TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 3-644612-9 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 3-644612-9 is a rectangular connector header designed for through-hole mounting applications. This connector features a 9-position, single-row configuration with 0.156" (3.96mm) pitch spacing and is classified as a shrouded header with friction lock fastening. The part is currently listed as obsolete, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support, maintenance, and production continuity in industrial and general-purpose applications.

Substiute Parts

3-644612-9

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 9843-644612-9 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

0026604093

MolexIn Stock: 9830026604093 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

0417910839

MolexIn Stock: 11900417910839 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TE Connectivity 3-644612-9 is determined by strict alignment of the following critical parameters:

Primary Matching Criteria:

• Connector Type: Header
• Contact Type: Male Pin
• Number of Positions: 9
• Number of Rows: 1
• Pitch - Mating: 0.156" (3.96mm)
• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Termination: Solder
• Shrouding: Shrouded - 1 Wall
• Fastening Type: Friction Lock
• Style: Board to Cable/Wire or Board to Board or Cable

Secondary Compatibility Parameters:

• Contact Length - Mating: 0.450" (11.43mm)
• Material Flammability Rating: UL94 V-0
• RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant
• Moisture Sensitivity Level: 1 (Unlimited)

The substitute parts identified (Molex 0026604093 and Molex 0417910839) satisfy all primary matching criteria. Variations in contact post length, insulation height, contact shape (square versus circular), and contact finish composition are permissible within the scope of mechanical and electrical compatibility for this connector category, provided mating interface dimensions and pitch remain identical.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Product Status Consideration: The TE Connectivity 3-644612-9 is classified as obsolete. Both substitute parts, Molex 0026604093 and Molex 0417910839, maintain active product status with current manufacturing support and availability. Selection of an active substitute part ensures long-term supply chain continuity and access to technical documentation.

Compliance and Certification: All three parts achieve UL94 V-0 material flammability rating and ROHS3 compliance, satisfying regulatory requirements for industrial and general-purpose applications. Both Molex substitutes carry REACH Unaffected status, providing additional environmental compliance assurance.

Mechanical and Electrical Compatibility: The substitute parts maintain identical mating pitch (0.156" / 3.96mm), contact length at mating interface (0.450" / 11.43mm), and connector configuration (9-position, single-row, shrouded header with friction lock). These parameters ensure direct mechanical and electrical compatibility with existing mating connectors and PCB layouts designed for the original TE Connectivity part.

Dimensional Variations: Contact post length and overall contact length differ between the original and substitute parts. These variations reflect design differences between manufacturer series (MTA-156 versus KK396/41791) but do not affect mating interface compatibility. Insulation height reduction in Molex parts (0.446" versus 0.545") requires verification of clearance in existing mechanical assemblies.

Contact Finish Differences: The TE Connectivity original features tin plating at 150.0µin thickness. Molex 0026604093 provides tin plating at reduced thickness (60.0µin), while Molex 0417910839 features gold plating (15.0µin). Contact finish selection depends on application-specific corrosion resistance and signal integrity requirements. Gold plating in 0417910839 provides enhanced corrosion resistance for demanding environments.

Selection Guidance: For direct replacement in existing designs with minimal modification, Molex 0417910839 offers the closest overall contact length (0.720" versus 0.700") and maintains active product status. Molex 0026604093 serves as an alternative where cost optimization is prioritized and mechanical clearance permits the increased post length (0.170" versus 0.125").

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can Molex 0026604093 and Molex 0417910839 be used interchangeably with the TE Connectivity 3-644612-9?

A: Both Molex parts satisfy the primary matching criteria for connector type, contact configuration, pitch, and mounting method. Interchangeability depends on application-specific requirements regarding contact post length, insulation height, and contact finish properties. Mechanical clearance verification is required before substitution in existing assemblies.

Q: What is the significance of the contact post length difference between the three parts?

A: Contact post length affects solder joint formation and PCB penetration depth. The TE Connectivity original specifies 0.125" (3.18mm), while Molex 0026604093 provides 0.170" (4.32mm) and Molex 0417910839 provides 0.140" (3.56mm). Longer posts increase solder joint volume and mechanical strength but require deeper PCB plating. Shorter posts reduce material usage and may affect solder joint reliability in high-vibration applications.

Q: Why does insulation height vary between the substitute parts?

A: Insulation height is determined by connector series design specifications. The TE Connectivity MTA-156 series specifies 0.545" (13.84mm), while the Molex KK396/41791 series specifies 0.446" (11.33mm). This 0.099" (2.51mm) reduction reflects different mechanical design approaches between manufacturers. Verification of clearance above the connector on the PCB assembly is necessary before substitution.

Q: What is the difference between tin and gold contact finishes?

A: Tin plating provides cost-effective corrosion protection suitable for general-purpose and industrial applications. Gold plating (Molex 0417910839) offers superior corrosion resistance, lower contact resistance, and enhanced performance in high-reliability and harsh environment applications. Gold plating thickness of 15.0µin in 0417910839 is substantially thinner than the tin plating in the original part (150.0µin), reflecting different durability profiles.

Q: Are all three parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. The TE Connectivity 3-644612-9 and both Molex substitutes (0026604093 and 0417910839) are ROHS3 compliant, meeting European Union Restriction of Hazardous Substances requirements. Both Molex parts carry REACH Unaffected status, providing additional environmental compliance documentation.

Q: What is the moisture sensitivity level (MSL) for these connectors?

A: All three parts are classified as MSL 1 (Unlimited), indicating no moisture sensitivity restrictions. These connectors do not require special moisture control during storage, handling, or assembly, simplifying logistics and manufacturing processes.

Q: Can the TE Connectivity 3-644612-9 be sourced as a new original part?

A: The TE Connectivity 3-644612-9 is classified as obsolete. While limited inventory may exist in distribution channels, long-term availability is not assured. Substitution with active Molex parts ensures reliable supply chain access and ongoing technical support.

Q: What applications are these connectors suitable for?

A: The TE Connectivity original is specified for general-purpose and industrial applications. Both Molex substitutes extend application scope to automotive, medical, and telecommunications environments, providing broader design flexibility for multi-market product platforms.

Q: Is the circular contact shape of the TE Connectivity part functionally different from the square contacts in Molex substitutes?

A: Contact shape (circular versus square) reflects manufacturing and design differences between connector series but does not affect mating interface compatibility or electrical performance. Both shapes provide equivalent contact pressure and signal integrity when properly mated with corresponding receptacle contacts.

Q: What is the voltage rating for these connectors?

A: The TE Connectivity 3-644612-9 specifies a 600VAC voltage rating. Voltage ratings for the Molex substitutes are not provided in the available technical data. Verification of voltage rating specifications from Molex technical documentation is required for applications exceeding 600VAC.