TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 641208-3 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 641208-3 is a rectangular connector header designed for through-hole mounting applications. This connector features a vertical orientation with 3 positions at 0.156" (3.96mm) pitch, suitable for board-to-cable/wire connections in general purpose and industrial applications. The part is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent components that maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility for ongoing production and repair applications.

Substiute Parts

641208-3

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 685641208-3 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

3-641208-3

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 47293-641208-3 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of rectangular connector headers is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Parameters:

• Pitch - Mating: 0.156" (3.96mm)
• Number of Positions: 3
• Voltage Rating: 600VAC
• Operating Temperature Range: -55°C ~ 105°C
• Contact Type: Male Pin
• Contact Material: Copper Alloy

Mechanical Compatibility Parameters:

• Connector Type: Header
• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Termination: Solder
• Shrouding: Shrouded - 1 Wall
• Contact Shape: Square
• Insulation Material: Thermoplastic, Glass Filled
• Material Flammability Rating: UL94 V-0

Physical Dimensions:

• Contact Length - Mating: 0.400" (10.16mm)
• Contact Length - Post: 0.125" (3.18mm)
• Overall Contact Length: 0.650" (16.51mm)
• Insulation Height: 0.425" (10.80mm)

The substitute part 3-641208-3 maintains full equivalence across all electrical and mechanical parameters. The primary distinction is product status and regulatory compliance.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The part 3-641208-3 is the direct active equivalent of the obsolete 641208-3. Selection of the substitute part is based on the following engineering criteria:

Product Status: The original part 641208-3 carries an obsolete designation, indicating discontinued manufacturing and limited availability. The substitute 3-641208-3 maintains active product status with confirmed inventory of 4649 pieces, ensuring supply chain continuity.

Regulatory Compliance: The substitute part 3-641208-3 is ROHS3 compliant, whereas the original part is RoHS non-compliant. This compliance upgrade aligns with current regulatory requirements for electronic components in industrial and general purpose applications.

Electrical and Mechanical Equivalence: All critical electrical parameters (voltage rating, operating temperature, contact type, pitch, and position count) are identical between the main part and substitute. All mechanical parameters (mounting type, termination method, shrouding, contact dimensions, and insulation specifications) are identical.

Contact Finish Variation: The substitute part features tin-only post finish compared to the tin-lead finish of the original part. This represents a lead-free transition consistent with RoHS3 compliance and does not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility within the specified operating parameters.

Application Suitability: Both parts are rated for general purpose and industrial applications with identical operating temperature ranges (-55°C ~ 105°C) and voltage ratings (600VAC), confirming functional equivalence across intended use cases.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can 3-641208-3 be used as a direct replacement for 641208-3 in existing designs?

A: Yes. The 3-641208-3 is electrically and mechanically equivalent to 641208-3 across all critical parameters including pitch (0.156"), position count (3), voltage rating (600VAC), operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 105°C), and physical dimensions. Both parts are MTA-156 series headers with identical shrouding, mounting type, and termination specifications.

Q: What is the difference between the contact finishes on these parts?

A: The original 641208-3 features tin-lead post finish, while the substitute 3-641208-3 features tin-only post finish. This difference reflects the lead-free transition associated with RoHS3 compliance. Both finishes are compatible with solder termination and do not affect electrical performance within the specified operating parameters.

Q: Why is the substitute part ROHS3 compliant while the original is not?

A: The substitute part 3-641208-3 represents the current active production version of this connector header, manufactured to current regulatory standards including ROHS3 compliance. The original 641208-3 is obsolete and was manufactured under earlier compliance frameworks. The substitute maintains full functional equivalence while meeting modern regulatory requirements.

Q: Are there any packaging differences between these parts?

A: Both parts are supplied in bulk packaging. The original 641208-3 has 652 pieces in stock, while the substitute 3-641208-3 has 4649 pieces in stock. Packaging format and handling specifications are identical.

Q: What applications are these connectors suitable for?

A: Both parts are rated for general purpose and industrial applications. The 3-position, 0.156" pitch header with 600VAC rating and -55°C ~ 105°C operating temperature range supports board-to-cable/wire connections in industrial control systems, instrumentation, and general electronic equipment.

Q: Is the substitute part compatible with existing mating connectors designed for 641208-3?

A: Yes. The substitute 3-641208-3 maintains identical pitch (0.156"), position count (3), contact type (male pin), contact shape (square), and physical dimensions. It is fully compatible with all mating connectors and cable assemblies designed for the original 641208-3.

Q: What is the current rating for these connectors?

A: Current rating varies by wire gauge for both parts. The connector specifications do not define a fixed current rating independent of the wire gauge used in the mating cable assembly. Refer to wire gauge specifications and application requirements to determine appropriate current capacity.