TE Connectivity 644465-8 Rectangular Connector Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity 644465-8 is an 8-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, polarizing key, and feed-through capability in a free-hanging in-line configuration. The part is currently active in production with 1114 pieces available in inventory. Identification of equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to address RoHS compliance requirements, optimize procurement options, and ensure design flexibility across manufacturing environments.

Substiute Parts

644465-8

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 1172644465-8 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

3-644465-8

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 116203-644465-8 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution between the main part 644465-8 and the equivalent part 3-644465-8 is based on strict electrical and mechanical compatibility. Both parts share identical core specifications: 8-position configuration, 0.156" pitch, IDC termination for 18 AWG cable, female socket contact type, free-hanging in-line mounting, locking ramp fastening, and polarizing key features. The contact finish thickness remains constant at 80.0µin (2.03µm) across both parts.

The primary differentiator is the contact finish material and resulting compliance status. The main part 644465-8 uses tin-lead plating and is RoHS non-compliant, while the substitute part 3-644465-8 uses tin plating and is RoHS compliant. Both parts operate within the same electrical and mechanical parameters, making them functionally interchangeable for applications where the contact finish material and regulatory compliance do not impose restrictions.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Selection between 644465-8 and 3-644465-8 is determined by regulatory and compliance requirements rather than electrical or mechanical performance differences.

Use 644465-8 (Tin-Lead Contact Finish) when:

• RoHS compliance is not a design requirement
• Legacy system compatibility with tin-lead plating is specified
• Existing inventory or supply chain constraints favor this variant

Use 3-644465-8 (Tin Contact Finish) when:

• RoHS compliance is mandatory for the application or market
• New designs require compliance with current environmental regulations
• Supply chain prioritizes RoHS-compliant components

Both parts are active products from TE Connectivity and share identical mechanical, electrical, and dimensional specifications. The choice between them is a compliance and material specification decision, not a performance or compatibility decision. Both parts carry the same ECCN (EAR99) and HTSUS classification codes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are 644465-8 and 3-644465-8 mechanically interchangeable?

A: Yes. Both connectors share identical mechanical specifications including 8-position configuration, 0.156" pitch, free-hanging in-line mounting, locking ramp fastening, and polarizing key design. They mount and function identically in the same circuit board or cable assembly footprint.

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

A: The main part 644465-8 uses tin-lead plating, while the substitute 3-644465-8 uses tin plating. Both finishes provide equivalent electrical conductivity and contact performance at the specified 80.0µin (2.03µm) thickness. The tin-lead finish is not RoHS compliant, while the tin finish is RoHS compliant.

Q: Can I use 3-644465-8 as a direct replacement for 644465-8 in an existing design?

A: Yes, from an electrical and mechanical standpoint. However, if the original design specifies tin-lead contact finish or is explicitly non-RoHS, design documentation should be updated to reflect the change to tin plating and RoHS compliance status.

Q: What is the IDC termination method?

A: IDC (Insulation Displacement Contact) termination allows direct connection of 18 AWG discrete or ribbon cable without stripping insulation. The connector contacts pierce the cable insulation and establish electrical connection simultaneously.

Q: Are both parts suitable for ribbon cable applications?

A: Yes. Both 644465-8 and 3-644465-8 support discrete or ribbon cable termination via IDC method at 18 AWG wire gauge.

Q: What does the polarizing key feature provide?

A: The polarizing key is a mechanical feature that prevents incorrect mating orientation, ensuring connectors are inserted in the correct position and reducing assembly errors.

Q: What is the feed-through feature?

A: Feed-through capability allows the connector to pass signals through while maintaining the ability to access individual contacts, useful in daisy-chain or multi-point connection configurations.

Q: What is the Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) rating?

A: Both parts carry MSL 1 (Unlimited), indicating no moisture sensitivity restrictions. These connectors can be stored and handled under standard conditions without special moisture control requirements.