TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 644631-3 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 644631-3 is a rectangular connector header designed for through-hole mounting applications. This connector features a vertical orientation with 3 positions at 0.156" (3.96mm) pitch, shrouded design with 1 wall, and solder termination. The part is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent and substitute components for ongoing production and maintenance applications. Active alternatives maintain the same core electrical and mechanical specifications while offering current product status and improved availability.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	644631-3
Manufacturer	TE Connectivity AMP Connectors
Category	Rectangular Connectors
Series	MTA-156
Connector Type	Header
Contact Type	Male Pin
Pitch - Mating	0.156" (3.96mm)
Number of Positions	3
Number of Rows	1
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Termination	Solder
Shrouding	Shrouded - 1 Wall
Fastening Type	Friction Lock
Contact Shape	Square
Operating Temperature	-55°C ~ 105°C
Voltage Rating	600VAC
Material Flammability Rating	UL94 V-0
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TE Connectivity 644631-3 is determined by strict alignment of the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Pitch - Mating: 0.156" (3.96mm)
Number of Positions: 3
Number of Rows: 1
Connector Type: Header
Contact Type: Male Pin
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Termination: Solder
Shrouding: Shrouded - 1 Wall
Fastening Type: Friction Lock
Contact Shape: Square
Material Flammability Rating: UL94 V-0
Moisture Sensitivity Level: 1 (Unlimited)

Secondary Compatibility Parameters:

Contact Length - Mating: 0.450" (11.43mm)
Overall Contact Length: 0.700" (17.78mm) to 0.720" (18.29mm)
Insulation Material: Thermoplastic or Polyester, Glass Filled
Insulation Color: Natural

The direct TE Connectivity equivalent (3-644631-3) maintains identical specifications with active product status. Molex KK396 series connectors provide functional equivalence with minor variations in contact post length (0.140" vs. 0.125") and insulation height (0.446" vs. 0.545"), which do not affect mating compatibility or electrical performance within the specified operating parameters.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	644631-3 (Main)	3-644631-3 (TE Direct)	0417910850 (Molex)	0026604032 (Molex)	0026606032 (Molex)	0026624036 (Molex)
Manufacturer	TE Connectivity	TE Connectivity	Molex	Molex	Molex	Molex
Series	MTA-156	MTA-156	KK396, 41791	KK396, 41791	KK396, 42891	KK396, 41791
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active
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)
Number of Positions	3	3	3	3	3	3
Number of Rows	1	1	1	1	1	1
Connector Type	Header	Header	Header	Header	Header	Header
Contact Type	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin	Male Pin
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Termination	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder	Solder
Shrouding	Shrouded - 1 Wall	Shrouded - 1 Wall	Shrouded - 1 Wall	Shrouded - 1 Wall	Shrouded - 1 Wall	Shrouded - 1 Wall
Fastening Type	Friction Lock	Friction Lock	Friction Lock	Friction Lock	Friction Lock	Friction Lock
Contact Shape	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square
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)
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)
Contact Finish - Mating	Gold	Gold	Gold	Tin	Gold	Tin
Contact Finish - Post	Tin-Lead	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
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	RoHS Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)
Inventory Status	771 Pcs	841 Pcs	6609 Pcs	874 Pcs	801 Pcs	1179 Pcs

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: 3-644631-3 (TE Connectivity Direct Equivalent)

The part number 3-644631-3 is the direct TE Connectivity equivalent to the obsolete 644631-3. This substitute maintains identical electrical and mechanical specifications with the exception of contact post finish (Tin vs. Tin-Lead). The part carries active product status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain continuity. RoHS compliance is maintained. This selection eliminates any design re-qualification requirements and provides the highest compatibility assurance.

Secondary Recommendation: 0417910850 (Molex KK396 Series)

The Molex 0417910850 provides functional equivalence with active product status and the highest inventory availability (6609 pcs). This part maintains identical mating pitch, position count, contact mating length, and shrouding configuration. Contact finish on the mating surface is gold at 30.0µin thickness, matching the original specification. The contact post length is 0.140" versus the original 0.125", representing a 0.015" difference that does not affect mating compatibility or electrical performance. ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating are maintained. This option is suitable for applications where cross-manufacturer compatibility is acceptable.

