TE Connectivity 644466-3 Rectangular Connector Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity 644466-3 is a 3-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 a tin-lead contact finish, feed-through capability, and polarizing key for secure mating alignment.

The 644466-3 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	3
Pitch	0.156" (3.96mm)
Number of Rows	1
Contact Type	Female Socket
Cable Termination Method	IDC
Wire Gauge	20 AWG
Wire Type	Discrete or Ribbon Cable
Mounting Type	Free Hanging (In-Line)
Fastening Type	Locking Ramp
Series	MTA-156
Features	Feed Through, Polarizing Key

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 644466-3 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Connector Type & Contact Configuration: Receptacle with female socket contacts
Position Count & Pitch: 3 positions at 0.156" (3.96mm) pitch, single row
Termination Method: IDC cable termination
Wire Gauge Compatibility: 20 AWG
Mechanical Interface: Free hanging in-line mounting with locking ramp fastening
Functional Features: Feed through and polarizing key presence

The substitute part 3-644466-3 meets all these criteria and is therefore electrically and mechanically interchangeable with the main part number 644466-3.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	644466-3 (Main Part)	3-644466-3 (Substitute)	Compatibility
Connector Type	Receptacle	Receptacle	Match
Contact Type	Female Socket	Female Socket	Match
Number of Positions	3	3	Match
Pitch	0.156" (3.96mm)	0.156" (3.96mm)	Match
Number of Rows	1	1	Match
Mounting Type	Free Hanging (In-Line)	Free Hanging (In-Line)	Match
Fastening Type	Locking Ramp	Locking Ramp	Match
Cable Termination	IDC	IDC	Match
Wire Type	Discrete or Ribbon Cable	Discrete or Ribbon Cable	Match
Wire Gauge	20 AWG	20 AWG	Match
Features	Feed Through, Polarizing Key	Feed Through, Polarizing Key	Match
Contact Finish Thickness	80.0µin (2.03µm)	80.0µin (2.03µm)	Match
Color	Yellow	Yellow	Match
Series	MTA-156	MTA-156	Match
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Substitute is active
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant	RoHS Compliant	Substitute offers improved compliance

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The substitute part 3-644466-3 is the direct equivalent for the obsolete 644466-3. Both parts share identical electrical and mechanical specifications within the MTA-156 series.

Primary Advantage: The 3-644466-3 is classified as active product status, ensuring continued availability and supply chain support. This part is also RoHS compliant, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements, whereas the original 644466-3 is RoHS non-compliant.

Contact Finish Consideration: The main part specifies tin-lead contact finish, while the substitute specifies tin contact finish. Both maintain the same contact finish thickness of 80.0µin (2.03µm). The tin finish of the substitute part aligns with modern manufacturing standards and RoHS compliance requirements.

For new designs, maintenance applications, or replacement scenarios, the 3-644466-3 is the appropriate selection. The part is available in bulk packaging and maintains full interchangeability with the original specification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 3-644466-3 directly replace the 644466-3 in existing applications?

A: Yes. Both parts are 3-position receptacle connectors in the MTA-156 series with identical pitch (0.156"), mounting type, fastening mechanism, IDC termination method, and 20 AWG wire gauge compatibility. All mechanical and electrical interfaces are equivalent.

Q: What is the difference between the tin-lead finish of the original part and the tin finish of the substitute?

A: The original 644466-3 uses tin-lead contact plating, while the 3-644466-3 uses tin plating. Both maintain the same contact finish thickness of 80.0µin (2.03µm). The tin finish of the substitute aligns with RoHS compliance and current industry standards.

Q: Why is the 644466-3 listed as obsolete?

A: The 644466-3 is no longer in active production. The 3-644466-3 is the active equivalent part that fulfills the same functional requirements with improved compliance status.

Q: Are there packaging differences between these parts?

A: The original 644466-3 packaging is not specified in the documentation. The 3-644466-3 is supplied in bulk packaging, which is standard for production and replacement applications.

Q: Does the RoHS compliance difference affect interchangeability?

A: No. RoHS compliance status does not affect electrical or mechanical interchangeability. The 3-644466-3 is RoHS compliant, making it suitable for applications with environmental or regulatory compliance requirements.

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

A: Yes. Both the 644466-3 and 3-644466-3 support IDC termination for discrete or ribbon cable at 20 AWG wire gauge.

Q: What does the polarizing key feature provide?

A: The polarizing key ensures correct mating orientation between the receptacle and its corresponding plug connector, preventing reversed or incorrect connections.

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