3M 4640-6201 Rectangular Connector Plug - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 3M 4640-6201 is a 40-position rectangular plug connector with IDC (Insulation Displacement Contact) termination, designed for discrete or ribbon cable applications. This connector features gold-plated contacts rated for 26-28 AWG wire gauges and is configured as a free-hanging, in-line component with latch lock/eject hook fastening. The part maintains Active product status and is ROHS3 compliant, making it suitable for current production and legacy system maintenance applications. Equivalent parts are identified when connector specifications align across critical electrical and mechanical parameters including position count, pitch, row configuration, contact finish, and cable termination method.

Substiute Parts

4640-6201
3MIn Stock: 10554640-6201 Datasheet
4640-6201
Current Part
4640-6001
3MIn Stock: 14954640-6001 Datasheet
4640-6001
MFR Recommended

Key Parameters

Parameter Specification
Manufacturer Part Number 4640-6201
Manufacturer 3M
Category Rectangular Connectors
Series 4600
Connector Type Plug
Number of Positions 40
Pitch 0.100" (2.54mm)
Number of Rows 2
Row Spacing 0.100" (2.54mm)
Cable Termination IDC
Wire Gauge 26-28 AWG, Stranded or Solid
Contact Finish Gold
Contact Finish Thickness 30.0µin (0.76µm)
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant
Product Status Active

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 3M 4640-6201 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

  • Position Count & Configuration: 40 positions in 2-row arrangement with 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch and row spacing
  • Connector Type & Contact Type: Plug configuration with male pin contacts
  • Cable Termination Method: IDC termination for discrete or ribbon cable
  • Wire Gauge Compatibility: 26-28 AWG, supporting both stranded and solid wire
  • Contact Finish Specification: Gold plating at 30.0µin (0.76µm) thickness
  • Compliance & Status: ROHS3 compliance and Active product status

The substitute part 3M 4640-6001 meets all these criteria, with the exception of fastening type specification, which does not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility for IDC-terminated applications.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter 4640-6201 (Main Part) 4640-6001 (Substitute) Compatibility
Manufacturer 3M 3M Identical
Series 4600 4600 Identical
Connector Type Plug Plug Identical
Contact Type Male Pin Male Pin Identical
Number of Positions 40 40 Identical
Pitch 0.100" (2.54mm) 0.100" (2.54mm) Identical
Number of Rows 2 2 Identical
Row Spacing 0.100" (2.54mm) 0.100" (2.54mm) Identical
Mounting Type Free Hanging (In-Line) Free Hanging (In-Line) Identical
Cable Termination IDC IDC Identical
Wire Type Discrete or Ribbon Cable Discrete or Ribbon Cable Identical
Wire Gauge 26-28 AWG, Stranded or Solid 26-28 AWG, Stranded or Solid Identical
Features Feed Through Feed Through Identical
Contact Finish Gold Gold Identical
Contact Finish Thickness 30.0µin (0.76µm) 30.0µin (0.76µm) Identical
Color Gray Gray Identical
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant Identical
Product Status Active Active Identical

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Both the 3M 4640-6201 and 3M 4640-6001 are Active, ROHS3-compliant products from the same 3M 4600 series. Selection between these parts is based on availability and fastening type requirements. The 4640-6201 includes latch lock/eject hook fastening, while the 4640-6001 does not specify a fastening type. For applications requiring positive mechanical retention through fastening mechanisms, the 4640-6201 is the primary selection. When fastening type is not a functional requirement, the 4640-6001 provides an equivalent electrical and mechanical interface. Both parts support identical IDC termination, wire gauge specifications, and contact finish characteristics, ensuring interchangeability within the connector interface.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 4640-6001 be used as a direct replacement for the 4640-6201?

A: Yes, the 4640-6001 is electrically and mechanically equivalent to the 4640-6201 across all critical parameters including position count, pitch, row configuration, IDC termination, wire gauge, and contact finish. The primary difference is the fastening type specification on the 4640-6201. If your application does not require latch lock/eject hook fastening, the 4640-6001 provides full compatibility.

Q: What determines compatibility between these connector plugs?

A: Compatibility is determined by matching specifications across position count (40), pitch (0.100"), row configuration (2 rows), cable termination method (IDC), wire gauge (26-28 AWG), contact finish (gold at 30.0µin), and mounting type (free hanging, in-line). Both parts meet these criteria.

Q: Are there any compliance differences between these parts?

A: No. Both the 4640-6201 and 4640-6001 maintain identical ROHS3 compliance status and Active product status, ensuring suitability for current production applications and regulatory requirements.

Q: What wire types are supported by these connectors?

A: Both connectors support discrete or ribbon cable with 26-28 AWG wire gauge in stranded or solid configuration, accommodating flexible design requirements for ribbon cable assemblies and individual wire terminations.

Q: Does the fastening type difference affect electrical performance?

A: No. The fastening type difference does not affect electrical performance or signal integrity. The latch lock/eject hook fastening on the 4640-6201 provides mechanical retention benefits but does not alter the electrical interface or contact characteristics.

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