
Amphenol ICC (FCI)	67996-608H	BERGSTIK® II	Header	8 (2x4)	2.54	Gold or Gold, GXT™	Phosphor Bronze	-65 ~ 125	RoHS non-compliant	Obsolete	1029
Amphenol ICC (FCI)	67997-108HLF	BERGSTIK® II	Header	8 (2x4)	2.54	Gold or Gold, GXT™	Phosphor Bronze	-65 ~ 130	RoHS Compliant	Active	1996
Amphenol ICC (FCI)	67997-208HLF	BERGSTIK® II	Header	8 (2x4)	2.54	Gold or Gold, GXT™	Phosphor Bronze	-65 ~ 130	RoHS Compliant	Active	3720

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (Active Status, RoHS3 Compliant):

Molex 0010897081 and 0010897082 are direct functional equivalents with improved RoHS3 compliance. Both feature the C-Grid 70280 series breakaway header design with identical 8-position, 2-row 2.54mm pitch configuration. The 0010897081 uses tin mating finish, while 0010897082 provides gold mating finish for enhanced corrosion resistance. Both maintain copper alloy contacts and are available in higher inventory quantities (2770 and 3303 units respectively).

TE Connectivity 5-146256-4 (AMPMODU Mod II series) offers RoHS3 compliance with gold mating finish and extended operating temperature range (-65°C to 105°C). This part maintains the same contact length specifications as the original 3M part and provides breakaway header functionality.

Amphenol ICC (FCI) BERGSTIK® II series parts (67996-108HLF, 67996-208HLF, 67996-408HLF, 67997-108HLF, 67997-208HLF) are RoHS-compliant alternatives with phosphor bronze contacts and extended temperature ratings (-65°C to 125°C or -65°C to 130°C). These parts offer multiple contact finish options (gold or tin) and are available in substantial inventory quantities.

Secondary Substitute (Obsolete Status):

Amphenol ICC 67996-608H is functionally equivalent but marked as obsolete. This part should only be selected if existing inventory requirements mandate it; active alternatives are preferred for new designs.

Alternative Material Consideration:

Preci-Dip 450-10-208-00-001101 uses brass contacts with gold finish and offers the highest operating temperature range (-55°C to 125°C). This part is suitable for applications requiring enhanced thermal performance, though brass contact material differs from the original copper alloy specification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I substitute the 3M 2308-6121-TP with any of these parts without PCB redesign?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts maintain the same 8-position, 2-row 2.54mm pitch configuration and through-hole mounting footprint. Mechanical compatibility is preserved across all substitutes. However, verify contact length specifications (mating and post) against your PCB design, as minor variations exist between manufacturers.

Q: What is the difference between the Molex 0010897081 and 0010897082?

A: Both are identical C-Grid 70280 series headers with the same mechanical and electrical specifications. The primary difference is contact finish: 0010897081 features tin mating finish, while 0010897082 features gold mating finish. Gold finish provides superior corrosion resistance in high-humidity or corrosive environments.

Q: Why do some substitutes have higher operating temperature ranges?

A: Operating temperature range is determined by insulation material and contact material properties. Amphenol BERGSTIK® II parts use phosphor bronze contacts and advanced insulation materials rated to -65°C to 125°C or -65°C to 130°C, compared to the original 3M part's -55°C to 105°C range. This does not affect compatibility; higher-rated parts are suitable for applications requiring the original temperature range.

Q: Is RoHS compliance mandatory for my application?

A: RoHS compliance depends on your end-market and regulatory requirements. The original 3M 2308-6121-TP is RoHS non-compliant. If RoHS3 compliance is required, select from Molex (0010897081, 0010897082), TE Connectivity (5-146256-4), Preci-Dip (450-10-208-00-001101), or Amphenol ICC active-status BERGSTIK® II parts (67996-108HLF, 67996-208HLF, 67996-408HLF, 67997-108HLF, 67997-208HLF).

Q: What contact finish should I select?

A: Contact finish selection depends on application environment and signal integrity requirements. Tin finish (Molex 0010897081, Amphenol 67996-408HLF) is cost-effective for general-purpose applications. Gold finish (Molex 0010897082, Amphenol 67996-108HLF, 67996-208HLF, 67997-108HLF, 67997-208HLF, Preci-Dip 450-10-208-00-001101) provides superior corrosion resistance and is preferred for high-reliability or harsh-environment applications. Tin-Lead finish (original 3M part) is no longer recommended for new designs due to lead content restrictions.

Q: Can I use the Amphenol 67996-608H (obsolete part)?

A: The 67996-608H is functionally equivalent but marked as obsolete. While 1029 units are currently in stock, this part should only be selected if existing inventory requirements mandate it. For new designs or long-term production, select from active-status alternatives to ensure supply chain continuity.

Q: What is the difference between header and breakaway header types?

A: Standard headers (3M 2308-6121-TP, Amphenol BERGSTIK® II, Preci-Dip 450) are fixed connectors. Breakaway headers (Molex C-Grid 70280, TE Connectivity AMPMODU Mod II) feature perforated sections allowing individual pins or pin groups to be separated after assembly. Breakaway functionality does not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility; both types are interchangeable in applications that do not require the breakaway feature.

Q: Are contact material differences (copper alloy vs. phosphor bronze vs. brass) significant?

A: Contact material affects mechanical durability, corrosion resistance, and spring characteristics. Copper alloy (original 3M part, Molex, TE Connectivity) provides standard performance. Phosphor bronze (Amphenol BERGSTIK® II) offers enhanced durability and corrosion resistance. Brass (Preci-Dip 450) provides excellent corrosion resistance and is suitable for harsh environments. All materials are compatible with standard PCB soldering processes and maintain the 3A current rating.

Q: What is the inventory status for each substitute?

A: Amphenol 67996-408HLF has the highest inventory (3675 units), followed by Molex 0010897082 (3303 units) and Amphenol 67997-208HLF (3720 units). Amphenol 67996-208HLF has the lowest inventory (930 units). Verify current availability with your supplier before finalizing part selection for high-volume production.

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