3M 3461-0001 Card Edge Connector - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 3M 3461-0001 is a 20-position female card edge connector with dual-row configuration, 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch, and gold-plated copper alloy contacts. This connector is designed for free-hanging in-line mounting applications with IDC termination. The part is classified as obsolete, making identification of compatible substitute components essential for ongoing system support and procurement planning.

Substiute Parts

3461-0001

3MIn Stock: 11383461-0001 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

CWR-170-20-0021

CW IndustriesIn Stock: 1211CWR-170-20-0021 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 3M 3461-0001 is determined by strict alignment of the following critical parameters:

• Position Count & Configuration: 20 positions, dual-row arrangement
• Pitch Specification: 0.100" (2.54mm) center-to-center spacing
• Gender & Connector Type: Female card edge connector
• Mounting & Termination: Free hanging in-line mounting with IDC termination
• Contact Finish: Gold plating at 30.0µin (0.76µm) thickness
• Electrical & Environmental Compatibility: Operating temperature range and contact material properties

The CW Industries CWR-170-20-0021 meets all critical functional and dimensional requirements for direct substitution. Both connectors share identical position count, pitch, gender, mounting configuration, and contact finish specifications. Differences in contact base material (phosphor bronze vs. copper alloy) and insulation material do not preclude functional equivalence within the specified operating parameters.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The CW Industries CWR-170-20-0021 is the designated substitute for the obsolete 3M 3461-0001. Selection between these components should be based on the following factors:

Product Status: The 3M 3461-0001 is obsolete. The CW Industries CWR-170-20-0021 is active and currently in production, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain continuity.

Compliance Considerations: The 3M 3461-0001 is RoHS compliant. The CW Industries CWR-170-20-0021 is RoHS non-compliant. System designers must evaluate whether RoHS compliance is a mandatory requirement for their application. If RoHS compliance is required, alternative solutions must be sourced.

Operating Temperature: The CW Industries substitute provides an extended operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 125°C) compared to the original part (-55°C ~ 105°C), offering additional thermal margin for demanding applications.

Contact Material: The substitute uses phosphor bronze contacts versus the original copper alloy. Both materials are suitable for gold-plated contact applications and maintain equivalent electrical performance within the specified operating parameters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the CW Industries CWR-170-20-0021 be used as a direct replacement for the 3M 3461-0001?

A: Yes, the CW Industries CWR-170-20-0021 meets all critical functional and dimensional specifications for direct substitution. Both connectors share identical position count (20), pitch (0.100"), gender (female), mounting configuration (free hanging in-line), termination method (IDC), and contact finish (gold at 30.0µin thickness).

Q: What are the key differences between these two connectors?

A: The primary differences are: (1) Product status—the 3M part is obsolete while the CW Industries part is active; (2) RoHS compliance—the 3M part is RoHS compliant while the CW Industries part is not; (3) Operating temperature range—the CW Industries part extends to 125°C versus 105°C for the 3M part; (4) Contact base material—phosphor bronze versus copper alloy; (5) Insulation material—thermoplastic versus glass-filled PBT.

Q: Does the difference in contact material affect electrical performance?

A: No. Both copper alloy and phosphor bronze contacts with identical gold plating thickness (30.0µin) provide equivalent electrical performance and contact resistance characteristics within the specified operating parameters.

Q: Is RoHS compliance a factor in selecting between these parts?

A: RoHS compliance is a critical selection criterion only if your application or regulatory environment mandates it. The 3M 3461-0001 is RoHS compliant; the CW Industries CWR-170-20-0021 is not. If RoHS compliance is required, the obsolete status of the 3M part necessitates sourcing an alternative RoHS-compliant substitute.

Q: What is the card thickness tolerance for these connectors?

A: The 3M 3461-0001 specifies a card thickness range of 0.054" ~ 0.070" (1.37mm ~ 1.78mm). The CW Industries CWR-170-20-0021 does not provide a published card thickness specification in the available data. Verify card thickness compatibility with the CW Industries manufacturer if this parameter is critical to your application.

Q: Are there any packaging differences between these parts?

A: The 3M 3461-0001 is supplied in unspecified packaging. The CW Industries CWR-170-20-0021 is supplied in bulk packaging. Confirm packaging requirements with your procurement process.