TE Connectivity 3-216868-4 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 3-216868-4 is a rectangular connector header with right-angle mounting, 34 positions, and 2.54mm pitch. This through-hole component features shrouded 4-wall construction with latch lock/eject hooks and is designed for board-to-cable/wire applications. The part is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent and substitute components that maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility for new designs and production continuity.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Connector Type	Header
Contact Type	Male Pin
Pitch - Mating	0.100" (2.54mm)
Number of Positions	34
Number of Rows	2
Row Spacing - Mating	0.100" (2.54mm)
Mounting Type	Through Hole, Right Angle
Shrouding	Shrouded - 4 Wall
Termination	Solder
Fastening Type	Latch Lock/Eject Hooks
Contact Finish - Mating	Gold or Gold-Palladium
Insulation Color	Gray
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TE Connectivity 3-216868-4 is determined by strict adherence to the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Connector type: Header
Contact type: Male pin
Pitch - mating: 0.100" (2.54mm)
Number of positions: 34
Number of rows: 2
Row spacing - mating: 0.100" (2.54mm)
Mounting type: Through hole, right angle
Shrouding: Shrouded - 4 wall
Termination: Solder
Fastening type: Latch lock/eject hooks

Secondary Compatibility Parameters:

Contact finish - mating: Gold or equivalent gold plating
Insulation material: Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate (PCT)
Moisture sensitivity level: 1 (Unlimited)

Substitute parts must match all primary criteria. Variations in contact length, insulation height, contact material composition, and fastening hook length (short vs. long) are permissible when the core electrical and mechanical interface parameters remain identical.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	3-216868-4 (TE)	09185345903 (HARTING)	09185346901 (HARTING)	09185346903 (HARTING)	D3431-5202-AR (3M)	D3431-5302-AR (3M)	N3431-5202RB (3M)	N3431-5302RB (3M)	N3431-5303RB (3M)
Connector Type	Header	Header	Header	Header	Header	Header	Header	Header	Header
Contact Type	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin
Pitch - Mating	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)
Number of Positions	34	34	34	34	34	34	34	34	34
Number of Rows	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2
Row Spacing - Mating	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)
Mounting Type	Through Hole, Right Angle	Through Hole, Right Angle	Through Hole, Right Angle	Through Hole, Right Angle	Through Hole, Right Angle	Through Hole, Right Angle	Through Hole, Right Angle	Through Hole, Right Angle	Through Hole, Right Angle
Shrouding	Shrouded - 4 Wall	Shrouded - 4 Wall	Shrouded - 4 Wall	Shrouded - 4 Wall	Shrouded - 4 Wall	Shrouded - 4 Wall	Shrouded - 4 Wall	Shrouded - 4 Wall	Shrouded - 4 Wall
Termination	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder
Fastening Type	Latch Lock/Eject Hooks	Latch Lock/Eject Hooks, Long	Latch Lock/Eject Hooks, Long	Latch Lock/Eject Hooks, Long	Latch Lock/Eject Hooks, Short	Latch Lock/Eject Hooks, Long	Latch Lock/Eject Hooks, Short	Latch Lock/Eject Hooks, Long	Latch Lock/Eject Hooks, Long
Contact Finish - Mating	Gold or Gold-Palladium	Gold	Gold	Gold	Gold	Gold	Gold	Gold	Gold
Contact Finish - Post	Not specified	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin
Insulation Material	Not specified	Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT), Glass Filled	Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT), Glass Filled	Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT), Glass Filled	Polycyclohexylenedimethylene Terephthalate (PCT), Polyester, Glass Filled	Polycyclohexylenedimethylene Terephthalate (PCT), Polyester, Glass Filled	Polycyclohexylenedimethylene Terephthalate (PCT), Polyester, Glass Filled	Polycyclohexylenedimethylene Terephthalate (PCT), Polyester, Glass Filled	Polycyclohexylenedimethylene Terephthalate (PCT), Polyester, Glass Filled
Operating Temperature	Not specified	-55°C ~ 125°C	-55°C ~ 125°C	-55°C ~ 125°C	-55°C ~ 105°C	-55°C ~ 105°C	-55°C ~ 105°C	-55°C ~ 105°C	-55°C ~ 105°C
Material Flammability Rating	Not specified	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0
RoHS Status	Not applicable	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All identified substitute parts maintain full electrical and mechanical compatibility with the TE Connectivity 3-216868-4 across the critical interface parameters. Selection among substitutes is based on product status, regulatory compliance, and availability.

