TE Connectivity 6-103168-0 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity 6-103168-0 is a shrouded rectangular connector header designed for through-hole mounting applications. This connector features 24 positions arranged in 2 rows with 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch spacing, suitable for board-to-board or cable interconnections. The part operates across a temperature range of -65°C to 105°C and carries a current rating of 3A per contact. The connector employs gold-plated mating contacts with tin-plated posts and is constructed from phosphor bronze with thermoplastic insulation. This component maintains Active product status and full RoHS3 compliance.

Substitute parts are necessary when specific mechanical dimensions, contact finish specifications, or fastening mechanisms differ from the original design requirements, or when alternative manufacturers provide equivalent electrical and mechanical performance within the same connector family.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Connector Type	Header
Contact Type	Male Pin
Number of Positions	24
Number of Rows	2
Pitch - Mating	0.100" (2.54mm)
Row Spacing - Mating	0.100" (2.54mm)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Termination	Solder
Shrouding	Shrouded - 4 Wall
Contact Material	Phosphor Bronze
Contact Finish - Mating	Gold
Contact Finish - Post	Tin
Current Rating	3A
Operating Temperature	-65°C ~ 105°C
Material Flammability Rating	UL94 V-0
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the TE Connectivity 6-103168-0 are selected based on strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Electrical Equivalence Requirements:

24 positions in 2-row configuration
0.100" (2.54mm) mating pitch
0.100" (2.54mm) row spacing
Male pin contact type
3A current rating per contact
Phosphor bronze contact material

Mechanical Equivalence Requirements:

Through-hole solder termination
Shrouded 4-wall construction
Board-to-board or cable style
Square contact shape
Gold-plated mating contacts
Tin-plated posts

Environmental & Compliance Requirements:

Operating temperature range compatibility
UL94 V-0 flammability rating
RoHS3 compliance
MSL 1 rating

Samtec Inc. ZSS-112 series connectors meet these core requirements. Variations within the ZSS-112 family differ primarily in:

Contact length specifications (post length and overall contact length)
Insulation height dimensions
Fastening mechanism (Push-Pull versus Detent Lock)
Contact finish thickness on mating surfaces
Insulation material composition (Polyester, Glass Filled versus Thermoplastic)

These dimensional and material variations allow substitution when mechanical envelope constraints or fastening preferences differ from the original specification.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	6-103168-0 (TE)	ZSS-112-01-G-D-450	ZSS-112-01-G-D-482	ZSS-112-01-G-D-500	ZSS-112-01-G-D-503	ZSS-112-01-G-D-511	ZSS-112-01-G-D-515	ZSS-112-01-L-D-465	ZSS-112-01-L-D-500	ZSS-112-01-L-D-505	ZSS-112-01-S-D-460
Manufacturer	TE Connectivity	Samtec Inc.	Samtec Inc.	Samtec Inc.	Samtec Inc.	Samtec Inc.	Samtec Inc.	Samtec Inc.	Samtec Inc.	Samtec Inc.	Samtec Inc.
Connector Type	Header	Header, Elevated	Header, Elevated	Header, Elevated	Header, Elevated	Header, Elevated	Header, Elevated	Header, Elevated	Header, Elevated	Header, Elevated	Header, Elevated
Contact Type	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin
Number of Positions	24	24	24	24	24	24	24	24	24	24	24
Number of Rows	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2
Pitch - Mating	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)
Row Spacing - Mating	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)
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
Shrouding	Shrouded - 4 Wall	Shrouded - 4 Wall	Shrouded - 4 Wall	Shrouded - 4 Wall	Shrouded - 4 Wall	Shrouded - 4 Wall	Shrouded - 4 Wall	Shrouded - 4 Wall	Shrouded - 4 Wall	Shrouded - 4 Wall	Shrouded - 4 Wall
Contact Shape	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square
Contact Finish - Mating	Gold	Gold	Gold	Gold	Gold	Gold	Gold	Gold	Gold	Gold	Gold
Contact Finish Thickness - Mating	30.0µin (0.76µm)	10.0µin (0.25µm)	10.0µin (0.25µm)	10.0µin (0.25µm)	10.0µin (0.25µm)	10.0µin (0.25µm)	10.0µin (0.25µm)	10.0µin (0.25µm)	10.0µin (0.25µm)	10.0µin (0.25µm)	30.0µin (0.76µm)
Contact Finish - Post	Tin	Gold	Gold	Gold	Gold	Gold	Gold	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin
Contact Material	Phosphor Bronze	Phosphor Bronze	Phosphor Bronze	Phosphor Bronze	Phosphor Bronze	Phosphor Bronze	Phosphor Bronze	Phosphor Bronze	Phosphor Bronze	Phosphor Bronze	Phosphor Bronze
Current Rating (Amps)	3A	3A	3A	3A	3A	3A	3A	3A	3A	3A	3A
Operating Temperature	-65°C ~ 105°C	-55°C ~ 125°C	-55°C ~ 125°C	-55°C ~ 125°C	-55°C ~ 125°C	-55°C ~ 125°C	-55°C ~ 125°C	-55°C ~ 125°C	-55°C ~ 125°C	-55°C ~ 125°C	-55°C ~ 125°C
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
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)
Fastening Type	Detent Lock	Push-Pull	Push-Pull	Push-Pull	Push-Pull	Push-Pull	Push-Pull	Push-Pull	Push-Pull	Push-Pull	Push-Pull
Contact Length - Mating	0.318" (8.08mm)	0.250" (6.35mm)	0.250" (6.35mm)	0.250" (6.35mm)	0.250" (6.35mm)	0.250" (6.35mm)	0.250" (6.35mm)	0.250" (6.35mm)	0.250" (6.35mm)	0.250" (6.35mm)	0.250" (6.35mm)
Contact Length - Post	0.125" (3.18mm)	0.180" (4.57mm)	0.148" (3.76mm)	0.130" (3.30mm)	0.127" (3.23mm)	0.119" (3.02mm)	0.115" (2.92mm)	0.165" (4.19mm)	0.130" (3.30mm)	0.125" (3.18mm)	0.170" (4.32mm)
Overall Contact Length	0.533" (13.55mm)	0.630" (16.00mm)	0.630" (16.00mm)	0.630" (16.00mm)	0.630" (16.00mm)	0.630" (16.00mm)	0.630" (16.00mm)	0.630" (16.00mm)	0.630" (16.00mm)	0.630" (16.00mm)	0.630" (16.00mm)
Insulation Height	0.440" (11.18mm)	0.450" (11.43mm)	0.482" (12.24mm)	0.500" (12.70mm)	0.503" (12.78mm)	0.511" (12.98mm)	0.515" (13.08mm)	0.465" (11.81mm)	0.500" (12.70mm)	0.505" (12.83mm)	0.460" (11.68mm)

