TE Connectivity 443978-7 D-Sub Receptacle 15-Position Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity Aerospace, Defense and Marine 443978-7 is a 15-position D-Sub receptacle connector with female sockets, designed for through-hole solder termination in military and aerospace applications. This connector operates within the MIL-DTL-24308 AMPLIMITE 109 series specification. The part is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent and substitute components that maintain functional compatibility while offering current product availability and compliance status.

Substiute Parts

443978-7

TE Connectivity Aerospace, Defense and MarineIn Stock: 1035443978-7 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

164A16579X

Amphenol CONECIn Stock: 10103164A16579X Datasheet

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164A16679X

Amphenol CONECIn Stock: 1157164A16679X Datasheet

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5747299-2

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 18005747299-2 Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 443978-7 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

• Connector style: D-Sub
• Connector type: Receptacle, Female Sockets
• Number of positions: 15
• Number of rows: 2
• Shell size and layout: 2 (DA, A)
• Mounting type: Through Hole
• Termination method: Solder
• Contact type: Signal
• Operating temperature range: -55°C minimum and 125°C maximum

Allowable Variations: Substitute parts may differ in the following parameters while maintaining functional compatibility:

• Shell material and finish (cadmium plated, tin plated)
• Contact finish thickness (within gold or equivalent plating specifications)
• Current rating (equal to or greater than 5A)
• Voltage rating (when specified)
• Flange feature design (housing/shell unthreaded, board side, or mating side configurations)
• Ingress protection rating
• RoHS and REACH compliance status
• Packaging format (tray, bulk, tube)

The three substitute parts listed below satisfy all mandatory matching parameters and are therefore electrically and mechanically compatible with the 443978-7.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

164A16579X (Amphenol CONEC)

This substitute provides full electrical and mechanical compatibility with the 443978-7. The 164A16579X operates across the identical temperature range (-55°C to 125°C) and maintains the required 15-position, 2-row D-Sub receptacle configuration with through-hole solder termination. The current rating of 7.5A exceeds the 5A requirement of the main part. This part is active in production status and carries ROHS3 compliance certification, addressing regulatory requirements for new designs. The board-side flange feature (4-40) differs from the unthreaded housing design of the 443978-7 and must be evaluated for PCB layout compatibility. Inventory availability is substantial at 10,087 pieces.

164A16679X (Amphenol CONEC)

This substitute maintains full functional equivalence to the 443978-7 across all critical parameters. Operating temperature range, position count, row configuration, and solder termination are identical. The current rating of 7.5A exceeds the 5A specification. The mating-side flange feature (4-40) represents a design variation from the unthreaded housing of the main part and requires verification against mechanical assembly requirements. This part is active in production and ROHS3 compliant. Inventory availability is 1,107 pieces. Packaging is supplied in bulk format.

5747299-2 (TE Connectivity AMP Connectors)

This substitute maintains electrical and mechanical compatibility with the 443978-7 within the specified operating parameters. Both parts share the same manufacturer family (TE Connectivity) and utilize identical connector style, type, position count, and solder termination. The unthreaded housing/shell flange feature matches the main part design. The operating temperature range of -55°C to 105°C provides coverage across the lower end of the 443978-7 specification but does not extend to the full 125°C upper limit. The current rating of 6A exceeds the 5A requirement. This part is active in production and ROHS3 compliant. Inventory availability is 1,771 pieces.

Selection Basis:

All three substitute parts satisfy the mandatory electrical and mechanical compatibility criteria. Selection between them depends on:

1. Flange feature requirement: The 164A16579X and 164A16679X feature threaded flanges (board-side and mating-side respectively), while the 5747299-2 maintains the unthreaded housing design of the original part.

2. Temperature range requirement: The 5747299-2 operates to 105°C maximum, which is acceptable for applications not requiring the full 125°C upper limit of the 443978-7.

3. Regulatory compliance: All three substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant and suitable for applications requiring modern environmental standards.

4. Packaging and availability: Inventory levels and packaging formats vary; selection should align with procurement and assembly requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 164A16579X be used as a direct replacement for the 443978-7 in all applications?

A: The 164A16579X is electrically and mechanically compatible with the 443978-7 across all critical functional parameters. However, the board-side flange feature (4-40) differs from the unthreaded housing design of the original part. PCB mounting hole patterns and mechanical assembly procedures must be verified for compatibility before implementation.

Q: What is the significance of the flange feature differences between the substitute parts?

A: The flange feature determines the mechanical mounting interface. The 443978-7 uses an unthreaded housing/shell design. The 164A16579X provides a board-side threaded flange (4-40), the 164A16679X provides a mating-side threaded flange (4-40), and the 5747299-2 maintains the unthreaded housing design. Selection depends on the specific PCB layout and mechanical assembly requirements of the application.

Q: Why does the 5747299-2 have a lower maximum operating temperature (105°C vs. 125°C)?

A: The 5747299-2 is specified with a maximum operating temperature of 105°C, which is lower than the 443978-7 specification of 125°C. This part is suitable for applications operating within the -55°C to 105°C range. Applications requiring operation at temperatures between 105°C and 125°C must use either the 164A16579X or 164A16679X.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. The 164A16579X, 164A16679X, and 5747299-2 are all ROHS3 compliant. The original 443978-7 is RoHS non-compliant. Substitution with any of these three parts addresses RoHS compliance requirements for new designs and procurement.

Q: What is the difference between the 164A16579X and 164A16679X?

A: Both parts are manufactured by Amphenol CONEC and share identical electrical specifications, current rating (7.5A), voltage rating (125V), and operating temperature range (-55°C to 125°C). The primary difference is the flange feature location: the 164A16579X features a board-side flange (4-40), while the 164A16679X features a mating-side flange (4-40). Packaging also differs: 164A16579X is supplied in trays, while 164A16679X is supplied in bulk format.

Q: Can the substitute parts handle the same current and voltage as the 443978-7?

A: All three substitute parts exceed the current rating of the 443978-7 (5A). The 164A16579X and 164A16679X are rated for 7.5A, and the 5747299-2 is rated for 6A. The 164A16579X and 164A16679X are specified for 125V operation. The 443978-7 does not specify a voltage rating in the provided data. The 5747299-2 is rated for 125V operation.

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

A: The 164A16579X is supplied in tray packaging, the 164A16679X is supplied in bulk packaging, and the 5747299-2 is supplied in tube packaging. Packaging selection should align with assembly line requirements and inventory management procedures.

Q: Is the contact finish thickness difference between parts significant?

A: The substitute parts have varying gold contact finish thicknesses: 164A16579X at 8.00µin (0.203µm), 164A16679X at flash thickness, and 5747299-2 at 30.0µin (0.76µm), compared to the 443978-7 at 10.0µin (0.25µm). All finishes provide adequate electrical contact and corrosion protection for signal-level applications. Specific application requirements for contact durability or environmental exposure may influence selection.

Q: Are there any certifications or compliance differences between the substitute parts?

A: All three substitute parts are REACH unaffected and carry EAR99 ECCN classification, matching the 443978-7. The 164A16579X and 164A16679X provide IP20 ingress protection and UL94 V-0 flammability rating. The 5747299-2 provides UL94 V-0 flammability rating. The 443978-7 does not specify ingress protection or flammability rating in the provided data. All substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant, addressing modern environmental standards.