TE Connectivity 5-146291-3 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity 5-146291-3 is a rectangular connector header designed for through-hole mounting applications. This connector is a vertical 3-position header with 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch spacing, commonly used in board-to-board and cable interconnect applications. The part operates within a temperature range of -65°C to 105°C and carries a current rating of 3A per contact.

The 5-146291-3 is classified as an obsolete product. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure supply chain availability, and support ongoing production and maintenance requirements for systems utilizing this connector type.

Substiute Parts

5-146291-3

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 9915-146291-3 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

5-146278-3

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 158995-146278-3 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 5-146291-3 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Mechanical Compatibility:

• Connector type (Header, Breakaway)
• Contact type (Male Pin)
• Pitch spacing (0.100" / 2.54mm)
• Number of positions (3)
• Number of rows (1)
• Mounting type (Through Hole)
• Fastening type (Push-Pull)

Electrical Performance:

• Operating temperature range (-65°C ~ 105°C)
• Current rating (3A)
• Contact material (Copper Alloy)

Material & Compliance:

• Insulation material (Liquid Crystal Polymer - LCP)
• Material flammability rating (UL94 V-0)
• RoHS compliance status

The substitute part 5-146278-3 maintains equivalence across all mechanical, electrical, and material parameters. The primary difference is the contact finish specification on the mating surface and the product status transition from obsolete to active availability.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The 5-146278-3 is the direct substitute for the obsolete 5-146291-3. Both parts are manufactured by TE Connectivity within the AMPMODU Mod II series and maintain identical mechanical and electrical specifications.

Product Status Consideration: The 5-146291-3 is classified as obsolete, while the 5-146278-3 is active. For new designs and ongoing production, the 5-146278-3 is the appropriate selection to ensure continued supply chain availability and manufacturer support.

Compliance Status: Both parts meet UL94 V-0 flammability requirements and maintain RoHS compliance. The 5-146278-3 carries ROHS3 compliance designation, representing the current regulatory standard. Both parts are classified as MSL 1 (Unlimited moisture sensitivity level), indicating no special moisture handling requirements during storage or assembly.

Contact Finish Difference: The primary technical distinction is the mating contact finish. The 5-146291-3 features gold plating (5.00µin thickness), while the 5-146278-3 uses tin plating (100.0µin thickness). Both finishes are suitable for standard solder termination and push-pull mating cycles. The tin finish on the 5-146278-3 provides equivalent electrical performance and contact reliability for the specified 3A current rating and operating temperature range.

Termination Specification: The 5-146291-3 specifies kinked pin termination, while the 5-146278-3 specifies standard solder termination. Both are through-hole solder-based termination methods compatible with standard PCB assembly processes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 5-146278-3 be used as a direct replacement for the 5-146291-3 in existing designs?

A: Yes. The 5-146278-3 maintains mechanical and electrical equivalence with the 5-146291-3 across all critical parameters including pitch spacing (2.54mm), position count (3), mounting type (through-hole), operating temperature range (-65°C to 105°C), and current rating (3A). Both parts are from the same AMPMODU Mod II series and are compatible with identical mating connectors and PCB layouts.

Q: What is the significance of the contact finish difference between these parts?

A: The 5-146291-3 uses gold-plated mating contacts, while the 5-146278-3 uses tin-plated mating contacts. Both finishes provide adequate electrical conductivity and contact reliability for the specified 3A current rating. The tin finish on the 5-146278-3 is standard for general-purpose rectangular connectors and does not compromise performance in the specified operating temperature range.

Q: Why is the 5-146291-3 listed as obsolete?

A: The 5-146291-3 has been discontinued by TE Connectivity. The 5-146278-3 represents the current active product offering within the AMPMODU Mod II series for this connector configuration. For new production and long-term supply assurance, the 5-146278-3 is the recommended selection.

Q: Are there packaging differences between these parts?

A: The 5-146291-3 packaging specification is not provided in the available data. The 5-146278-3 is supplied in bulk packaging. Packaging format does not affect connector performance or compatibility; it relates only to order quantity and handling procedures.

Q: Do both parts meet current RoHS requirements?

A: Yes. The 5-146291-3 is RoHS Compliant, and the 5-146278-3 is ROHS3 Compliant. Both parts satisfy current regulatory requirements for hazardous substance restrictions. The ROHS3 designation on the 5-146278-3 reflects the current regulatory standard.

Q: What is the moisture sensitivity level for these connectors?

A: Both parts are classified as MSL 1 (Unlimited). This designation indicates no special moisture handling, storage, or baking requirements prior to assembly. Standard warehouse storage conditions are appropriate for both parts.

Q: Are the contact dimensions identical between these parts?

A: Yes. Both parts maintain identical contact dimensions: mating contact length of 0.230" (5.84mm), post contact length of 0.120" (3.05mm), and overall contact length of 0.440" (11.18mm). Insulation height is 0.090" (2.29mm) for both parts. These dimensional equivalences ensure mechanical interchangeability.