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All listed Samtec ZSS-112 series connectors maintain Active product status and full RoHS3 compliance, meeting the core environmental and regulatory requirements of the TE Connectivity 6-103168-0.

Electrical Compatibility: All substitute parts deliver equivalent electrical performance with 24-position, 2-row configuration, 0.100" pitch spacing, and 3A current rating per contact. The phosphor bronze contact material and gold-plated mating surfaces ensure consistent signal integrity and contact reliability across all options.

Mechanical Considerations: Samtec ZSS-112 series connectors feature elevated header design with overall contact length of 0.630" (16.00mm), compared to the TE part's 0.533" (13.55mm). This dimensional difference reflects the elevated contact architecture of the Samtec family. Insulation height varies across the ZSS-112 lineup from 0.450" to 0.515", accommodating different PCB clearance requirements.

Contact Finish Variations: Parts designated with "-G-" in the part number feature gold-plated posts, while "-L-" and "-S-" variants employ tin-plated posts. The TE 6-103168-0 uses tin-plated posts with 30.0µin mating finish. ZSS-112-01-L-D series and ZSS-112-01-S-D-460 provide tin-plated post finishes matching the original specification. ZSS-112-01-S-D-460 additionally matches the 30.0µin mating finish thickness.

Fastening Mechanism: The TE 6-103168-0 employs Detent Lock fastening, while all Samtec ZSS-112 substitutes use Push-Pull fastening. This represents a functional difference in mating/unmating force and locking mechanism, requiring evaluation against specific application requirements.

Temperature Range: Samtec ZSS-112 series operates across -55°C to 125°C, exceeding the TE part's -65°C to 105°C range at the upper temperature limit. This provides additional thermal margin for applications operating near the upper temperature boundary.

Insulation Material: The TE 6-103168-0 uses thermoplastic insulation, while Samtec ZSS-112 series employs polyester with glass filling. Both materials achieve UL94 V-0 flammability rating and maintain MSL 1 moisture sensitivity classification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can Samtec ZSS-112 series connectors directly replace the TE Connectivity 6-103168-0 in existing designs?

A: Direct mechanical replacement requires evaluation of three factors: (1) PCB clearance for the elevated header design and increased overall contact length of 0.630" versus 0.533"; (2) mating force compatibility with the Push-Pull fastening mechanism versus the original Detent Lock; (3) insulation height accommodation within the available board space. Electrical performance is equivalent across all parameters.

Q: What is the significance of the "-G-", "-L-", and "-S-" designations in the Samtec part numbers?

A: These designations indicate contact finish specifications. "-G-" denotes gold-plated posts with 10.0µin mating finish thickness. "-L-" and "-S-" indicate tin-plated posts. The TE 6-103168-0 features tin-plated posts with 30.0µin mating finish. ZSS-112-01-S-D-460 matches this finish thickness specification.

Q: How do the different insulation heights (0.450" through 0.515") affect component selection?

A: Insulation height determines the vertical clearance required on the PCB and affects the overall profile of the assembled connector. Selection depends on available board space and clearance to adjacent components. ZSS-112-01-G-D-450 provides the minimum height at 0.450", while ZSS-112-01-G-D-515 offers maximum height at 0.515". ZSS-112-01-L-D-505 provides 0.505" height with tin-plated posts.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in equivalent quantities?

A: Inventory levels vary across the ZSS-112 lineup. ZSS-112-01-L-D-505 maintains the highest inventory at 1083 pieces. ZSS-112-01-G-D-511 maintains the lowest at 678 pieces. All parts are listed as Active status with new original stock availability.

Q: What is the difference between the TE Connectivity AMPMODU Mod II series and the Samtec Flex Stack ZSS series?

A: Both are 0.100" pitch rectangular connector families with equivalent electrical specifications. The primary differences are mechanical: AMPMODU Mod II uses Detent Lock fastening with thermoplastic insulation, while Flex Stack ZSS employs Push-Pull fastening with polyester glass-filled insulation. Both achieve UL94 V-0 flammability and RoHS3 compliance.

Q: Can the contact post length variations (ranging from 0.115" to 0.180") be used interchangeably?

A: Contact post length determines solder joint depth and PCB penetration. Variations accommodate different PCB thicknesses and soldering process requirements. Selection depends on specific PCB thickness and soldering equipment specifications. ZSS-112-01-L-D-505 at 0.125" post length matches the TE 6-103168-0 specification exactly.

Q: What compliance certifications apply to all substitute parts?

A: All Samtec ZSS-112 series connectors maintain RoHS3 compliance, UL94 V-0 flammability rating, and MSL 1 moisture sensitivity classification. ECCN classification is EAR99 and HTSUS code is 8536.69.4040 across all parts.

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