TE Connectivity 641242-3 Rectangular Connector Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 641242-3 is a 3-position rectangular receptacle connector designed for IDC (Insulation Displacement Contact) termination with 24 AWG wire. This connector features gold-plated contacts, a 0.100" pitch, and is part of the MTA-100 series. The part is classified as obsolete, making identification of equivalent and substitute components necessary for ongoing system support, maintenance, and new design implementations where legacy compatibility is required.

Substiute Parts

641242-3

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 781641242-3 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

3-641242-3

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 7663-641242-3 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of rectangular connectors in the MTA-100 series is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Parameters:

• Connector type (Receptacle)
• Contact type (Female Socket)
• Number of positions (3)
• Pitch spacing (0.100" / 2.54mm)
• Contact finish (Gold)
• Contact finish thickness (30.0µin / 0.76µm)

Mechanical Compatibility Parameters:

• Mounting type (Free Hanging, In-Line, Right Angle)
• Fastening type (Locking Ramp)
• Number of rows (1)

Termination Compatibility Parameters:

• Cable termination method (IDC)
• Wire gauge (24 AWG)
• Wire type (Discrete or Ribbon Cable)

Environmental & Regulatory Parameters:

• Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL 1 - Unlimited)
• ECCN classification (EAR99)
• HTSUS code (8536.69.8000)

Substitute parts must maintain identical values across all these parameters to ensure direct functional and mechanical interchangeability without design modification or system re-qualification.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The substitute part 3-641242-3 provides direct functional and mechanical equivalence to the obsolete 641242-3 connector. All electrical, mechanical, and termination parameters are identical between the two parts.

Key Differentiation Factors:

The primary distinction between the main part and its substitute is product status and regulatory compliance. The original 641242-3 is classified as obsolete with RoHS non-compliant status and undefined REACH compliance. The substitute part 3-641242-3 is active in production with ROHS3 compliance and REACH Unaffected status, indicating current manufacturing and regulatory alignment.

Selection Basis:

For new designs, system upgrades, or ongoing maintenance requiring current component availability, the 3-641242-3 is the appropriate selection. This part maintains complete electrical and mechanical compatibility while providing access to active inventory (756 pcs available) and current regulatory compliance certifications. The part number variant (addition of leading "3-") reflects packaging and manufacturing designation changes while preserving all functional specifications.

For legacy system support where original part specifications must be maintained without regulatory updates, the 641242-3 remains functionally equivalent, though availability is limited to existing stock (716 pcs available).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are the 641242-3 and 3-641242-3 connectors mechanically interchangeable?

A: Yes. Both connectors share identical mechanical specifications including mounting type (Free Hanging, In-Line, Right Angle), fastening type (Locking Ramp), and physical dimensions. They mount and function identically in applications designed for either part number.

Q: Can I use the 3-641242-3 as a direct replacement for the 641242-3 in existing assemblies?

A: Yes. The 3-641242-3 provides complete functional and mechanical equivalence. All electrical parameters, contact specifications, termination methods, and environmental ratings are identical. No design modification or re-qualification is required.

Q: What is the difference between the part numbers 641242-3 and 3-641242-3?

A: The part numbers differ by a leading "3-" designation. This reflects packaging and manufacturing process changes implemented by TE Connectivity. The functional specifications, electrical performance, and mechanical design remain unchanged.

Q: Why does the 641242-3 show as obsolete while 3-641242-3 is active?

A: The 641242-3 has been superseded in TE Connectivity's product line by the 3-641242-3 variant. The newer part number maintains all original specifications while incorporating current manufacturing standards and regulatory compliance (ROHS3, REACH Unaffected).

Q: Are there any wire gauge or termination differences between these connectors?

A: No. Both connectors support identical wire gauges (24 AWG), termination methods (IDC), and wire types (Discrete or Ribbon Cable). They accept the same cable configurations and termination tools.

Q: What is the contact finish specification for both parts?

A: Both connectors feature gold-plated contacts with a finish thickness of 30.0µin (0.76µm). This specification is identical across both part numbers.

Q: Can these connectors be used with ribbon cable?

A: Yes. Both the 641242-3 and 3-641242-3 support ribbon cable termination via IDC (Insulation Displacement Contact) method. They also accept discrete wire configurations at 24 AWG.

Q: What is the pitch spacing of these connectors?

A: Both connectors feature a 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch spacing. This standard spacing is maintained across the MTA-100 series and determines compatibility with mating connectors and PCB layouts.

Q: Are there moisture sensitivity concerns with these connectors?

A: No. Both parts carry an MSL rating of 1 (Unlimited), indicating no moisture sensitivity limitations. These connectors can be stored and used without moisture control precautions.

Q: What regulatory certifications apply to the 3-641242-3?

A: The 3-641242-3 is ROHS3 compliant and REACH Unaffected. Both certifications indicate compliance with current environmental and chemical restriction regulations applicable to electronic components.