3M 3408-2503 Rectangular Connector Header - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 3M 3408-2503 is a through-hole rectangular connector header with 16 positions arranged in 2 rows at 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch. This component is classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent alternatives essential for ongoing system support and new design implementations. The connector features shrouded 3-wall construction with solder termination and latch lock/eject fastening, designed for board-to-board or cable interconnection applications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Connector Type	Header
Contact Type	Male Pin
Number of Positions	16
Number of Rows	2
Pitch - Mating	0.100" (2.54mm)
Row Spacing - Mating	0.100" (2.54mm)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Termination	Solder
Shrouding	Shrouded - 3 Wall
Operating Temperature Range	-55°C ~ 105°C
Current Rating	1A
Material Flammability Rating	UL94 V-0
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 3408-2503 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Connector type (Header)
Contact type (Male Pin)
Position count (16 positions)
Row configuration (2 rows)
Mating pitch (0.100" / 2.54mm)
Row spacing (0.100" / 2.54mm)
Mounting method (Through Hole)
Termination type (Solder)
Operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 105°C)
Material flammability rating (UL94 V-0)

The identified substitutes D3408-6002-AR and N3408-6002RB satisfy these core electrical and mechanical requirements. Both alternatives maintain identical mating pitch, position count, row configuration, and operating temperature specifications. Variations in shrouding design (4-wall versus 3-wall), fastening mechanism (push-pull versus latch lock/eject), contact material composition, and current rating represent secondary design differences that do not preclude functional substitution when application requirements permit.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	3408-2503 (Main)	D3408-6002-AR	N3408-6002RB
Manufacturer	3M	3M	3M
Connector Type	Header	Header	Header
Contact Type	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin
Number of Positions	16	16	16
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	Through Hole	Through Hole
Termination	Solder	Solder	Solder
Shrouding	Shrouded - 3 Wall	Shrouded - 4 Wall	Shrouded - 4 Wall
Fastening Type	Latch Lock/Eject Hooks, Short	Push-Pull	Push-Pull
Contact Length - Mating	0.240" (6.10mm)	0.240" (6.10mm)	0.240" (6.10mm)
Insulation Height	0.680" (17.27mm)	0.680" (17.27mm)	0.680" (17.27mm)
Contact Shape	Square	Square	Square
Contact Finish - Mating	Gold	Gold	Gold
Contact Material	Copper Alloy	Brass	Copper Alloy
Insulation Material	PCT, Polyester, Glass Filled	PCT, Polyester, Glass Filled	PCT, Polyester, Glass Filled
Operating Temperature	-55°C ~ 105°C	-55°C ~ 105°C	-55°C ~ 105°C
Material Flammability Rating	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0
Current Rating (Amps)	1A	1.75A	1.75A
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	RoHS Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Both D3408-6002-AR and N3408-6002RB are active production alternatives to the obsolete 3408-2503. Selection between these substitutes is based on compliance and availability requirements:

D3408-6002-AR is ROHS3 compliant and available in tray packaging with 6514 units in stock. This part features brass contact material and represents the preferred choice for new designs requiring enhanced regulatory compliance.

N3408-6002RB is RoHS compliant and available in bulk packaging with 773 units in stock. This part maintains copper alloy contact material consistent with the original 3408-2503 specification and is suitable for legacy system support where material composition continuity is required.

Both alternatives provide higher current rating (1.75A versus 1A) and improved shrouding (4-wall versus 3-wall), representing design enhancements over the original component. The fastening mechanism differs (push-pull versus latch lock/eject), requiring mechanical compatibility assessment with mating connector designs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can D3408-6002-AR and N3408-6002RB be used interchangeably with the 3408-2503?

A: Both parts satisfy the core electrical and mechanical substitution criteria: identical 16-position, 2-row configuration at 0.100" pitch, through-hole solder termination, and -55°C to 105°C operating range. Mechanical compatibility depends on mating connector design, specifically fastening mechanism (push-pull versus latch lock/eject) and shrouding profile (4-wall versus 3-wall).

Q: What are the key differences between the two substitute parts?

A: D3408-6002-AR uses brass contact material and is ROHS3 compliant. N3408-6002RB uses copper alloy contact material and is RoHS compliant. Both provide 1.75A current rating and push-pull fastening. Contact material selection may influence electrical performance in specific applications.

Q: Why does the 3408-2503 show obsolete status?

A: The 3408-2503 is classified as obsolete by the manufacturer. D3408-6002-AR and N3408-6002RB are active production parts that fulfill the same functional role with enhanced specifications and regulatory compliance.

Q: Are there packaging considerations when selecting a substitute?

A: D3408-6002-AR is supplied in tray packaging with higher inventory availability (6514 units). N3408-6002RB is supplied in bulk packaging with lower inventory (773 units). Packaging selection may affect procurement lead times and handling requirements.

Q: How do the current ratings compare?

A: The original 3408-2503 is rated for 1A. Both substitutes (D3408-6002-AR and N3408-6002RB) are rated for 1.75A, providing increased current capacity for the same physical form factor.

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