TE Connectivity 644381-3 Rectangular Connector Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity 644381-3 is a 3-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 a tin-lead contact finish and is classified as obsolete product status.

Due to its obsolete classification, locating original inventory becomes increasingly difficult. Identifying equivalent substitute parts with matching electrical and mechanical specifications ensures continued system support and component availability for maintenance and production applications.

Substiute Parts

644381-3

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 997644381-3 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

3-643817-3

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 58643-643817-3 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TE Connectivity 644381-3 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Parameters:

• Connector type (Receptacle)
• Number of positions (3)
• Contact type (Female Socket)
• Pitch specification (0.156" / 3.96mm)
• Cable termination method (IDC)
• Wire gauge rating (18 AWG)
• Contact finish thickness (80.0µin / 2.03µm)

Mechanical Compatibility Parameters:

• Mounting type (Free Hanging In-Line)
• Number of rows (1)
• Fastening type (Locking Ramp)
• Features (Closed End, Polarizing Key)

Series Compatibility:

• MTA-156 series designation

The substitute part 3-643817-3 maintains full equivalence across all electrical and mechanical parameters, with the primary distinction being contact finish material (tin versus tin-lead) and product status classification.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitute: TE Connectivity 3-643817-3

The 3-643817-3 serves as the direct functional equivalent to the 644381-3 across all electrical and mechanical specifications. Selection of this substitute is supported by the following engineering factors:

Product Status Consideration: The 644381-3 carries obsolete product status, indicating discontinued manufacturing and limited availability. The 3-643817-3 maintains active product status with confirmed inventory of 5800 pieces, ensuring supply chain continuity for current and future applications.

Compliance Status: The 3-643817-3 is RoHS compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current regulatory requirements for electronic component procurement. The original 644381-3 is RoHS non-compliant with undefined REACH status, presenting potential compliance barriers in regulated procurement environments.

Contact Finish Specification: The primary material difference is the contact finish: the 644381-3 uses tin-lead while the 3-643817-3 uses tin. Both finishes maintain the specified contact finish thickness of 80.0µin (2.03µm). The tin finish in the substitute part aligns with modern manufacturing standards and RoHS compliance requirements.

Mechanical and Electrical Equivalence: All critical parameters remain identical: 3-position configuration, 0.156" pitch, IDC termination for 18 AWG cable, locking ramp fastening, and polarizing key features. The connector maintains full mechanical interchangeability and electrical performance characteristics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 3-643817-3 directly replace the 644381-3 in existing applications?

A: Yes. The 3-643817-3 maintains full electrical and mechanical equivalence across all specified parameters including connector type, position count, pitch, contact type, termination method, wire gauge, mounting configuration, and fastening mechanism. The connectors are mechanically interchangeable and electrically compatible.

Q: What is the significance of the contact finish difference between tin-lead and tin?

A: Both finishes maintain the same contact finish thickness specification of 80.0µin (2.03µm). The tin finish in the 3-643817-3 represents current manufacturing standards and supports RoHS compliance. The tin-lead finish in the 644381-3 is an older specification. For applications requiring specific contact finish properties, both options provide equivalent electrical performance at the specified thickness.

Q: Why is the 644381-3 classified as obsolete?

A: Obsolete classification indicates that TE Connectivity has discontinued manufacturing of this part number. The 3-643817-3 represents the current active equivalent, ensuring ongoing availability and support for the MTA-156 3-position receptacle connector specification.

Q: Are there packaging differences between these parts?

A: The 644381-3 packaging specification is not provided in available documentation. The 3-643817-3 is supplied in bulk packaging. Confirm packaging requirements with your procurement specifications.

Q: Does the color difference (black versus orange) affect functionality?

A: No. Color is a visual identifier only and does not affect electrical or mechanical performance. Both connectors maintain identical functional specifications.

Q: What compliance certifications apply to the 3-643817-3?

A: The 3-643817-3 is RoHS compliant and REACH unaffected. These certifications confirm compliance with current environmental and hazardous substance regulations for electronic component procurement.

Q: Are both connectors suitable for IDC termination with 18 AWG cable?

A: Yes. Both the 644381-3 and 3-643817-3 are specified for IDC termination with discrete or ribbon cable at 18 AWG wire gauge. The IDC termination method and wire gauge specifications are identical.

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

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