TE Connectivity 641217-6 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity 641217-6 is a 6-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 gold-plated female socket contacts, a closed-end design, and free-hanging in-line mounting with locking ramp fastening.

The 641217-6 is classified as obsolete. Locating equivalent or substitute components is necessary to support legacy system maintenance, repair, and continued field deployment where this connector type remains in use.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Connector Type	Receptacle
Contact Type	Female Socket
Number of Positions	6
Pitch	0.156" (3.96mm)
Number of Rows	1
Cable Termination Method	IDC
Wire Gauge	18 AWG
Contact Finish	Gold
Contact Finish Thickness	30.0µin (0.76µm)
Mounting Type	Free Hanging (In-Line)
Fastening Type	Locking Ramp
Features	Closed End
Series	MTA-156
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 641217-6 is determined by strict equivalence across all electrical and mechanical parameters. The following criteria must be met for a part to function as a direct substitute:

Critical Matching Parameters:

Connector type (Receptacle)
Contact type (Female Socket)
Number of positions (6)
Pitch specification (0.156" / 3.96mm)
Number of rows (1)
Cable termination method (IDC)
Wire gauge compatibility (18 AWG)
Contact finish (Gold)
Contact finish thickness (30.0µin / 0.76µm)
Mounting type (Free Hanging In-Line)
Fastening type (Locking Ramp)
Closed-end design
Series designation (MTA-156)

The substitute part 3-641217-6 meets all these parameters and is therefore classified as a direct equivalent.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	641217-6 (Main Part)	3-641217-6 (Substitute)	Match Status
Manufacturer	TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	Identical
Series	MTA-156	MTA-156	Identical
Connector Type	Receptacle	Receptacle	Identical
Contact Type	Female Socket	Female Socket	Identical
Number of Positions	6	6	Identical
Pitch	0.156" (3.96mm)	0.156" (3.96mm)	Identical
Number of Rows	1	1	Identical
Mounting Type	Free Hanging (In-Line)	Free Hanging (In-Line)	Identical
Fastening Type	Locking Ramp	Locking Ramp	Identical
Cable Termination	IDC	IDC	Identical
Wire Type	Discrete or Ribbon Cable	Discrete or Ribbon Cable	Identical
Wire Gauge	18 AWG	18 AWG	Identical
Features	Closed End	Closed End	Identical
Contact Finish	Gold	Gold	Identical
Contact Finish Thickness	30.0µin (0.76µm)	30.0µin (0.76µm)	Identical
Color	Orange	Orange	Identical
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	Identical
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	Identical
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Different
Packaging	Not specified	Bulk	Different

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The 3-641217-6 is a direct functional equivalent to the 641217-6 across all electrical and mechanical specifications. The primary distinction is product status: the 641217-6 is obsolete, while the 3-641217-6 is active and currently manufactured.

Selection Basis:

The 3-641217-6 maintains identical electrical performance and mechanical compatibility. Both parts are ROHS3 compliant and carry MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity ratings, ensuring equivalent environmental performance in legacy and new applications.

The 3-641217-6 is supplied in bulk packaging, whereas the original part number does not specify packaging format. This difference does not affect functional compatibility or electrical performance.

The active product status of the 3-641217-6 provides supply chain continuity for applications requiring the MTA-156 6-position IDC receptacle connector with 18 AWG gold-plated contacts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 3-641217-6 be used as a direct replacement for the 641217-6?

A: Yes. The 3-641217-6 is electrically and mechanically identical to the 641217-6. All contact specifications, pitch, termination method, and mounting characteristics are equivalent. The parts are interchangeable in applications designed for the 641217-6.

Q: What is the difference between the 641217-6 and 3-641217-6?

A: The primary difference is product status. The 641217-6 is obsolete, while the 3-641217-6 is active and currently manufactured. The 3-641217-6 is supplied in bulk packaging. All electrical and mechanical parameters are identical.

Q: Are both parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. Both the 641217-6 and 3-641217-6 are ROHS3 compliant and carry identical moisture sensitivity ratings (MSL 1, Unlimited).

Q: What wire gauge does this connector support?

A: Both connectors support 18 AWG wire. The IDC termination method accommodates discrete or ribbon cable of this gauge.

Q: What is the contact pitch of these connectors?

A: The pitch is 0.156 inches (3.96 millimeters). This specification is identical for both the main part and substitute.

Q: Can these connectors be used with ribbon cable?

A: Yes. Both connectors support discrete or ribbon cable termination via the IDC method.

Q: What is the contact finish specification?

A: Both connectors feature gold-plated contacts with a finish thickness of 30.0 microinches (0.76 micrometers).

Q: Is the 3-641217-6 available in stock?

A: The 3-641217-6 is an active product with current manufacturing availability. Inventory status should be confirmed with the supplier for specific delivery requirements.

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