TE Connectivity 4-644788-2 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity 4-644788-2 is a rectangular connector header designed for through-hole mounting applications. This connector features 12 positions at 0.156" (3.96mm) pitch with male pin contacts, shrouded single-wall design, and solder termination. The part is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent alternatives for new designs and ongoing production requirements. Substitute parts must maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility while offering active product status and continued availability.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Connector Type	Header
Contact Type	Male Pin
Pitch - Mating	0.156" (3.96mm)
Number of Positions	12
Number of Rows	1
Shrouding	Shrouded - 1 Wall
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Termination	Solder
Fastening Type	Friction Lock
Contact Length - Mating	0.450" (11.43mm)
Contact Shape	Square
Material Flammability Rating	UL94 V-0
Insulation Color	Natural
Voltage Rating	600VAC
Operating Temperature	-55°C ~ 105°C
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the TE Connectivity 4-644788-2 are qualified based on the following critical parameters that determine functional and mechanical compatibility:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

Connector Type: Header
Contact Type: Male Pin
Pitch - Mating: 0.156" (3.96mm)
Number of Positions: 12
Number of Rows: 1
Shrouding: Shrouded - 1 Wall
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Termination: Solder
Fastening Type: Friction Lock
Contact Length - Mating: 0.450" (11.43mm)
Contact Shape: Square
Material Flammability Rating: UL94 V-0

All identified substitute parts are manufactured by Molex and belong to the KK396 series family. These parts maintain identical mating pitch, position count, shrouding configuration, and mounting methodology. Variations exist in contact post length, contact finish specifications, and number of positions loaded, which do not affect primary mating interface compatibility. All substitute parts carry active product status and ROHS3 compliance, addressing the obsolescence of the original TE Connectivity part.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	4-644788-2 (TE)	0026604122 (Molex)	0026604123 (Molex)	0026606120 (Molex)	0026606122 (Molex)	0026624120 (Molex)	0026624126 (Molex)	0026654120 (Molex)	0417910885 (Molex)	0417910996 (Molex)	0424910322 (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
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)
Number of Positions	12	12	12	12	12	12	12	12	12	12	12
Number of Rows	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
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
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
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 Shape	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square
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
Insulation Color	Natural	Natural	Natural	Natural	Natural	Natural	Natural	Natural	Natural	Natural	Natural
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All identified Molex substitute parts maintain full compatibility with the TE Connectivity 4-644788-2 across all critical mating interface parameters. Selection among substitute options is determined by specific application requirements and secondary characteristics:

For General Purpose and Industrial Applications: Molex 0026604122, 0026604123, 0026624120, 0026624126, and 0417910885 are suitable for applications requiring standard tin contact finish on mating surfaces. These parts provide cost-effective alternatives with full position loading or partial loading configurations as required.

For Applications Requiring Gold Mating Surface: Molex 0026606122, 0026654120, and 0424910322 feature gold contact finish on mating surfaces, matching the original TE Connectivity part specification. These options are appropriate for applications demanding enhanced corrosion resistance and contact reliability.

For Applications with Board Lock Requirements: Molex 0026606120, 0026606122, 0026654120, and 0424910322 incorporate board lock features, providing mechanical retention enhancement beyond friction lock fastening.

All substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating, meeting regulatory and environmental requirements equivalent to the original part. Active product status ensures continued availability and supply chain stability for production and design applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can Molex KK396 series connectors directly replace the TE Connectivity 4-644788-2?

A: Yes. All identified Molex substitute parts maintain identical mating pitch (0.156"), position count (12), contact type (male pin), shrouding configuration (shrouded 1-wall), and mounting methodology (through-hole solder). The mating interface is fully compatible.

Q: What is the significance of "Number of Positions Loaded" differences between parts?

A: The number of positions loaded indicates how many contact positions are populated with actual contacts in the connector body. The TE Connectivity 4-644788-2 has 8 positions loaded, while most Molex substitutes have all 12 positions loaded or 11 positions loaded. This does not affect compatibility; the connector can accommodate the same mating interface regardless of loading configuration.

Q: How do contact finish differences affect substitution?

A: The original TE Connectivity part features gold contact finish on mating surfaces (30.0µin thickness). Molex substitutes offer either tin or gold finishes. Gold-finished options (0026606122, 0026654120, 0424910322) provide equivalent corrosion resistance. Tin-finished options (0026604122, 0026604123, 0026624120, 0026624126, 0417910885) are suitable for general-purpose applications where gold plating is not required.

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

A: The TE Connectivity 4-644788-2 does not specify insulation material in the provided data. Molex substitutes use polyester or polyester glass-filled insulation materials, both meeting UL94 V-0 flammability requirements equivalent to the original part.

Q: What is the difference between parts with and without "Board Lock" features?

A: Board lock features provide mechanical retention of the connector to the PCB beyond friction lock fastening. Parts with board lock (0026606120, 0026606122, 0026654120, 0424910322) offer enhanced mechanical stability. Parts without board lock (0026604122, 0026604123, 0026624120, 0026624126, 0417910885, 0417910996) rely on friction lock fastening alone. Selection depends on application mechanical requirements.

Q: Do all substitute parts meet the same regulatory and compliance standards?

A: Yes. All identified Molex substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance, MSL 1 rating, and UL94 V-0 flammability certification, matching the regulatory profile of the original TE Connectivity part.

Q: What is the difference between "Board Guide" and "Board Lock" features?

A: Board guide features provide alignment assistance during connector mating without mechanical retention. Board lock features provide both alignment and mechanical retention to the PCB. The original TE Connectivity part includes board guide; substitute parts with equivalent functionality are 0026654120 and 0424910322 (board guide) or 0026606120, 0026606122 (board lock).

Q: Are contact post length variations significant for substitution?

A: Contact post length variations (0.140" to 0.170") do not affect mating interface compatibility. These differences relate to solder joint formation and PCB penetration depth. Selection should consider PCB thickness and soldering process requirements.

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