TE Connectivity 640604-3 Rectangular Connector Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity 640604-3 is a 3-position rectangular receptacle connector from the MTA-156 series, designed for IDC (Insulation Displacement Contact) termination with 18 AWG discrete or ribbon cable. This connector features tin-lead contact finish and is classified as obsolete product status.

Due to its obsolete classification, locating equivalent or substitute components is necessary for ongoing system maintenance, repair, and new design implementations. Active product alternatives within the same series provide functional compatibility while offering improved compliance status.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Connector Type	Receptacle
Number of Positions	3
Pitch	0.156" (3.96mm)
Number of Rows	1
Cable Termination Method	IDC
Wire Gauge	18 AWG
Wire Type	Discrete or Ribbon Cable
Mounting Type	Free Hanging (In-Line)
Contact Type	Female Socket
Series	MTA-156

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 640604-3 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Connector Type & Position Count: Receptacle configuration with 3 positions
Pitch & Row Configuration: 0.156" (3.96mm) pitch, single row layout
Cable Termination: IDC termination method for 18 AWG wire
Wire Compatibility: Support for discrete or ribbon cable
Mounting Configuration: Free hanging in-line mounting
Contact Architecture: Female socket contact type

The substitute part 3-640604-3 maintains identical electrical and mechanical specifications across all these parameters. The primary distinction lies in contact finish composition (tin versus tin-lead) and product status (active versus obsolete), with no impact on functional interchangeability within the specified wire gauge and termination method.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	640604-3 (Main Part)	3-640604-3 (Substitute)
Manufacturer	TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TE Connectivity AMP Connectors
Series	MTA-156	MTA-156
Connector Type	Receptacle	Receptacle
Number of Positions	3	3
Pitch	0.156" (3.96mm)	0.156" (3.96mm)
Number of Rows	1	1
Contact Type	Female Socket	Female Socket
Cable Termination	IDC	IDC
Wire Gauge	18 AWG	18 AWG
Wire Type	Discrete or Ribbon Cable	Discrete or Ribbon Cable
Mounting Type	Free Hanging (In-Line)	Free Hanging (In-Line)
Features	Feed Through	Feed Through
Contact Finish	Tin-Lead	Tin
Contact Finish Thickness	80.0µin (2.03µm)	80.0µin (2.03µm)
Color	Orange	Orange
Product Status	Obsolete	Active
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant	RoHS Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)
ECCN	EAR99	EAR99
HTSUS Code	8536.69.8000	8536.69.8000

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For New Designs and Active Procurement:

The substitute part 3-640604-3 is the appropriate selection. This part maintains full functional and mechanical compatibility with the original 640604-3 while offering active product status and RoHS compliance. The transition from tin-lead to tin contact finish does not affect electrical performance or mechanical fit within the specified 18 AWG IDC termination application.

For Legacy System Maintenance:

The 640604-3 remains functionally equivalent to 3-640604-3 for direct replacement in existing assemblies. The contact finish difference (tin-lead versus tin) does not impact interchangeability in this connector category. Selection between the two parts should be based on procurement availability and compliance requirements of the end application.

Compliance Considerations:

The 3-640604-3 substitute provides RoHS compliance, whereas the original 640604-3 is RoHS non-compliant. Applications subject to RoHS regulations require the substitute part. Both parts carry identical ECCN and HTSUS classifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 3-640604-3 directly replace the 640604-3 in existing assemblies?

A: Yes. Both parts are mechanically and electrically identical across all functional parameters: 3-position receptacle, 0.156" pitch, IDC termination for 18 AWG cable, and feed-through configuration. The contact finish difference (tin versus tin-lead) does not affect connector performance or mating compatibility.

Q: What is the significance of the contact finish change from tin-lead to tin?

A: The contact finish change reflects manufacturing standards evolution and environmental compliance. Both finishes provide equivalent electrical conductivity and contact reliability at the specified 80.0µin (2.03µm) thickness. This change does not impact functional interchangeability.

Q: Why is the original 640604-3 classified as obsolete?

A: Obsolete status indicates the part is no longer in active production. The 3-640604-3 represents the current active equivalent within the MTA-156 series, offering the same functionality with updated compliance certifications.

Q: Are there packaging differences between these parts?

A: The 640604-3 packaging is listed as unspecified, while the 3-640604-3 is supplied in bulk packaging. Both parts are identical in connector specifications and performance characteristics.

Q: What wire gauges and cable types are compatible with these connectors?

A: Both connectors are rated for 18 AWG wire and accept discrete or ribbon cable configurations. IDC termination is the specified connection method for both parts.

Q: Do these connectors require any special handling or storage conditions?

A: Both parts carry Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 (Unlimited), indicating no special moisture control requirements during storage or handling.

Q: Can these connectors be used in applications requiring RoHS compliance?

A: The 3-640604-3 is RoHS compliant and suitable for RoHS-regulated applications. The original 640604-3 is RoHS non-compliant and should not be used in applications with RoHS requirements.

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