3M 3408-2003 Rectangular Connector Header - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 3M 3408-2003 is a through-hole rectangular connector header with 16 positions arranged in 2 rows at 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch. This shrouded 3-wall header is designed for board-to-board or cable connections with solder termination and push-pull fastening. The part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitutes necessary for ongoing production and maintenance applications. Active alternatives with improved specifications and compliance certifications are available from 3M and third-party manufacturers.

Substiute Parts

3408-2003

3MIn Stock: 10223408-2003 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

D3408-6002-AR

3MIn Stock: 6604D3408-6002-AR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

N3408-6002RB

3MIn Stock: 817N3408-6002RB Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

CWN-360-16-0021

CW IndustriesIn Stock: 1167CWN-360-16-0021 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 3408-2003 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Connector configuration: 16-position, 2-row header at 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch
• Mounting and termination: Through-hole solder termination
• Shrouding design: Shrouded construction with keying slot and mounting flange
• Electrical performance: Current rating and operating temperature range
• Mechanical compatibility: Contact length, insulation height, and overall dimensions
• Compliance requirements: RoHS and material flammability ratings

The three substitute parts listed below meet the core electrical and mechanical requirements for direct replacement in applications requiring 16-position 2.54mm pitch headers with through-hole solder termination.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

D3408-6002-AR (3M, Recommended Primary Substitute)

This part is the manufacturer-recommended substitute with active product status and ROHS3 compliance. It maintains identical mating contact length and insulation height while providing enhanced 4-wall shrouding compared to the original 3-wall design. The increased current rating of 1.75A exceeds the original specification. Tray packaging is suitable for production environments.

N3408-6002RB (3M, Alternative Substitute)

This 3M part offers RoHS compliance with active status and identical mechanical dimensions to D3408-6002-AR. The 4-wall shrouding provides improved EMI shielding. Bulk packaging is appropriate for maintenance and repair applications. Current rating of 1.75A supports higher-load applications.

CWN-360-16-0021 (CW Industries, Cross-Manufacturer Substitute)

This CW Industries header provides ROHS3 compliance and active product status with an extended operating temperature range of -55°C to 125°C. The 4-wall shrouding and identical mating contact length ensure mechanical compatibility. Contact shape differs (circular vs. square), and post finish is nickel rather than tin or tin-lead. This option is suitable when extended temperature performance is required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can D3408-6002-AR directly replace the 3408-2003 in existing designs?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical mating contact length (0.240"), insulation height (0.680"), pitch (0.100"), and row configuration (16 positions, 2 rows). The enhanced 4-wall shrouding of D3408-6002-AR provides improved mechanical stability. The higher current rating (1.75A vs. 1A) is backward-compatible with original specifications.

Q: What is the difference between 3-wall and 4-wall shrouding?

A: The original 3408-2003 features 3-wall shrouding, while all substitute parts provide 4-wall shrouding. Four-wall shrouding offers improved EMI shielding, better mechanical protection, and enhanced keying accuracy. This upgrade does not affect electrical compatibility or mating dimensions.

Q: Are there packaging differences between the substitute parts?

A: Yes. D3408-6002-AR is supplied in tray packaging, suitable for automated assembly and production environments. N3408-6002RB and CWN-360-16-0021 are supplied in bulk packaging, appropriate for manual assembly, maintenance, and repair applications. Packaging does not affect electrical or mechanical performance.

Q: Does the CWN-360-16-0021 contact shape difference affect compatibility?

A: The CWN-360-16-0021 features circular contacts instead of square contacts. This difference does not affect mating compatibility with standard 0.100" pitch receptacles, as both contact geometries conform to the same pitch and mating force specifications. Contact shape is a manufacturing variation that does not impact electrical performance or mechanical fit.

Q: Which substitute should be selected for new designs?

A: D3408-6002-AR is the manufacturer-recommended primary substitute with active status, ROHS3 compliance, and tray packaging optimized for production. For applications requiring extended temperature performance beyond 105°C, CWN-360-16-0021 extends the operating range to 125°C.

Q: Are all substitutes RoHS compliant?

A: The original 3408-2003 is RoHS non-compliant. All three substitute parts are RoHS compliant (D3408-6002-AR and CWN-360-16-0021 are ROHS3 compliant; N3408-6002RB is RoHS compliant). This compliance upgrade is mandatory for applications subject to RoHS regulations.