3M 3429-2202 Rectangular Connector Header - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 3M 3429-2202 is a through-hole rectangular connector header with 26 positions arranged in 2 rows at 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch. This component is classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of equivalent and substitute parts for ongoing design support and procurement. The connector features shrouded 3-wall construction, gold-plated mating contacts, and tin-lead post finish, operating across -55°C to 105°C with a 1A current rating per contact.

Substiute Parts

3429-2202

3MIn Stock: 8243429-2202 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

N3429-2202RB

3MIn Stock: 1060N3429-2202RB Datasheet

DirectRFQ

3429-6002

3MIn Stock: 11203429-6002 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

D3429-6002-AR

3MIn Stock: 1892D3429-6002-AR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

N3429-6002RB

3MIn Stock: 1119N3429-6002RB Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

CWN-351-26-0021

CW IndustriesIn Stock: 964CWN-351-26-0021 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 3429-2202 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Connector geometry: 26 positions, 2 rows, 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch and row spacing
• Contact configuration: Male pin, square contact shape, gold-plated mating surface
• Mounting and termination: Through-hole solder termination
• Electrical performance: Current rating and operating temperature range
• Mechanical compatibility: Overall contact length, insulation height, and shrouding configuration
• Compliance requirements: RoHS status and material flammability rating

The substitute parts identified maintain compatibility across these core parameters while offering improvements in product status (active vs. obsolete), RoHS compliance, and current rating capacity in certain variants.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

N3429-2202RB is the direct active equivalent from 3M. It maintains identical mechanical and electrical specifications to the 3429-2202 while offering RoHS compliance and improved current rating (1.75A vs. 1A). This part is recommended as the primary replacement for new designs and ongoing procurement.

D3429-6002-AR represents an active alternative with enhanced specifications. It features 4-wall shrouding for improved EMI shielding, higher current rating (1.75A), ROHS3 compliance, and tray packaging suitable for automated assembly. The push-pull fastening mechanism differs from the original latch-lock design and requires mechanical compatibility verification.

N3429-6002RB offers similar advantages to D3429-6002-AR with 4-wall shrouding, push-pull fastening, and 1.75A current rating, while maintaining bulk packaging. RoHS compliance and active product status support long-term availability.

CWN-351-26-0021 from CW Industries provides a cross-manufacturer alternative with ROHS3 compliance and extended operating temperature range (-55°C to 125°C). The circular contact shape and nickel post finish differ from the original square contact design. This option is suitable when multi-source qualification is required.

3429-6002 remains available as an obsolete 3M variant with 4-wall shrouding and push-pull fastening. While non-compliant with RoHS, it maintains the original tin-lead post finish specification. This part should be considered only when legacy design requirements mandate specific contact finish characteristics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can N3429-2202RB be used as a direct drop-in replacement for 3429-2202?

A: Yes. N3429-2202RB maintains identical connector geometry, pitch, row spacing, contact configuration, and mounting method. The primary differences are RoHS compliance and increased current rating (1.75A), which provide enhanced performance without requiring design modification.

Q: What is the impact of switching from 3-wall to 4-wall shrouding?

A: Four-wall shrouding provides increased EMI shielding and mechanical protection compared to 3-wall construction. This change requires verification of PCB footprint compatibility and connector cavity dimensions. Parts with 4-wall shrouding include 3429-6002, D3429-6002-AR, N3429-6002RB, and CWN-351-26-0021.

Q: Are there compatibility differences between latch-lock and push-pull fastening mechanisms?

A: Yes. Latch-lock/eject hook fastening (3429-2202, N3429-2202RB, CWN-351-26-0021) and push-pull fastening (3429-6002, D3429-6002-AR, N3429-6002RB) require different mating connector designs. Mechanical compatibility with the corresponding receptacle must be confirmed before substitution.

Q: Does RoHS compliance affect electrical or mechanical performance?

A: RoHS compliance reflects material composition restrictions (elimination of lead, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, etc.) but does not alter electrical or mechanical performance specifications. All RoHS-compliant alternatives maintain equivalent current ratings, operating temperature ranges, and contact reliability.

Q: What is the significance of contact material differences (copper alloy vs. brass vs. phosphor bronze)?

A: Contact material affects spring force, wear resistance, and corrosion performance. Copper alloy and brass provide similar electrical and mechanical characteristics suitable for standard applications. Phosphor bronze (CWN-351-26-0021) offers enhanced spring properties and wear resistance. Material selection should align with mating force requirements and environmental exposure conditions.

Q: Can CWN-351-26-0021 be used in applications requiring tin-lead post finish?

A: No. CWN-351-26-0021 features nickel post finish, which differs from the tin-lead specification of the original 3429-2202. This substitution is valid only when nickel post finish meets design requirements or when post finish material is not a critical specification.

Q: What packaging options are available for production quantities?

A: N3429-2202RB, 3429-6002, N3429-6002RB, and CWN-351-26-0021 are available in bulk packaging. D3429-6002-AR is supplied in tray packaging, which is optimized for automated pick-and-place assembly processes.