TE Connectivity 3-644612-4 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity 3-644612-4 is a rectangular connector header, through-hole mounted, with 4 positions at 0.156" (3.96mm) pitch. This connector is classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of active equivalent and substitute parts for ongoing applications. The MTA-156 series header features shrouded design with friction lock fastening, solder termination, and operates across the industrial temperature range of -55°C to 105°C. Equivalent parts must maintain compatibility with the original electrical and mechanical specifications while offering active product status and continued availability.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Connector Type	Header
Contact Type	Male Pin
Number of Positions	4
Pitch - Mating	0.156" (3.96mm)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Shrouding	Shrouded - 1 Wall
Termination	Solder
Fastening Type	Friction Lock
Contact Length - Mating	0.450" (11.43mm)
Voltage Rating	600VAC
Operating Temperature	-55°C ~ 105°C
Material Flammability Rating	UL94 V-0
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TE Connectivity 3-644612-4 is determined by strict adherence to the following critical parameters:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

Connector pitch of 0.156" (3.96mm)
4-position configuration
Male pin contact type
Through-hole mounting
Shrouded design with 1 wall
Solder termination
Friction lock fastening
Contact length for mating of 0.450" (11.43mm)
UL94 V-0 flammability rating
ROHS3 compliance

Secondary Variation Parameters: Substitute parts may differ in the following parameters without affecting basic functional compatibility:

Contact post length (varies from 0.125" to 0.170")
Overall contact length (varies from 0.700" to 0.750")
Insulation height (varies from 0.446" to 0.545")
Contact shape (circular vs. square)
Contact finish composition (tin vs. gold)
Contact finish thickness
Insulation material composition (thermoplastic vs. polyester)
Contact material (copper alloy vs. brass)
Board lock or board guide features
Number of positions loaded (all vs. partial)

All identified substitute parts maintain active product status and ROHS3 compliance, ensuring continued availability and regulatory alignment.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	TE 3-644612-4	Molex 0026604040	Molex 0026604042	Molex 0026604043	Molex 0026606040	Molex 0026606042	Molex 0026614040	Molex 0026624040	Molex 0026624041	Molex 0026624046	Molex 0026654040
Manufacturer	TE Connectivity	Molex	Molex	Molex	Molex	Molex	Molex	Molex	Molex	Molex	Molex
Connector Type	Header	Header	Header	Header	Header	Header	Header	Header	Header	Header	Header
Contact Type	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin
Number of Positions	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4
Pitch - Mating	0.156" (3.96mm)	0.156" (3.96mm)	0.156" (3.96mm)	0.156" (3.96mm)	0.156" (3.96mm)	0.156" (3.96mm)	0.156" (3.96mm)	0.156" (3.96mm)	0.156" (3.96mm)	0.156" (3.96mm)	0.156" (3.96mm)
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Shrouding	Shrouded - 1 Wall	Shrouded - 1 Wall	Shrouded - 1 Wall	Shrouded - 1 Wall	Shrouded - 1 Wall	Shrouded - 1 Wall	Shrouded - 1 Wall	Shrouded - 1 Wall	Shrouded - 1 Wall	Shrouded - 1 Wall	Shrouded - 1 Wall
Termination	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder
Fastening Type	Friction Lock	Friction Lock	Friction Lock	Friction Lock	Friction Lock	Friction Lock	Friction Lock	Friction Lock	Friction Lock	Friction Lock	Friction Lock
Contact Length - Mating	0.450" (11.43mm)	0.450" (11.43mm)	0.450" (11.43mm)	0.450" (11.43mm)	0.450" (11.43mm)	0.450" (11.43mm)	0.450" (11.43mm)	0.450" (11.43mm)	0.450" (11.43mm)	0.450" (11.43mm)	0.450" (11.43mm)
Contact Length - Post	0.125" (3.18mm)	0.140" (3.56mm)	0.140" (3.56mm)	0.170" (4.32mm)	0.140" (3.56mm)	0.140" (3.56mm)	0.140" (3.56mm)	0.140" (3.56mm)	0.140" (3.56mm)	0.140" (3.56mm)	0.140" (3.56mm)
Overall Contact Length	0.700" (17.78mm)	0.720" (18.29mm)	0.720" (18.29mm)	0.750" (19.05mm)	0.720" (18.29mm)	0.720" (18.29mm)	0.720" (18.29mm)	0.720" (18.29mm)	0.720" (18.29mm)	0.720" (18.29mm)	0.720" (18.29mm)
Insulation Height	0.545" (13.84mm)	0.446" (11.33mm)	0.446" (11.33mm)	0.446" (11.33mm)	0.446" (11.33mm)	0.446" (11.33mm)	0.446" (11.33mm)	0.446" (11.33mm)	0.446" (11.33mm)	0.446" (11.33mm)	0.446" (11.33mm)
Contact Shape	Circular	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square
Contact Finish - Mating	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin	Gold	Gold	Tin	Tin	Tin	Gold
Contact Finish Thickness - Mating	150.0µin (3.81µm)	60.0µin (1.52µm)	Not specified	60.0µin (1.52µm)	60.0µin (1.52µm)	20.0µin (0.51µm)	20.0µin (0.51µm)	60.0µin (1.52µm)	60.0µin (1.52µm)	60.0µin (1.52µm)	20.0µin (0.51µm)
Contact Finish - Post	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin
Insulation Material	Thermoplastic, Glass Filled	Polyester, Glass Filled	Polyester, Glass Filled	Polyester, Glass Filled	Polyester, Glass Filled	Polyester, Glass Filled	Polyester, Glass Filled	Polyester, Glass Filled	Polyester, Glass Filled	Polyester, Glass Filled	Polyester
Material Flammability Rating	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All identified Molex substitute parts maintain active product status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain continuity. Each substitute part carries ROHS3 compliance and UL94 V-0 flammability certification, meeting regulatory requirements equivalent to the original TE Connectivity 3-644612-4.

