3M 4616-7301 Rectangular Connector: Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 3M 4616-7301 is a 16-position rectangular plug connector with IDC (Insulation Displacement Contact) termination, designed for 26-28 AWG wire gauges in both stranded and solid configurations. This connector features gold-plated contacts, a 0.100" pitch in a 2-row configuration, and is rated for free-hanging in-line mounting applications.

The 4616-7301 carries an obsolete product status. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts ensures design continuity and supply chain reliability for applications currently utilizing this connector.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Specification
Connector Type	Plug
Number of Positions	16
Pitch	0.100" (2.54mm)
Number of Rows	2
Row Spacing	0.100" (2.54mm)
Contact Type	Male Pin
Cable Termination	IDC
Wire Gauge	26-28 AWG, Stranded or Solid
Contact Finish	Gold
Contact Finish Thickness	30.0µin (0.76µm)
Mounting Type	Free Hanging (In-Line)
Series	4600
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
MSL Rating	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 4616-7301 is determined by strict alignment of the following critical parameters:

Connector Type & Contact Configuration: Plug with male pins
Position Count & Pitch: 16 positions at 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch in 2-row layout
Cable Termination Method: IDC technology
Wire Gauge Compatibility: 26-28 AWG, supporting both stranded and solid wire
Contact Material & Finish: Gold plating at 30.0µin thickness
Electrical & Environmental Compliance: ROHS3 compliance and MSL rating

The substitute parts 4616-6001 and 4616-6301 maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications across all critical parameters. Differences exist only in fastening type, packaging format, and product status, which do not affect functional interchangeability in the connector interface.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	4616-7301 (Main)	4616-6001 (Substitute)	4616-6301 (Substitute)
Manufacturer	3M	3M	3M
Connector Type	Plug	Plug	Plug
Number of Positions	16	16	16
Pitch	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)
Number of Rows	2	2	2
Row Spacing	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)
Contact Type	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin
Cable Termination	IDC	IDC	IDC
Wire Gauge	26-28 AWG, Stranded or Solid	26-28 AWG, Stranded or Solid	26-28 AWG, Stranded or Solid
Contact Finish	Gold	Gold	Gold
Contact Finish Thickness	30.0µin (0.76µm)	30.0µin (0.76µm)	30.0µin (0.76µm)
Mounting Type	Free Hanging (In-Line)	Free Hanging (In-Line)	Free Hanging (In-Line)
Series	4600	4600	4600
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active
Fastening Type	Latch Lock/Eject Hooks, Long	Not Specified	Latch Lock/Eject Hooks, Long
Features	Closed End	Feed Through	Feed Through

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Both 4616-6001 and 4616-6301 are functionally equivalent to the obsolete 4616-7301 for connector interface applications. Selection between substitutes should be based on the following criteria:

4616-6301 is the preferred substitute when fastening type and connector end configuration are critical to the application. This part maintains the latch lock/eject hooks specification of the original 4616-7301 and is supplied in bulk packaging.

4616-6001 is suitable for applications where fastening type is not specified or where feed-through connector configuration is acceptable. This part is supplied in tray packaging and carries active product status with established supply availability.

Both substitutes maintain full ROHS3 compliance and identical electrical performance specifications. The choice between them depends on mechanical integration requirements and packaging logistics rather than electrical or environmental performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are 4616-6001 and 4616-6301 electrically interchangeable with 4616-7301?

A: Yes. All three parts share identical contact configuration, pitch, wire gauge compatibility, contact material, and finish specifications. Electrical performance is equivalent across all three part numbers.

Q: What is the difference between the fastening types listed for these connectors?

A: The 4616-7301 and 4616-6301 specify latch lock/eject hooks with long configuration. The 4616-6001 does not specify a fastening type. This difference affects mechanical retention but not electrical interface compatibility.

Q: Does the "Closed End" versus "Feed Through" feature affect substitution?

A: These features describe the connector body design but do not affect the electrical or mechanical interface with mating connectors or cable terminations. Selection depends on application-specific mechanical requirements.

Q: Why is 4616-7301 listed as obsolete?

A: Product obsolescence indicates that 3M has discontinued manufacturing. The active status of 4616-6001 and 4616-6301 ensures continued supply availability for equivalent functionality.

Q: Are packaging differences significant for component selection?

A: Packaging format (tray versus bulk) affects logistics and handling but does not influence connector performance or compatibility. Selection should be based on procurement and assembly process requirements.

Q: Do all three parts meet the same compliance standards?

A: Yes. All three parts are ROHS3 compliant with MSL rating 1 (unlimited moisture sensitivity level). Environmental and regulatory compliance is equivalent.

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