TE Connectivity 644878-6 Rectangular Connector Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity 644878-6 is a 6-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, closed-end design with polarizing key, and free-hanging in-line mounting configuration. The part is currently active in production with 935 units in stock. Substitute parts are identified to address packaging requirements, compliance specifications, or inventory availability while maintaining functional equivalence within the MTA-156 connector family.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Connector Type	Receptacle
Number of Positions	6
Pitch	0.156" (3.96mm)
Contact Type	Female Socket
Cable Termination Method	IDC
Wire Gauge	18 AWG
Mounting Type	Free Hanging (In-Line)
Fastening Type	Locking Ramp
Contact Finish Thickness	80.0µin (2.03µm)
Features	Closed End, Polarizing Key
Series	MTA-156

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution between the main part (644878-6) and the identified equivalent (3-644878-6) is based on strict electrical and mechanical compatibility within the MTA-156 series. Both parts maintain identical specifications across the following critical parameters:

6-position configuration with 0.156" (3.96mm) pitch
Female socket contact type with IDC termination
18 AWG wire gauge capacity
Free-hanging in-line mounting with locking ramp fastening
Closed-end design with polarizing key
Contact finish thickness of 80.0µin (2.03µm)
Orange color and identical base product number (644878)

The primary distinction between these parts is packaging format and contact finish composition, which do not affect functional performance in the application circuit. The substitute part 3-644878-6 is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) packaging and features a tin contact finish, whereas the main part uses tin-lead finish and standard packaging.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	644878-6 (Main Part)	3-644878-6 (Substitute)
Manufacturer	TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	TE Connectivity AMP Connectors
Series	MTA-156	MTA-156
Connector Type	Receptacle	Receptacle
Number of Positions	6	6
Pitch	0.156" (3.96mm)	0.156" (3.96mm)
Contact Type	Female Socket	Female Socket
Cable Termination	IDC	IDC
Wire Gauge	18 AWG	18 AWG
Mounting Type	Free Hanging (In-Line)	Free Hanging (In-Line)
Fastening Type	Locking Ramp	Locking Ramp
Features	Closed End, Polarizing Key	Closed End, Polarizing Key
Contact Finish Thickness	80.0µin (2.03µm)	80.0µin (2.03µm)
Color	Orange	Orange
Product Status	Active	Active
Contact Finish	Tin-Lead	Tin
Packaging	Standard	Tape & Reel (TR)
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
REACH Status	REACH Affected	REACH Unaffected
Inventory	935 Pcs	5817 Pcs

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Both 644878-6 and 3-644878-6 are active production parts suitable for new designs and existing applications requiring 6-position MTA-156 rectangular receptacle connectors with IDC termination for 18 AWG cable.

For applications with RoHS3 compliance requirements: Select 3-644878-6, which carries ROHS3 Compliant certification and REACH Unaffected status. This part eliminates lead from the contact finish composition.

For applications without RoHS3 compliance constraints: Either part is functionally equivalent. The 644878-6 offers standard packaging, while 3-644878-6 provides Tape & Reel packaging suitable for automated assembly processes.

For high-volume production: The 3-644878-6 substitute offers significantly higher inventory availability (5817 units versus 935 units) and Tape & Reel packaging, which reduces handling and improves assembly efficiency.

Both parts share identical electrical and mechanical specifications, including connector geometry, contact configuration, termination method, and wire gauge capacity. Selection between these parts should be based on packaging format preference, regulatory compliance requirements, and supply chain considerations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are 644878-6 and 3-644878-6 electrically interchangeable?

A: Yes. Both parts are 6-position MTA-156 receptacle connectors with identical pitch (0.156"), contact type (female socket), termination method (IDC), and wire gauge (18 AWG). They function identically in circuit applications.

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

A: The main part (644878-6) uses tin-lead contact finish, while the substitute (3-644878-6) uses tin finish. Both finishes provide equivalent contact resistance and durability at the specified thickness of 80.0µin (2.03µm). The tin finish eliminates lead content, enabling ROHS3 compliance.

Q: Why does 3-644878-6 have higher inventory than 644878-6?

A: The 3-644878-6 is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) packaging, which is the standard format for high-volume automated assembly. The main part uses standard packaging, which typically carries lower inventory levels.

Q: Can I use 3-644878-6 in place of 644878-6 in existing designs?

A: Yes. The parts are mechanically and electrically equivalent. If your application or supply chain specifies the main part number, the substitute can be used without design modification. Verify that your application does not have specific contact finish requirements that would preclude the tin-only finish.

Q: What does REACH Unaffected status mean for 3-644878-6?

A: REACH Unaffected status indicates that the part does not contain substances of very high concern (SVHC) listed under the REACH regulation. This simplifies compliance documentation for applications subject to REACH requirements.

Q: Is Tape & Reel packaging suitable for manual assembly?

A: Tape & Reel packaging is optimized for automated pick-and-place assembly but can be used for manual assembly. Standard packaging may be more convenient for low-volume manual operations.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message