TE Connectivity 640601-8 Rectangular Connector Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity 640601-8 is an 8-position rectangular receptacle connector from the MTA-156 series, designed for IDC (Insulation Displacement Contact) termination with 22 AWG discrete or ribbon cable. This connector features a tin-lead contact finish, free-hanging in-line mounting, and locking ramp fastening. The part is currently active in production with 718 units in stock.

Substitute parts are identified to address specific compliance requirements, packaging preferences, or inventory availability while maintaining functional and mechanical compatibility within the MTA-156 connector family.

Substiute Parts

640601-8

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 794640601-8 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

3-640601-8

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 10933-640601-8 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution between the main part 640601-8 and the alternative part 3-640601-8 is based on strict equivalence of the following parameters:

Critical Matching Parameters:

• Connector type (Receptacle)
• Number of positions (8)
• Pitch specification (0.156" / 3.96mm)
• Contact type (Female Socket)
• Cable termination method (IDC)
• Wire gauge compatibility (22 AWG)
• Mounting configuration (Free Hanging In-Line)
• Series designation (MTA-156)
• Contact finish thickness (80.0µin / 2.03µm)
• Fastening type (Locking Ramp)
• Feed-through feature

Conditional Variation Parameters:

• Contact finish material (Tin-Lead versus Tin)
• RoHS compliance status
• Packaging format (standard versus bulk)

Both parts share identical mechanical interfaces, electrical performance characteristics, and functional capabilities within the MTA-156 rectangular connector family. The primary differences are contact finish composition and regulatory compliance certifications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Selection Criteria Based on Compliance and Product Status:

Both 640601-8 and 3-640601-8 are active production parts from TE Connectivity with identical mechanical and electrical specifications. Selection between these parts depends on regulatory and compliance requirements:

Choose 640601-8 when:

• RoHS non-compliance is acceptable for the application
• Tin-lead contact finish is specified or required
• Standard packaging format is preferred
• Legacy system compatibility is required

Choose 3-640601-8 when:

• ROHS3 compliance is mandated by design or regulatory requirements
• Tin contact finish meets application requirements
• Bulk packaging format is suitable for manufacturing operations
• Higher inventory availability is advantageous

Both parts maintain identical mechanical interfaces, electrical performance, and functional characteristics within the MTA-156 series. The contact finish composition difference (tin-lead versus tin) does not affect mechanical compatibility or IDC termination performance. Both parts support 22 AWG discrete or ribbon cable termination with identical pitch, position count, and mounting configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are 640601-8 and 3-640601-8 mechanically interchangeable?

A: Yes. Both parts are 8-position receptacle connectors with identical pitch (0.156"), mounting type (free-hanging in-line), fastening mechanism (locking ramp), and IDC termination method. They are mechanically and functionally equivalent within the MTA-156 series.

Q: What is the difference between tin-lead and tin contact finishes?

A: The 640601-8 features a tin-lead contact finish, while the 3-640601-8 features a tin contact finish. Both finishes are applied to the same 80.0µin (2.03µm) thickness. The contact finish material does not affect mechanical compatibility or IDC termination performance.

Q: Why does one part have RoHS compliance and the other does not?

A: The 3-640601-8 is ROHS3 compliant due to its tin contact finish, which eliminates lead content. The 640601-8 is RoHS non-compliant because it contains lead in the tin-lead contact finish. Selection depends on whether RoHS compliance is required for the application or end market.

Q: Can I use these connectors with different wire gauges?

A: No. Both parts are specified for 22 AWG wire only. The IDC termination mechanism is designed specifically for this wire gauge. Using different wire gauges will result in improper termination and connector failure.

Q: What is the difference between standard and bulk packaging?

A: The 640601-8 is supplied in standard packaging, while the 3-640601-8 is supplied in bulk packaging. Bulk packaging is typically used for high-volume manufacturing operations. The connector itself is identical; only the packaging format differs.

Q: Are both parts suitable for ribbon cable applications?

A: Yes. Both parts support discrete or ribbon cable termination via IDC method. The 22 AWG specification applies to both discrete wire and ribbon cable configurations.

Q: What is the current inventory status for these parts?

A: The 640601-8 has 718 units in stock, while the 3-640601-8 has 1080 units in stock. Inventory levels may change; verify current availability with your supplier.

Q: Can I substitute these parts in existing designs without re-qualification?

A: Substitution is mechanically and electrically valid based on identical specifications within the MTA-156 series. However, if RoHS compliance status or contact finish material is specified in your design documentation, verify that the substitute part meets those requirements before implementation.