TE Connectivity 6-146273-6 Rectangular Connector Header Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity 6-146273-6 is a vertical rectangular connector header manufactured under the AMPMODU Mod II series. This through-hole mounted connector features 32 positions arranged in 2 rows with 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch spacing, designed for board-to-board or cable interconnection applications. The connector utilizes male pin contacts with gold-plated mating surfaces and tin-plated posts, rated for 3A continuous current operation across an operating temperature range of -65°C to 105°C.

The 6-146273-6 is classified as obsolete product status. Identification of equivalent substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure supply chain availability, and support ongoing production or maintenance requirements for systems utilizing this connector specification.

Substiute Parts

6-146273-6

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 8786-146273-6 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

6-146261-6

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 10346-146261-6 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 6-146273-6 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Mechanical Compatibility Parameters:

• Number of positions (32)
• Number of rows (2)
• Pitch spacing (0.100" / 2.54mm mating and row spacing)
• Connector type (Header, Breakaway)
• Mounting type (Through Hole)
• Contact type (Male Pin)
• Overall contact length and insulation height

Electrical Performance Parameters:

• Current rating (3A)
• Operating temperature range (-65°C ~ 105°C)
• Contact material (Copper Alloy)
• Contact finish specifications (Gold mating surface, Tin post finish)

Compliance & Environmental Parameters:

• Material flammability rating (UL94 V-0)
• RoHS compliance status
• Moisture sensitivity level (MSL 1)

Substitute parts must maintain identical values across all listed parameters to ensure direct functional and physical interchangeability. Variations in product status (obsolete versus active) do not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility but indicate supply availability differences.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The TE Connectivity 6-146261-6 serves as the direct substitute for the obsolete 6-146273-6 rectangular connector header. Both components are manufactured within the same AMPMODU Mod II series and maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications across all critical parameters including position count, pitch spacing, contact configuration, current rating, and operating temperature range.

The primary distinction between these parts is product status: the 6-146273-6 is classified as obsolete, while the 6-146261-6 maintains active product status with confirmed inventory availability (984 pieces in stock versus 775 pieces for the obsolete variant). This status difference reflects manufacturing lifecycle progression rather than technical capability changes.

The termination method differs slightly between the two parts. The main part (6-146273-6) specifies kinked pin solder termination, while the substitute (6-146261-6) specifies standard solder termination. Both termination methods are compatible with through-hole PCB assembly processes and deliver equivalent electrical performance.

For new designs or ongoing production requiring this connector specification, the 6-146261-6 is the appropriate selection due to its active product status and assured supply chain availability. For legacy system maintenance or repair applications where the original 6-146273-6 is specified, the 6-146261-6 provides direct functional replacement without design modification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 6-146261-6 be used as a direct replacement for the 6-146273-6 in existing designs?

A: Yes. The 6-146261-6 is electrically and mechanically equivalent to the 6-146273-6 across all specified parameters. Both connectors feature identical 32-position, 2-row configuration with 0.100" pitch spacing, male pin contacts, 3A current rating, and -65°C to 105°C operating temperature range. No design modifications are required for substitution.

Q: What is the difference between kinked pin and standard solder termination?

A: The 6-146273-6 specifies kinked pin solder termination, while the 6-146261-6 specifies standard solder termination. Both termination styles are compatible with through-hole PCB assembly and provide equivalent electrical connectivity. The termination method does not affect mating interface compatibility or electrical performance.

Q: Why is the 6-146273-6 classified as obsolete?

A: Obsolete product status indicates that the 6-146273-6 has reached end-of-life in the manufacturer's product lifecycle. The 6-146261-6 represents the active equivalent within the same AMPMODU Mod II series, offering identical functionality with continued manufacturing support and supply availability.

Q: Are there any compliance or environmental differences between these connectors?

A: Both connectors meet UL94 V-0 material flammability requirements and are RoHS compliant. The main part specifies Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 (unlimited). The substitute part does not specify MSL rating in the provided documentation, but both components utilize identical Liquid Crystal Polymer insulation material and are suitable for standard industrial and commercial applications.

Q: What is the current inventory status for each part?

A: The 6-146273-6 (obsolete) has 775 pieces in stock. The 6-146261-6 (active substitute) has 984 pieces in stock. For new procurement, the 6-146261-6 is recommended due to its active product status and higher inventory availability.

Q: Are the physical dimensions and PCB footprints identical?

A: Yes. Both connectors maintain identical contact spacing (0.100" mating pitch and row spacing), overall contact length (0.410"), insulation height (0.090"), and through-hole mounting configuration. PCB footprints are directly compatible without modification.

Q: Can these connectors be used interchangeably in high-temperature applications?

A: Yes. Both the 6-146273-6 and 6-146261-6 are rated for continuous operation across the identical temperature range of -65°C to 105°C. No thermal performance differences exist between the two parts.