TE Connectivity 644611-4 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity 644611-4 is a rectangular connector header, through-hole mounted, with 4 positions at 0.156" (3.96mm) pitch. This connector is part of the MTA-156 series and features shrouded design with friction lock fastening, suitable for board-to-cable/wire applications. The part is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent and substitute components for ongoing production and maintenance requirements. Substitute parts must maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility while meeting current manufacturing and compliance standards.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Connector Type	Header
Contact Type	Male Pin
Pitch - Mating	0.156" (3.96mm)
Number of Positions	4
Number of Rows	1
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Termination	Solder
Fastening Type	Friction Lock
Contact Shape	Square
Shrouding	Shrouded - 1 Wall
Operating Temperature	-55°C ~ 105°C
Voltage Rating	600VAC
Material Flammability Rating	UL94 V-0
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TE Connectivity 644611-4 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

Pitch - Mating: 0.156" (3.96mm)
Number of Positions: 4
Number of Rows: 1
Connector Type: Header
Contact Type: Male Pin
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Termination: Solder
Fastening Type: Friction Lock
Contact Shape: Square
Shrouding: Shrouded - 1 Wall
Material Flammability Rating: UL94 V-0

Secondary Compatibility Considerations:

Operating Temperature Range: -55°C ~ 105°C
Voltage Rating: 600VAC
Contact Length - Mating: 0.450" (11.43mm)
Insulation Material: Thermoplastic or Polyester, Glass Filled

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: direct TE Connectivity equivalents and cross-manufacturer alternatives from Molex. Direct equivalents maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications. Cross-manufacturer alternatives provide functional equivalence with minor variations in contact post length, insulation material composition, and contact finish specifications, all within acceptable engineering tolerances for this connector class.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	644611-4 (Main)	3-644611-4	0026604042	0026606040	0026606042	0026614040	0026624041	0026624046	0026654040	0027624049
Manufacturer	TE Connectivity	TE Connectivity	Molex	Molex	Molex	Molex	Molex	Molex	Molex	Molex
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active
Connector Type	Header	Header	Header	Header	Header	Header	Header	Header	Header	Header
Contact Type	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin
Pitch - Mating	0.156" (3.96mm)	0.156" (3.96mm)	0.156" (3.96mm)	0.156" (3.96mm)	0.156" (3.96mm)	0.156" (3.96mm)	0.156" (3.96mm)	0.156" (3.96mm)	0.156" (3.96mm)	0.156" (3.96mm)
Number of Positions	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4
Number of Rows	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
Number of Positions Loaded	All	All	All	All	All	All	2	3	All	3
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Termination	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder
Fastening Type	Friction Lock	Friction Lock	Friction Lock	Friction Lock	Friction Lock	Friction Lock	Friction Lock	Friction Lock	Friction Lock	Friction Lock
Contact Shape	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square
Shrouding	Shrouded - 1 Wall	Shrouded - 1 Wall	Shrouded - 1 Wall	Shrouded - 1 Wall	Shrouded - 1 Wall	Shrouded - 1 Wall	Shrouded - 1 Wall	Shrouded - 1 Wall	Shrouded - 1 Wall	Shrouded - 1 Wall
Contact Length - Mating	0.450" (11.43mm)	0.450" (11.43mm)	0.450" (11.43mm)	0.450" (11.43mm)	0.450" (11.43mm)	0.450" (11.43mm)	0.450" (11.43mm)	0.450" (11.43mm)	0.450" (11.43mm)	0.450" (11.43mm)
Contact Length - Post	0.125" (3.18mm)	0.125" (3.18mm)	0.140" (3.56mm)	0.140" (3.56mm)	0.140" (3.56mm)	0.140" (3.56mm)	0.140" (3.56mm)	0.140" (3.56mm)	0.140" (3.56mm)	0.140" (3.56mm)
Overall Contact Length	0.700" (17.78mm)	0.700" (17.78mm)	0.720" (18.29mm)	0.720" (18.29mm)	0.720" (18.29mm)	0.720" (18.29mm)	0.720" (18.29mm)	0.720" (18.29mm)	0.720" (18.29mm)	0.720" (18.29mm)
Insulation Height	0.545" (13.84mm)	0.545" (13.84mm)	0.446" (11.33mm)	0.446" (11.33mm)	0.446" (11.33mm)	0.446" (11.33mm)	0.446" (11.33mm)	0.446" (11.33mm)	0.446" (11.33mm)	0.446" (11.33mm)
Contact Finish - Mating	Tin-Lead	Tin	Tin	Tin	Gold	Gold	Tin	Tin	Gold	Tin
Contact Finish - Post	Tin-Lead	Tin-Lead	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin
Material Flammability Rating	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0	UL94 V-0
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	RoHS Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct TE Connectivity Equivalent:

The part number 3-644611-4 is the active equivalent to the obsolete 644611-4. This part maintains identical electrical and mechanical specifications with the exception of contact finish on the mating surface, which transitions from Tin-Lead to Tin. This change aligns with current RoHS compliance requirements. The 3-644611-4 is classified as Active and carries RoHS Compliant certification, making it the primary replacement for new designs and production continuity.