Tertiary Options: Molex KK396 Series Variants

Additional Molex alternatives (0026604032, 0026606032, 0026624036) provide equivalent functionality with variations in contact finish specifications and number of positions loaded. These parts maintain all critical mating parameters and are suitable for applications where specific contact finish or loading configurations align with system requirements.

Compliance Considerations:

All recommended substitutes maintain UL94 V-0 flammability rating, MSL 1 classification, and RoHS compliance. The transition from Tin-Lead to Tin post finish in the direct TE equivalent reflects current manufacturing standards and does not impact electrical or mechanical performance within the specified operating temperature range of -55°C to 105°C.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 3-644631-3 be used as a direct replacement for the obsolete 644631-3?

A: Yes. The 3-644631-3 is the direct TE Connectivity equivalent with identical specifications. The only difference is the contact post finish (Tin vs. Tin-Lead), which does not affect connector function or mating compatibility. This part requires no design changes.

Q: What is the primary difference between the TE Connectivity 3-644631-3 and Molex 0417910850?

A: Both parts maintain identical mating pitch (0.156"), position count (3), contact mating length (0.450"), and shrouding configuration. The Molex part has a contact post length of 0.140" compared to 0.125" in the TE part, a 0.015" difference that does not affect mating performance. The Molex part is from a different manufacturer (KK396 series) but provides functional equivalence.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. All recommended substitutes maintain RoHS3 compliance or equivalent RoHS compliance status. The original part is ROHS3 compliant, and all active alternatives meet or exceed this standard.

Q: What does "Number of Positions Loaded" mean, and does it affect substitution?

A: "Number of Positions Loaded" indicates how many of the available 3 positions contain contacts. The main part and most substitutes have all 3 positions loaded. The Molex 0026624036 has only 2 positions loaded. This parameter affects the specific connector configuration but does not prevent substitution if the application requires fewer loaded positions.

Q: Can Molex KK396 series connectors mate with TE MTA-156 series connectors?

A: Both series maintain the same 0.156" (3.96mm) mating pitch and contact geometry. Mating compatibility is determined by pitch, contact shape, and contact length specifications, which are identical across these parts. Cross-series mating is possible within the specified electrical and mechanical parameters.

Q: What is the significance of the contact finish specifications (Gold vs. Tin)?

A: Contact finish affects corrosion resistance and electrical properties. Gold provides superior corrosion resistance and is specified in the original part (30.0µin thickness on mating surface). The Molex 0417910850 maintains gold finish at 30.0µin on the mating surface. Tin-finished alternatives (0026604032, 0026624036) provide adequate performance for general industrial applications but may have different corrosion characteristics in specific environments.

Q: Is the 0.015" difference in contact post length between TE and Molex parts significant?

A: No. The contact post length difference (0.140" Molex vs. 0.125" TE) does not affect mating compatibility or electrical performance. Both lengths accommodate standard PCB through-hole mounting and solder joint formation. This difference reflects manufacturing design variations between manufacturers and does not impact connector function.

Q: What is the operating temperature range for all substitute parts?

A: The original TE part specifies -55°C to 105°C. Molex parts do not provide explicit operating temperature specifications in the provided data. For applications requiring confirmed temperature ratings, the TE Connectivity 3-644631-3 direct equivalent is recommended.

Q: Are all parts suitable for automotive applications?

A: The original TE part is specified for general purpose and industrial applications. Molex KK396 series parts are specified for automotive, general purpose, industrial, medical, and telecommunications applications. For automotive-specific requirements, Molex alternatives provide broader application coverage.

Q: What inventory levels are available for each substitute?

A: Current inventory includes: 3-644631-3 (841 pcs), 0417910850 (6609 pcs), 0026604032 (874 pcs), 0026606032 (801 pcs), and 0026624036 (1179 pcs). The Molex 0417910850 offers the highest availability.

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