Amphenol ICC 73981-902 High Speed Backplane Connector - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Amphenol ICC 73981-902 is a 36-position high-speed backplane connector receptacle with female sockets, designed for board edge mounting through press-fit termination. This connector is part of the Metral® 1000 series and features a shielded design with board guide and spacer elements. The part is currently classified as obsolete, making identification of suitable substitutes essential for ongoing system support and component procurement.

Substiute Parts

73981-902

Amphenol ICC (FCI)In Stock: 96873981-902 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

73981-902LF

Amphenol ICC (FCI)In Stock: 79973981-902LF Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the 73981-902 is based on strict electrical and mechanical parameter matching within the Metral® 1000 series. The following parameters define valid substitutes:

• Connector type: Receptacle, Female Sockets
• Number of positions: 36
• Pitch: 0.079" (2.00mm)
• Number of rows: 5
• Mounting type: Board Edge, Through Hole, Right Angle
• Termination method: Press-Fit
• Contact layout: 30 Signal, 6 Ground
• Contact finish: Gold
• Current rating: 1A
• Operating temperature range: -55°C to 105°C
• Material flammability: UL94 V-0

The identified substitute, 73981-902LF, maintains all critical electrical and mechanical parameters while offering improved compliance status and active product availability.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The 73981-902LF is the direct substitute for the obsolete 73981-902. Both parts maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications, ensuring functional interchangeability in board edge backplane applications. The primary distinction is product status and regulatory compliance:

The 73981-902LF offers active product status with RoHS compliance, providing advantages for new designs and systems requiring current regulatory adherence. The 73981-902 remains available in existing inventory (945 pcs) but carries obsolete status and RoHS non-compliant designation.

For applications requiring RoHS compliance or long-term component availability, the 73981-902LF is the appropriate selection. Both parts are suitable for applications operating within the -55°C to 105°C temperature range and requiring 1A current capacity with UL94 V-0 flammability rating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are the 73981-902 and 73981-902LF mechanically interchangeable?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical mounting type (board edge, through hole, right angle), pitch (0.079" / 2.00mm), position count (36), and row configuration (5 rows). Press-fit termination is identical on both parts.

Q: What is the difference between these two part numbers?

A: The primary differences are product status and compliance. The 73981-902LF is active production with RoHS compliance, while the 73981-902 is obsolete and RoHS non-compliant. Electrical and mechanical specifications are identical.

Q: Can I use 73981-902LF as a replacement in existing designs using 73981-902?

A: Yes. The 73981-902LF maintains all critical electrical and mechanical parameters, including connector type, position count, pitch, mounting configuration, contact layout, current rating, and operating temperature range.

Q: What does the "LF" suffix indicate?

A: The "LF" suffix typically indicates lead-free compliance in Amphenol ICC part numbering conventions, corresponding to RoHS compliance status.

Q: Are there packaging differences between these parts?

A: Yes. The 73981-902 is supplied in bulk packaging, while the 73981-902LF is supplied in tube packaging. This does not affect electrical or mechanical performance.

Q: What is the contact finish specification for both parts?

A: Both parts feature gold contact finish with 30.0µin (0.76µm) thickness, ensuring equivalent electrical performance and corrosion resistance.