50-12SN-3 Card Edge Connector Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 50-12SN-3 is a 12-position female card edge connector manufactured by Cinch Connectivity Solutions. This dual-edge connector features gold-plated bifurcated semi-bellows contacts rated for through-hole solder termination. The connector is designed for applications requiring reliable edge card interfacing with 0.156" (3.96mm) pitch spacing and operates across the -65°C to 105°C temperature range. As an active product with RoHS compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating, substitute parts may be required for inventory optimization, supply chain continuity, or specific application requirements where alternative contact geometries or insulation materials provide equivalent functionality.

Substiute Parts

50-12SN-3

Cinch Connectivity SolutionsIn Stock: 88850-12SN-3 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

357-012-520-201

Mercury United Electronics, Inc.In Stock: 1068357-012-520-201 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

307-012-520-201

Mercury United Electronics, Inc.In Stock: 973307-012-520-201 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 50-12SN-3 is determined by strict alignment of the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

• Number of positions: 12
• Pitch: 0.156" (3.96mm)
• Gender: Female
• Card type: Dual edge
• Number of rows: 2
• Contact finish: Gold
• Contact finish thickness: 10.0µin (0.25µm)
• Termination: Solder
• Mounting type: Through hole

Allowable Variations:

• Card thickness range: Substitute range must accommodate the main part's 0.054" ~ 0.071" specification
• Contact type: Bifurcated semi-bellows (main part) to semi-bellows (substitute) represents a compatible contact geometry variation
• Insulation material: Polyester glass-filled (main part) to polyester thermoplastic (substitute) represents compatible dielectric materials
• Operating temperature: Substitute minimum of -40°C is acceptable for applications not requiring the full -65°C lower limit
• Color: Variation from black to green is acceptable where connector color does not affect electrical function
• Contact material: Brass (main part) to copper alloy (substitute) represents compatible conductive materials

The identified substitutes meet these criteria and maintain functional equivalence for standard card edge connector applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Both substitute parts maintain active product status and exceed the RoHS compliance requirements of the main part through ROHS3 certification. The 357-012-520-201 and 307-012-520-201 are functionally equivalent for applications where the operating temperature minimum of -40°C satisfies system requirements. The 357-012-520-201 maintains color consistency with the original part, while the 307-012-520-201 introduces a green insulation variant. Both substitutes employ semi-bellows contact geometry and polyester thermoplastic insulation, which are compatible with the electrical and mechanical requirements of the 50-12SN-3. Selection between substitutes should be based on color requirements and inventory availability, as all three parts share identical electrical specifications, pitch, position count, and termination method.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 357-012-520-201 or 307-012-520-201 be used as direct replacements for the 50-12SN-3?

A: Yes, both parts are functionally equivalent substitutes. All three connectors share identical position count (12), pitch (0.156"), gender (female), row configuration (2), contact finish (gold at 10.0µin), and termination method (solder through-hole). The substitutes accommodate the same card thickness range and maintain compatible contact and insulation materials.

Q: What is the difference between the 357-012-520-201 and 307-012-520-201?

A: The primary difference is insulation color: the 357-012-520-201 features black insulation matching the original 50-12SN-3, while the 307-012-520-201 features green insulation. Electrical and mechanical specifications are identical between these two Mercury parts.

Q: Are there temperature limitations when substituting with Mercury parts?

A: The Mercury substitutes operate from -40°C to 105°C, compared to the Cinch part's -65°C to 105°C range. Applications requiring operation below -40°C must use the original 50-12SN-3. For standard industrial and commercial applications within the -40°C to 105°C range, the substitutes are fully compatible.

Q: Do the substitute parts meet the same compliance standards?

A: The substitute parts exceed the original part's compliance profile. While the 50-12SN-3 is RoHS Compliant, both Mercury substitutes are ROHS3 Compliant, representing enhanced environmental compliance. All three parts carry MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating and share identical ECCN and HTSUS classifications.

Q: What is the difference between bifurcated semi-bellows and semi-bellows contact types?

A: Both contact types provide reliable spring-loaded contact engagement with edge cards. The bifurcated semi-bellows (50-12SN-3) features a split contact arm, while the semi-bellows (357-012-520-201 and 307-012-520-201) uses a single-arm design. Both geometries maintain equivalent electrical performance and contact pressure for this connector category.

Q: Can connector color affect circuit performance?

A: No. Connector color is an insulation material property and does not affect electrical function, signal integrity, or performance. Color selection is based on application identification, inventory management, or design preference.