TE Connectivity 638831-3 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 638831-3 is a Fakra connector jack designed for 50-ohm RF coaxial applications. This SMB-style, free-hanging crimp connector operates at frequencies up to 3 GHz and is compatible with RG-174 and RG-316 cable groups. The component is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of equivalent alternatives for ongoing procurement and system maintenance.

Substiute Parts

638831-3

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 834638831-3 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

638831-3

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 834638831-3 Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TE Connectivity 638831-3 coaxial connector is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Electrical Parameters:

• Impedance: 50 Ohms (mandatory for RF signal integrity)
• Frequency maximum: 3 GHz (operational bandwidth requirement)
• Voltage rating: 335 V (electrical safety specification)
• Insertion loss: 0.3 dB (signal transmission performance)

Mechanical Parameters:

• Connector style: SMB, Fakra (physical form factor)
• Connector type: Jack, Male Pin (mating interface configuration)
• Mounting type: Free Hanging (In-Line) (installation method)
• Fastening type: Locking Ramp (mechanical retention mechanism)
• Cable group compatibility: RG-174, RG-316 (cable interface specification)

Material & Environmental Parameters:

• Contact termination: Crimp (assembly method)
• Shield termination: Crimp (shielding assembly method)
• Center contact material: Brass (electrical conductivity)
• Center contact plating: Gold (corrosion resistance)
• Dielectric material: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (electrical insulation)
• Operating temperature range: -40°C ~ 100°C (thermal operating envelope)
• RoHS3 compliance (regulatory requirement)

Only components matching all specified parameters across these categories qualify as direct substitutes for the 638831-3.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The TE Connectivity 638831-3 is classified as an obsolete product. The parametric equivalent identified maintains full electrical, mechanical, and material specification parity with the original component. Both the main part and its equivalent are ROHS3 compliant, meeting current regulatory requirements for electronic component manufacturing and assembly.

Selection of equivalent components for the 638831-3 should be based on:

1. Specification Matching: Ensure all electrical parameters (50-ohm impedance, 3 GHz frequency maximum, 335 V voltage rating, 0.3 dB insertion loss) are maintained.

2. Mechanical Compatibility: Confirm that the connector style (SMB, Fakra), mounting type (free-hanging in-line), and fastening mechanism (locking ramp) align with system integration requirements.

3. Cable Interface: Verify compatibility with RG-174 or RG-316 cable groups used in the application.

4. Environmental Compliance: Confirm ROHS3 compliance status for regulatory adherence in target markets.

5. Material Specifications: Ensure center contact material (brass with gold plating) and dielectric material (PTFE) specifications are preserved to maintain signal integrity and environmental resistance across the operating temperature range of -40°C to 100°C.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What makes the TE Connectivity 638831-3 obsolete, and why is a substitute necessary?

A: The 638831-3 is classified as obsolete by the manufacturer. Obsolete status indicates that the component is no longer in active production. Substitutes are necessary to maintain system functionality, support field repairs, and ensure continued availability for applications currently using this connector.

Q: What are the critical parameters that determine if a component can substitute for the 638831-3?

A: Substitution requires matching across three parameter categories: (1) Electrical—50-ohm impedance, 3 GHz maximum frequency, 335 V voltage rating, and 0.3 dB insertion loss; (2) Mechanical—SMB/Fakra connector style, jack/male pin configuration, free-hanging in-line mounting, and locking ramp fastening; (3) Material—brass center contact with gold plating, zinc body with tin-lead finish, and PTFE dielectric.

Q: Is the 638831-3 compatible with RG-174 and RG-316 cables?

A: Yes. The 638831-3 is specified for use with RG-174 and RG-316 cable groups. Any substitute component must maintain this cable group compatibility to ensure proper mechanical and electrical interface.

Q: What does the 50-ohm impedance specification mean for this connector?

A: The 50-ohm impedance is the characteristic impedance of the connector and must match the impedance of the transmission line (cable) and connected RF components. This specification is critical for RF signal integrity and must be maintained in any substitute component.

Q: Can the 638831-3 operate across the full -40°C to 100°C temperature range?

A: Yes. The 638831-3 is rated for continuous operation across the -40°C to 100°C temperature range. Substitute components must maintain this operating temperature specification to ensure reliability in thermal extremes.

Q: What is the significance of the ROHS3 compliance status?

A: ROHS3 compliance indicates that the component meets the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive requirements, restricting the use of specific hazardous materials in electrical and electronic equipment. This compliance is mandatory for components used in many markets and applications.

Q: What does the 0.3 dB insertion loss specification indicate?

A: Insertion loss measures the signal attenuation introduced by the connector at RF frequencies. The 0.3 dB specification indicates the maximum signal loss when RF energy passes through the connector. This parameter must be maintained in substitute components to preserve system performance.

Q: Is the crimp termination method important for substitution?

A: Yes. The crimp termination method is a critical assembly specification. Both contact and shield termination must use crimp methodology to ensure proper mechanical and electrical connection to the cable. Substitute components must employ identical termination methods.

Q: What is the Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) 1 rating?

A: MSL 1 indicates unlimited moisture sensitivity, meaning the component has no moisture sensitivity restrictions and does not require special handling, storage, or baking procedures prior to assembly.