TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 644518-3 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 644518-3 is a rectangular connector header designed for through-hole mounting applications. This connector features a vertical orientation with 3 positions at 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch, suitable for board-to-cable/wire connections in general-purpose applications. The part is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of equivalent substitute components that maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility while offering active product status and improved compliance certifications.

Substiute Parts

644518-3

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 864644518-3 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

640456-3

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 50136640456-3 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

LCW-103-08-S-S-300

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 1146LCW-103-08-S-S-300 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the 644518-3 are identified based on strict electrical and mechanical parameter alignment. The primary substitution criteria include:

Critical Matching Parameters:

• Connector type (Header)
• Contact type (Male Pin)
• Pitch - mating (0.100" / 2.54mm)
• Number of positions (3)
• Number of rows (1)
• Mounting type (Through Hole)
• Termination method (Solder)
• Fastening type (Friction Lock)
• Shrouding configuration (Shrouded - 1 Wall)
• Material flammability rating (UL94 V-0)

Substitute parts must maintain compatibility across these parameters to ensure functional equivalence in existing circuit board designs and cable assemblies. Variations in contact finish, insulation material, and operating temperature ranges are permissible when the core mechanical and electrical interface specifications remain consistent.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

640456-3 (Direct Substitute - Recommended Primary Choice)

The TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 640456-3 is the direct equivalent substitute for the obsolete 644518-3. Both parts share identical mechanical dimensions, electrical specifications, and are from the same MTA-100 series. The 640456-3 offers active product status with improved RoHS compliance certification. The primary distinction is the contact finish specification: 640456-3 features tin plating on both mating and post contacts, compared to the tin-lead finish of the original part. This change aligns with modern environmental and regulatory standards while maintaining electrical performance. The 640456-3 is available in bulk packaging with substantial inventory (50,100 pieces), ensuring supply chain reliability.

LCW-103-08-S-S-300 (Similar Substitute - Alternative Option)

The Samtec Inc. LCW-103-08-S-S-300 provides functional equivalence as an alternative substitute. This part maintains all critical mechanical and electrical interface parameters including pitch, position count, mounting type, and fastening mechanism. The LCW-103-08-S-S-300 offers an extended operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 125°C) compared to the original specification (-55°C ~ 105°C), providing additional thermal margin for demanding applications. Contact finish specifications differ, with gold plating on mating contacts (30.0µin thickness) and tin on post contacts. The insulation material is polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) rather than generic thermoplastic, and the contact material is phosphor bronze instead of copper alloy. These material differences result in enhanced durability and contact reliability. The LCW-103-08-S-S-300 carries ROHS3 compliance certification and is available with active product status.

Compliance Considerations

The original 644518-3 is RoHS non-compliant. Both substitute options provide RoHS compliance, with 640456-3 offering standard RoHS compliance and LCW-103-08-S-S-300 offering ROHS3 compliance. For applications subject to environmental regulations or procurement policies requiring RoHS compliance, either substitute is appropriate. Both substitutes maintain the UL94 V-0 flammability rating and EAR99 export classification of the original part.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 640456-3 be used as a direct replacement for the 644518-3 in existing designs?

A: Yes. The 640456-3 is mechanically and electrically equivalent to the 644518-3. Both parts share identical pitch (0.100"), position count (3), mounting configuration (through-hole), and contact geometry. The primary difference is the contact finish specification (tin versus tin-lead), which does not affect functional compatibility in standard applications.

Q: What is the significance of the contact finish change from tin-lead to tin in the 640456-3?

A: The tin finish in the 640456-3 reflects compliance with modern environmental regulations restricting lead content in electronic components. Tin provides equivalent electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance for general-purpose applications. The change does not impact mating force, current-carrying capacity, or voltage rating.

Q: Is the LCW-103-08-S-S-300 compatible with existing cable assemblies designed for the 644518-3?

A: The LCW-103-08-S-S-300 maintains mechanical compatibility with existing cable assemblies due to identical pitch, position count, and shrouding configuration. However, minor dimensional variations exist in contact length specifications (0.300" mating contact versus 0.295" in the original). These variations fall within typical manufacturing tolerances and do not prevent mating. The gold-plated mating contacts of the LCW-103-08-S-S-300 provide enhanced contact reliability compared to tin-lead finishes.

Q: What are the packaging differences between the substitute parts?

A: Both 640456-3 and LCW-103-08-S-S-300 are supplied in bulk packaging. The 640456-3 offers significantly higher inventory availability (50,100 pieces) compared to the LCW-103-08-S-S-300 (1,085 pieces), making it the preferred choice for high-volume production requirements.

Q: Does the extended operating temperature range of the LCW-103-08-S-S-300 provide advantages?

A: The LCW-103-08-S-S-300 operates to 125°C compared to 105°C for the original part. This extended range provides additional thermal margin for applications subject to elevated ambient temperatures or thermal cycling. For applications operating within the original -55°C to 105°C specification, both substitutes perform equivalently.

Q: Are there any compliance certifications that differ between the substitute options?

A: Both substitutes carry UL94 V-0 flammability ratings and EAR99 export classifications matching the original part. The 640456-3 provides standard RoHS compliance, while the LCW-103-08-S-S-300 provides ROHS3 compliance, representing a more recent regulatory standard. Both are suitable for applications requiring RoHS compliance.

Q: What is the current rating specification for these connectors?

A: The 644518-3 and 640456-3 specify current rating as "Varies by Wire Gauge," indicating that current capacity depends on the wire gauge of the mated cable assembly. The LCW-103-08-S-S-300 specifies a fixed current rating of 3A. For applications requiring specific current capacity verification, consult detailed product datasheets or contact the manufacturer.

Q: Can these connectors be used interchangeably in new designs?

A: Yes. All three parts meet the same mechanical and electrical interface requirements for 0.100" pitch, 3-position header applications. New designs may select either the 640456-3 (for direct TE Connectivity sourcing and maximum availability) or the LCW-103-08-S-S-300 (for extended temperature range and enhanced contact materials). The choice depends on specific application requirements, supply chain preferences, and thermal operating conditions.