Active Status Substitutes:

All substitute parts listed are classified as active products, ensuring continued availability and manufacturing support. The TE Connectivity 3-216868-4 is obsolete and should be replaced in new designs.

Regulatory Compliance:

All substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant and carry UL94 V-0 flammability ratings, meeting current environmental and safety standards. The original TE Connectivity part carries "Not applicable" RoHS status due to its obsolete classification.

Manufacturer Options:

HARTING SEK series (09185345903, 09185346901, 09185346903) and 3M D3000/3000 series (D3431-5202-AR, D3431-5302-AR, N3431-5202RB, N3431-5302RB, N3431-5303RB) provide equivalent functionality. HARTING parts operate across -55°C to 125°C, while 3M parts operate across -55°C to 105°C. Both manufacturers provide gold-plated mating contacts and tin-plated posts with glass-filled insulation materials.

Inventory Availability:

N3431-5302RB (3M) maintains the highest inventory level at 10,549 pieces. D3431-5302-AR (3M) provides 1,637 pieces. HARTING 09185346903 provides 860 pieces. Selection based on delivery requirements and volume needs is appropriate.

Contact Length Considerations:

Fastening hook length variations (short vs. long) do not affect electrical or mechanical interface compatibility. Contact post lengths vary between 0.112" (2.84mm) and 0.177" (4.50mm) across substitutes, accommodating different PCB thicknesses and assembly requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can HARTING 09185346903 directly replace TE Connectivity 3-216868-4?

A: Yes. Both components share identical mating pitch (0.100"/2.54mm), position count (34), row configuration (2 rows), mounting type (through-hole right-angle), shrouding (4-wall), and termination method (solder). The HARTING part is active and ROHS3 compliant, addressing the obsolescence of the TE part.

Q: What is the difference between 3M D3431-5302-AR and N3431-5302RB?

A: Both parts are functionally equivalent with identical electrical and mechanical interfaces. D3431-5302-AR is packaged in trays with 1,637 pieces in stock. N3431-5302RB is packaged in bulk with 10,549 pieces in stock. Contact material differs: D3431-5302-AR uses brass; N3431-5302RB uses copper alloy. Both maintain gold mating contact finish and tin post finish.

Q: Are HARTING and 3M substitutes interchangeable in the same application?

A: Yes. All substitute parts maintain identical mating pitch, position count, row spacing, mounting orientation, and shrouding configuration. Operating temperature ranges differ (HARTING: -55°C to 125°C; 3M: -55°C to 105°C). Application temperature requirements determine which manufacturer is appropriate.

Q: Does fastening hook length (short vs. long) affect compatibility?

A: No. Hook length variations do not affect electrical or mechanical mating interface. Hook length is an internal design feature that does not impact connector engagement or signal integrity.

Q: What packaging options are available?

A: HARTING 09185345903 and 09185346901 are supplied in bulk packaging. HARTING 09185346903 is supplied in trays. 3M D3431-5202-AR and D3431-5302-AR are supplied in trays. 3M N3431-5202RB, N3431-5302RB, and N3431-5303RB are supplied in bulk. Packaging selection depends on production volume and handling requirements.

Q: Why is the original TE Connectivity 3-216868-4 classified as obsolete?

A: Obsolescence reflects discontinuation of manufacturing and support. Active equivalent parts from HARTING and 3M provide identical functionality with current regulatory compliance and manufacturing support.

Q: Are all substitutes ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance certification. The original TE Connectivity part carries "Not applicable" status due to obsolescence prior to ROHS3 implementation.

Q: What contact finish specifications apply to all substitutes?

A: All substitute parts feature gold-plated mating contacts and tin-plated posts. Gold plating thickness varies between 10.0µin (0.25µm) and 30.0µin (0.76µm). Tin plating thickness varies between 39.4µin (1.00µm) and 200.0µin (5.08µm). These variations do not affect electrical performance or mating compatibility.

Q: Can I use N3431-5303RB as a direct replacement?

A: Yes. N3431-5303RB maintains all critical interface parameters. The primary difference is contact post length of 0.155" (3.94mm) compared to 0.112" (2.84mm) in other 3M variants. This accommodates thicker PCB assemblies while maintaining full electrical and mechanical compatibility.

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