TE Connectivity 643821-8 Rectangular Connector Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity 643821-8 is an 8-position rectangular receptacle connector from the MTA-156 series, designed for IDC (Insulation Displacement Contact) termination with 26 AWG discrete or ribbon cable. This connector features a tin-lead contact finish, closed-end design, and polarizing key for secure mating.

The 643821-8 is classified as obsolete. Locating equivalent substitute parts is necessary to support ongoing maintenance, repair, and new design requirements where this connector type is specified or functionally required.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Connector Type	Receptacle
Number of Positions	8
Pitch	0.156" (3.96mm)
Number of Rows	1
Contact Type	Female Socket
Cable Termination	IDC
Wire Gauge	26 AWG
Wire Type	Discrete or Ribbon Cable
Mounting Type	Free Hanging (In-Line)
Fastening Type	Locking Ramp
Features	Closed End, Polarizing Key
Series	MTA-156

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 643821-8 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Connector Type & Position Count: Receptacle configuration with 8 positions
Pitch & Row Configuration: 0.156" (3.96mm) pitch, single row layout
Contact Type & Termination: Female socket contacts with IDC cable termination
Wire Compatibility: 26 AWG discrete or ribbon cable support
Mechanical Interface: Free hanging in-line mounting with locking ramp fastening
Functional Features: Closed end design with polarizing key

The substitute part 3-643821-8 maintains full equivalence across all these parameters. The primary difference is the contact finish specification (tin versus tin-lead) and product status (active versus obsolete).

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	643821-8 (Main Part)	3-643821-8 (Substitute)
Manufacturer	TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TE Connectivity AMP Connectors
Series	MTA-156	MTA-156
Connector Type	Receptacle	Receptacle
Number of Positions	8	8
Contact Type	Female Socket	Female Socket
Pitch	0.156" (3.96mm)	0.156" (3.96mm)
Number of Rows	1	1
Mounting Type	Free Hanging (In-Line)	Free Hanging (In-Line)
Fastening Type	Locking Ramp	Locking Ramp
Cable Termination	IDC	IDC
Wire Type	Discrete or Ribbon Cable	Discrete or Ribbon Cable
Wire Gauge	26 AWG	26 AWG
Features	Closed End, Polarizing Key	Closed End, Polarizing Key
Contact Finish	Tin-Lead	Tin
Contact Finish Thickness	80.0µin (2.03µm)	80.0µin (2.03µm)
Color	Blue	Blue
Product Status	Obsolete	Active
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant	RoHS Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)
ECCN	EAR99	EAR99
HTSUS	8536.69.8000	8536.69.8000

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitute: 3-643821-8

The 3-643821-8 is the direct functional equivalent of the 643821-8 and is the recommended substitute for all applications. This part maintains identical mechanical and electrical specifications across all critical parameters.

Compliance Considerations:

The 643821-8 is RoHS non-compliant and carries obsolete product status. The 3-643821-8 is RoHS compliant and maintains active product status, making it the preferred choice for new designs and ongoing production support.

Contact Finish Difference:

The primary specification difference is the contact finish. The 643821-8 uses tin-lead plating, while the 3-643821-8 uses tin plating. Both finishes are applied at 80.0µin (2.03µm) thickness. This difference does not affect functional compatibility in standard IDC applications.

Availability & Support:

The 3-643821-8 is currently in active production with 840 units in stock, ensuring reliable supply for replacement and new applications. The obsolete 643821-8 has limited remaining inventory of 1181 units.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 3-643821-8 directly replace the 643821-8 in existing applications?

A: Yes. The 3-643821-8 is functionally equivalent across all mechanical and electrical parameters. Both connectors support 8-position IDC termination with 26 AWG cable, feature identical pitch and mounting specifications, and include the same polarizing key and closed-end design.

Q: What is the difference between tin-lead and tin contact finishes?

A: The 643821-8 uses tin-lead plating while the 3-643821-8 uses tin plating. Both are applied at the same thickness (80.0µin). The tin finish in the 3-643821-8 is lead-free, supporting RoHS compliance requirements. Functionally, both finishes provide equivalent contact performance in IDC applications.

Q: Why is the 643821-8 marked as obsolete?

A: The 643821-8 has been discontinued by TE Connectivity. The 3-643821-8 represents the active production equivalent and is the recommended part for all new designs and ongoing support.

Q: Are there packaging differences between these parts?

A: The 643821-8 packaging specification is not provided. The 3-643821-8 is supplied in bulk packaging. For specific packaging requirements, consult the supplier or TE Connectivity documentation.

Q: Can these connectors be used with both discrete and ribbon cable?

A: Yes. Both the 643821-8 and 3-643821-8 support IDC termination with discrete or ribbon cable at 26 AWG wire gauge.

Q: What is the moisture sensitivity level for these connectors?

A: Both parts carry MSL 1 (Unlimited), indicating no moisture sensitivity restrictions for storage or handling.

Q: Are these connectors RoHS compliant?

A: The 643821-8 is RoHS non-compliant. The 3-643821-8 is RoHS compliant, making it suitable for applications with RoHS requirements.

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