TE Connectivity 641218-6 Rectangular Connector Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity 641218-6 is a 6-position rectangular receptacle connector from the MTA-156 series, designed for IDC (Insulation Displacement Contact) termination with 20 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 641218-6 carries an obsolete product status. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain design compatibility, ensure supply chain continuity, and support ongoing production and field service requirements for systems utilizing this connector configuration.

Substiute Parts

641218-6

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 1072641218-6 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

3-641218-6

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 10663-641218-6 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 641218-6 is determined by strict equivalence across all electrical and mechanical parameters. The substitute part must maintain identical specifications in the following critical areas:

Electrical Parameters:

• Connector type (Receptacle)
• Contact type (Female Socket)
• Number of positions (6)
• Contact pitch (0.156" / 3.96mm)
• Wire gauge compatibility (20 AWG)
• Contact finish material and thickness (Gold, 30.0µin)

Mechanical Parameters:

• Number of rows (1)
• Mounting configuration (Free Hanging, In-Line)
• Fastening mechanism (Locking Ramp)
• Cable termination method (IDC)
• Closed-end design

Compliance Parameters:

• RoHS3 compliance
• Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 classification
• MTA-156 series designation

Parts meeting these criteria are classified as direct substitutes and may be selected based on product status, availability, and packaging configuration.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The 3-641218-6 is a direct functional equivalent to the 641218-6 across all electrical, mechanical, and compliance specifications. The primary distinction is product status: the 641218-6 is classified as obsolete, while the 3-641218-6 maintains active status.

Selection Basis:

The 3-641218-6 is suitable for applications requiring the MTA-156 6-position receptacle connector with IDC termination, 20 AWG wire gauge, and gold-plated contacts. Both parts satisfy ROHS3 compliance requirements and carry MSL 1 classification, indicating no moisture sensitivity restrictions during storage and handling.

For new designs, production continuity, or field replacements, the 3-641218-6 is the appropriate selection due to its active product status and confirmed availability. The obsolete status of the 641218-6 indicates limited future supply and potential discontinuation of manufacturing support.

Both parts are manufactured by TE Connectivity AMP Connectors and share identical mechanical and electrical characteristics, ensuring direct interchangeability within the MTA-156 connector family.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 3-641218-6 be used as a direct replacement for the 641218-6?

A: Yes. The 3-641218-6 is electrically and mechanically identical to the 641218-6. All contact configurations, pitch spacing, termination methods, and compliance certifications are equivalent. The parts are directly interchangeable.

Q: What is the significance of the product status difference between these parts?

A: The 641218-6 is classified as obsolete, indicating that TE Connectivity has discontinued active manufacturing and support for this part number. The 3-641218-6 maintains active status, meaning it is currently manufactured and supported. For ongoing supply requirements, the 3-641218-6 is the recommended selection.

Q: Are there packaging differences between the 641218-6 and 3-641218-6?

A: The 641218-6 packaging specification is not provided in the technical data. The 3-641218-6 is supplied in bulk packaging. Packaging configuration does not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility; it pertains only to order quantity and handling logistics.

Q: Do both parts meet the same compliance standards?

A: Yes. Both the 641218-6 and 3-641218-6 are ROHS3 compliant and carry Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 classification. They meet identical environmental and regulatory requirements.

Q: What wire gauges are compatible with these connectors?

A: Both connectors are specified for 20 AWG wire gauge with IDC (Insulation Displacement Contact) termination. This specification applies to discrete or ribbon cable configurations.

Q: Is the gold contact finish thickness the same on both parts?

A: Yes. Both the 641218-6 and 3-641218-6 feature gold contact finish with a thickness of 30.0µin (0.76µm).

Q: Can these connectors be used with ribbon cable?

A: Yes. Both connectors support IDC termination with discrete or ribbon cable. The 0.156" (3.96mm) pitch is compatible with standard ribbon cable configurations for 6-position MTA-156 applications.