Primary Substitutes for Direct Replacement:

Molex 0026604040, 0026604042, and 0026604043 provide the most direct functional equivalence with all 4 positions loaded and standard tin contact finish on the mating surface. These parts are suitable for applications requiring standard electrical performance without specialized contact finishes.

Substitutes with Enhanced Contact Finish:

Molex 0026614040 and 0026654040 feature gold plating on mating contacts, providing enhanced corrosion resistance and contact reliability for applications in harsh environments or where contact resistance stability is critical. These parts are appropriate for industrial and telecommunications applications.

Substitutes with Board Lock Features:

Molex 0026606040 and 0026606042 incorporate board lock functionality, providing mechanical retention enhancement. The 0026606042 variant includes gold mating contact finish combined with board lock features.

Substitutes with Partial Position Loading:

Molex 0026624040, 0026624041, and 0026624046 are available with partial position loading (2 or 3 positions loaded). These variants are suitable for applications where fewer than 4 positions are required, reducing component cost while maintaining connector compatibility.

Dimensional Considerations:

All substitute parts exhibit reduced insulation height (0.446" versus 0.545" on the original) and increased overall contact length (0.720" to 0.750" versus 0.700" on the original). These dimensional variations are within acceptable tolerance for standard through-hole PCB applications and do not affect electrical performance or mating compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can Molex KK396 series connectors directly replace the TE Connectivity MTA-156 3-644612-4?

A: Yes. All identified Molex substitutes maintain the critical compatibility parameters: 0.156" (3.96mm) pitch, 4-position configuration, male pin contacts, through-hole mounting, shrouded design, solder termination, and friction lock fastening. The connectors are mechanically and electrically compatible for board-to-cable applications.

Q: What is the significance of the contact post length variation between the original part and substitutes?

A: The original TE Connectivity 3-644612-4 features a 0.125" (3.18mm) contact post length, while most Molex substitutes provide 0.140" (3.56mm) or 0.170" (4.32mm) post lengths. These variations accommodate different PCB thicknesses and solder joint requirements. The longer post length in Molex parts provides additional solder fillet area and mechanical support for through-hole applications.

Q: Are there differences in insulation material between the original and substitute parts?

A: The original TE Connectivity part uses thermoplastic glass-filled insulation, while Molex substitutes use polyester glass-filled insulation (with one variant using polyester without glass fill). Both material systems meet UL94 V-0 flammability requirements and are suitable for industrial applications. Polyester provides comparable electrical and mechanical properties for standard connector applications.

Q: Which substitute part should be selected for applications requiring enhanced corrosion resistance?

A: Molex 0026614040 and 0026654040 feature gold plating on mating contacts (20.0µin thickness), providing superior corrosion resistance compared to tin-plated alternatives. These parts are recommended for applications in corrosive environments or where long-term contact reliability is critical.

Q: What is the difference between Molex parts with and without board lock features?

A: Molex 0026606040 and 0026606042 incorporate board lock features that provide mechanical retention of the connector to the PCB, preventing accidental disconnection. Parts without board lock (such as 0026604040 and 0026614040) rely on friction lock fastening alone. Board lock variants are suitable for applications subject to vibration or mechanical stress.

Q: Can partially loaded Molex connectors (0026624040, 0026624041, 0026624046) be used in place of the fully loaded original part?

A: Partially loaded connectors are suitable only for applications requiring fewer than 4 positions. The 0026624040 and 0026624046 variants are loaded with 3 positions, while 0026624041 is loaded with 2 positions. These parts are not direct replacements for the 4-position original but are compatible alternatives for reduced-position applications.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in bulk packaging?

A: Yes. All identified Molex substitute parts are supplied in bulk packaging, consistent with industrial distribution standards. Inventory levels range from 715 to 13,889 pieces, ensuring adequate supply for production requirements.

Q: What compliance certifications apply to the substitute parts?

A: All substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance and UL94 V-0 flammability certification. REACH status is listed as "REACH Unaffected" for all Molex substitutes, indicating compliance with European chemical regulations. ECCN classification is EAR99 for all parts, consistent with export control requirements.

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