Molex Cross-Manufacturer Alternatives:

Molex KK396 series connectors provide functional equivalence for applications requiring 4-position, 0.156" pitch through-hole headers with friction lock fastening. The following Molex parts are suitable substitutes:

0026604042, 0026606040, 0026606042, 0026614040, 0026654040, 0027624049: These parts maintain all critical compatibility parameters including pitch, position count, mounting type, and fastening mechanism. All are classified as Active with ROHS3 Compliant status.

Dimensional Considerations:

Molex alternatives exhibit minor dimensional variations: contact post length increases from 0.125" to 0.140", and insulation height decreases from 0.545" to 0.446". These variations are within acceptable tolerances for standard through-hole PCB applications and do not affect electrical performance or mating compatibility.

Contact Finish Variations:

Molex parts offer multiple contact finish options including Tin and Gold. Gold-plated variants (0026606042, 0026614040, 0026654040) provide enhanced corrosion resistance for applications in harsh environments or extended storage periods. Tin-plated variants (0026604042, 0026606040, 0026624041, 0026624046, 0027624049) are suitable for standard industrial applications.

Compliance Status:

All substitute parts maintain UL94 V-0 flammability rating and MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity level, ensuring compatibility with standard manufacturing and storage conditions. All parts carry ROHS3 Compliant or ROHS Compliant certification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 3-644611-4 be used as a direct replacement for the obsolete 644611-4?

A: Yes. The 3-644611-4 is the active equivalent with identical electrical and mechanical specifications. The only difference is the contact finish on the mating surface, which changes from Tin-Lead to Tin to comply with current RoHS standards. This change does not affect electrical performance or mating compatibility.

Q: What are the key differences between TE Connectivity and Molex substitutes?

A: TE Connectivity 3-644611-4 maintains identical dimensions to the original part. Molex alternatives have slightly longer contact posts (0.140" versus 0.125") and lower insulation height (0.446" versus 0.545"). These dimensional differences do not affect mating compatibility or electrical performance in standard through-hole PCB applications.

Q: Are Molex KK396 series connectors fully compatible with the original TE Connectivity MTA-156 series?

A: Molex KK396 connectors are functionally equivalent for the critical parameters: 0.156" pitch, 4-position, single-row, through-hole, solder termination, friction lock fastening, and square contact shape. Minor dimensional variations in contact post length and insulation height do not prevent mating or electrical operation. Mechanical fit and electrical performance are maintained.

Q: Which Molex part should be selected for applications requiring enhanced corrosion resistance?

A: Molex parts with gold-plated mating contacts (0026606042, 0026614040, 0026654040) provide enhanced corrosion resistance compared to tin-plated variants. These parts are suitable for applications exposed to moisture, salt spray, or extended storage periods.

Q: What is the significance of the "Number of Positions Loaded" parameter?

A: This parameter indicates how many of the available 4 positions contain loaded contacts. Parts with "All" positions loaded (644611-4, 3-644611-4, 0026604042, 0026606040, 0026606042, 0026614040, 0026654040) are fully populated. Parts with 2 or 3 positions loaded (0026624041, 0026624046, 0027624049) have fewer active contacts but maintain the same connector housing and pitch. Selection depends on application requirements for the number of signal or power connections needed.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS compliant?

A: Yes. All substitute parts listed carry either ROHS3 Compliant or RoHS Compliant certification, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements for electronic components.

Q: What is the operating temperature range for these connectors?

A: The TE Connectivity 644611-4 and 3-644611-4 are rated for -55°C to 105°C. Molex alternatives do not specify operating temperature in the provided data but are suitable for standard industrial temperature ranges. Verify specific application requirements with Molex technical documentation if extended temperature operation is required.

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

A: TE Connectivity 3-644611-4 is a direct replacement requiring no design changes. Molex alternatives require verification of PCB footprint compatibility due to minor dimensional variations in contact post length and insulation height. Prototype testing is recommended when transitioning to Molex alternatives in existing designs.

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