3M 3431-2003 Rectangular Connector Header - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 3M 3431-2003 is a through-hole rectangular connector header with 34 positions arranged in 2 rows at 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch. This connector features shrouded 3-wall design with gold-plated mating contacts and tin-lead plated posts, rated for 1A continuous current across the operating temperature range of -55°C to 105°C. The part is classified as obsolete, making identification of active equivalent and substitute components essential for ongoing design support and procurement.

Substiute Parts

3431-2003

3MIn Stock: 9683431-2003 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

D3431-6002-AR

3MIn Stock: 936D3431-6002-AR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

N3431-6002RB

3MIn Stock: 850N3431-6002RB Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 3431-2003 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Connector geometry: 34 positions, 2 rows, 0.100" (2.54mm) mating pitch, 0.100" row spacing
• Contact configuration: Male pin header with square contact shape
• Mounting and termination: Through-hole solder termination
• Electrical performance: Current rating and operating temperature range
• Physical dimensions: Overall contact length, insulation height, and mating contact length
• Contact materials and finishes: Mating surface finish (gold), post finish, and base material composition
• Shrouding design: Wall configuration affecting mechanical fit and keying

The identified substitutes D3431-6002-AR and N3431-6002RB maintain the core connector geometry and electrical specifications. Both are active products with improved RoHS3 compliance status. Variations in shrouding design (4-wall versus 3-wall), contact post length, contact material composition, and current rating capacity are documented in the parameter comparison table below.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

D3431-6002-AR is the manufacturer-recommended substitute. This part maintains full geometric and electrical compatibility with the 3431-2003 while offering active product status and ROHS3 compliance. The D3431-6002-AR operates in the D3000 series with enhanced 4-wall shrouding and supports increased current capacity of 1.75A. The contact post length is reduced to 0.112" (2.84mm) compared to the original 0.155" (3.94mm), which may require PCB design verification for solder pad depth compatibility. Contact material transitions from copper alloy to brass, and post finish changes from tin-lead to tin only, eliminating lead content per RoHS3 requirements.

N3431-6002RB provides an alternative substitute within the original 3000 series. This part maintains the same contact post length and material specifications as the 3431-2003 (copper alloy with 200.0µin tin post finish), offering closer mechanical and material alignment. The N3431-6002RB also achieves ROHS3 compliance and supports 1.75A current rating. The 4-wall shrouding design provides enhanced mechanical stability compared to the original 3-wall configuration.

For applications requiring strict adherence to original contact post specifications and material composition, N3431-6002RB is the preferred selection. For new designs prioritizing RoHS3 compliance and the manufacturer's recommended upgrade path, D3431-6002-AR is appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can D3431-6002-AR and N3431-6002RB be used interchangeably with the 3431-2003?

A: Both parts maintain the core connector geometry (34 positions, 2 rows, 0.100" pitch) and electrical operating parameters. However, differences in contact post length (0.112" versus 0.155"), shrouding design (4-wall versus 3-wall), and contact material composition require PCB design verification. The reduced post length in both substitutes may affect solder joint formation on existing PCB layouts designed for the original 0.155" specification.

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

A: The 4-wall shrouding in both substitutes provides enhanced mechanical keying and improved mating force consistency. This design change does not affect electrical performance but may alter the mechanical fit and insertion force characteristics. Connector housing compatibility should be verified against the specific mating connector design.

Q: Why does the current rating increase from 1A to 1.75A in the substitute parts?

A: The increased current rating reflects improved contact design and material specifications in the active substitute parts. This higher rating does not require design changes in applications operating at or below the original 1A specification and provides additional design margin for new applications.

Q: Are there compliance differences between the three parts?

A: The 3431-2003 is RoHS non-compliant due to tin-lead post finish. Both D3431-6002-AR and N3431-6002RB achieve ROHS3 compliance through elimination of lead in the post finish (tin only). Applications subject to RoHS3 regulatory requirements must use D3431-6002-AR or N3431-6002RB.

Q: What is the difference in contact material between D3431-6002-AR (brass) and N3431-6002RB (copper alloy)?

A: Both materials provide equivalent electrical conductivity and contact reliability. Brass offers slightly different mechanical properties and corrosion resistance characteristics. Material selection should be based on specific application environmental conditions and existing design validation history.

Q: How does the contact finish thickness affect connector performance?

A: Contact finish thickness influences contact durability and mating cycle life. The 3431-2003 and N3431-6002RB maintain 30.0µin (0.76µm) gold mating finish and 200.0µin (5.08µm) post finish. The D3431-6002-AR features reduced mating finish thickness of 10.0µin (0.25µm) and post finish of 39.4µin (1.00µm). These variations remain within industry standards for the connector category and do not impact performance in standard applications.

Q: What packaging options are available for the substitute parts?

A: Both D3431-6002-AR and N3431-6002RB are supplied in tray packaging, differing from the original part specification. Packaging format should be confirmed against procurement and assembly requirements.