3M 3372-5203 Rectangular Connector Header - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 3M 3372-5203 is a through-hole, right-angle rectangular connector header with 60 positions at 2.54mm pitch, designed for board-to-board or cable interconnection applications. This part is classified as obsolete, making identification of active equivalent and substitute components essential for ongoing design support and procurement continuity. The connector features shrouded 4-wall construction with gold-plated mating contacts and tin-lead post finish, rated for 1.75A per contact and operating temperatures from -55°C to 105°C.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Connector Type	Header
Contact Type	Male Pin
Number of Positions	60
Number of Rows	2
Pitch - Mating	0.100" (2.54mm)
Row Spacing - Mating	0.100" (2.54mm)
Mounting Type	Through Hole, Right Angle
Shrouding	Shrouded - 4 Wall
Contact Finish - Mating	Gold
Current Rating	1.75A
Operating Temperature	-55°C ~ 105°C
Material Flammability Rating	UL94 V-0

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 3372-5203 is determined by strict alignment with the following critical parameters:

Connector Type & Contact Configuration: Header with male pins
Position Count & Arrangement: 60 positions in 2-row configuration
Mating Pitch: 0.100" (2.54mm) standard spacing
Mounting Method: Through-hole, right-angle orientation
Shrouding Design: 4-wall shrouded construction
Contact Finish - Mating Surface: Gold plating
Current Capacity: Minimum 1.75A per contact
Operating Temperature Range: Minimum -55°C to 105°C
Flammability Compliance: UL94 V-0 rating

The substitute parts listed below meet these core electrical and mechanical requirements, enabling direct functional replacement in applications requiring the 3372-5203 specification.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	3372-5203 (Main)	N3372-5002RB (3M)	CWN-511-60-0021 (CW Industries)
Manufacturer	3M	3M	CW Industries
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active
Connector Type	Header	Header	Header
Contact Type	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin
Number of Positions	60	60	60
Number of Rows	2	2	2
Pitch - Mating	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)
Row Spacing - Mating	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
Shrouding	Shrouded - 4 Wall	Shrouded - 4 Wall	Shrouded - 4 Wall
Fastening Type	Latch Lock/Eject Hooks, Short	Push-Pull	Latch Lock/Eject Hooks, Short
Contact Length - Mating	0.240" (6.10mm)	0.240" (6.10mm)	0.240" (6.10mm)
Contact Length - Post	0.155" (3.94mm)	0.112" (2.84mm)	0.155" (3.94mm)
Insulation Height	0.340" (8.64mm)	0.340" (8.64mm)	0.350" (8.89mm)
Contact Shape	Square	Square	Circular
Contact Finish - Mating	Gold	Gold	Gold
Contact Finish Thickness - Mating	30.0µin (0.76µm)	30.0µin (0.76µm)	30.0µin (0.76µm)
Contact Finish - Post	Tin-Lead	Tin	Nickel
Contact Material	Copper Alloy	Copper Alloy	Phosphor Bronze
Current Rating (Amps)	1.75A	1.75A	1.0A
Operating Temperature	-55°C ~ 105°C	-55°C ~ 105°C	-55°C ~ 125°C
Material Flammability Rating	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant	RoHS Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)

Engineering Selection Recommendations

N3372-5002RB (3M) is the primary substitute for the obsolete 3372-5203. Both parts are manufactured by 3M within the same 3000 series family. The N3372-5002RB maintains identical electrical specifications (1.75A current rating, -55°C to 105°C operating range) and mechanical compatibility (60 positions, 2.54mm pitch, 4-wall shrouding). The key distinction is product status: N3372-5002RB is active and currently in production, ensuring long-term availability. Additionally, N3372-5002RB achieves RoHS compliance, addressing regulatory requirements that the original part does not meet. The fastening mechanism differs (Push-Pull versus Latch Lock/Eject Hooks), and the post contact length is reduced (0.112" versus 0.155"), which may require PCB layout verification for specific applications.

CWN-511-60-0021 (CW Industries) provides an alternative from a different manufacturer. This part maintains the core 60-position, 2.54mm pitch header configuration with 4-wall shrouding and gold-plated mating contacts. However, several parameters diverge from the original specification: current rating is reduced to 1.0A (versus 1.75A), contact shape is circular rather than square, contact material is phosphor bronze instead of copper alloy, and post contact finish is nickel rather than tin-lead. The operating temperature range extends to 125°C, providing additional thermal margin. CWN-511-60-0021 is suitable only for applications where the reduced current capacity and alternative contact geometry are acceptable.

For new designs or applications requiring direct replacement of the 3372-5203, N3372-5002RB is the recommended selection. For applications with reduced current requirements and extended temperature operation, CWN-511-60-0021 may be evaluated following mechanical and electrical compatibility assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can N3372-5002RB be used as a direct drop-in replacement for 3372-5203?

A: N3372-5002RB maintains electrical and mechanical compatibility for the core connector function (60 positions, 2.54mm pitch, 4-wall shrouding, 1.75A rating). However, two design differences require verification: the fastening mechanism changes from Latch Lock/Eject Hooks to Push-Pull, and the post contact length is reduced from 0.155" to 0.112". PCB layout and mating connector specifications must be reviewed to confirm compatibility.

Q: Why does CWN-511-60-0021 have a lower current rating than the original part?

A: CWN-511-60-0021 is rated for 1.0A per contact, compared to 1.75A for the 3372-5203. This difference reflects the design specifications of the CW Industries connector and may be related to contact material (phosphor bronze versus copper alloy) and contact geometry (circular versus square). Applications requiring the full 1.75A capacity must use N3372-5002RB or verify that CWN-511-60-0021 meets reduced current requirements.

Q: What is the significance of RoHS compliance for these parts?

A: The original 3372-5203 is RoHS non-compliant, while N3372-5002RB is RoHS Compliant and CWN-511-60-0021 is ROHS3 Compliant. RoHS compliance indicates the absence of restricted substances (lead, cadmium, mercury, and others) in the component. For applications subject to RoHS regulations or customer requirements, N3372-5002RB or CWN-511-60-0021 must be selected.

Q: Are there differences in contact finish that affect performance?

A: The 3372-5203 features tin-lead post finish, while N3372-5002RB uses tin and CWN-511-60-0021 uses nickel. All three parts specify gold-plated mating contacts at 30.0µin thickness. Post finish differences may affect solderability and long-term reliability in specific environmental conditions. For applications with stringent corrosion or soldering requirements, post finish specifications should be evaluated against application requirements.

Q: What is the impact of the different contact shapes (square versus circular)?

A: The 3372-5203 and N3372-5002RB feature square contacts, while CWN-511-60-0021 uses circular contacts. Contact shape affects mating force, contact resistance, and mechanical engagement characteristics. Mating connectors must be designed for the specific contact geometry. Substitution with CWN-511-60-0021 requires confirmation that the mating connector accommodates circular contacts.

Q: Can these parts be used interchangeably in existing designs?

A: N3372-5002RB is the closest functional equivalent and is recommended for direct substitution of 3372-5203 with design review of fastening mechanism and post contact length. CWN-511-60-0021 requires more extensive evaluation due to reduced current rating, different contact geometry, and alternative contact materials. Mating connector compatibility and application current requirements must be confirmed before substitution.

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