TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 746290-3 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 746290-3 is a 16 Position Rectangular Receptacle Connector designed for IDC (Insulation Displacement Contact) termination with ribbon cable in the 26-28 AWG wire gauge range. This connector features gold contact finish, feed-through capability, and free-hanging in-line mounting configuration within the AMP-Latch series.

The 746290-3 is classified as obsolete. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure supply chain availability, and support ongoing production and field service requirements for systems utilizing this connector specification.

Substiute Parts

746290-3

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 1129746290-3 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

1658623-3

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 14631658623-3 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

89116-0001

3MIn Stock: 2561689116-0001 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 746290-3 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

• Connector Type: Receptacle
• Number of Positions: 16
• Pitch: 0.100" (2.54mm)
• Number of Rows: 2
• Row Spacing: 0.100" (2.54mm)
• Cable Termination: IDC
• Wire Type: Ribbon Cable
• Wire Gauge: 26-28 AWG
• Mounting Type: Free Hanging (In-Line)
• Contact Finish Thickness: 30.0µin (0.76µm)
• Features: Feed Through

Allowable Variations:

• Contact Type: Forked or Female Socket configurations are functionally equivalent for IDC ribbon cable termination
• Contact Finish: Gold or Gold-Palladium compositions meet the same electrical and environmental performance requirements
• Color: Variations in housing color do not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility
• Manufacturer: Different manufacturers producing connectors to identical specifications are acceptable substitutes

The substitute parts listed below satisfy all mandatory matching parameters and fall within allowable variation ranges.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitute: TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 1658623-3

The 1658623-3 is the direct equivalent substitute for the obsolete 746290-3. Both connectors are manufactured by TE Connectivity within the AMP-Latch series and maintain identical mechanical and electrical specifications. The 1658623-3 is classified as Active product status, ensuring ongoing availability and supply chain support. This part achieves ROHS3 compliance, addressing regulatory requirements for new designs and production environments. The contact finish specification permits Gold or Gold-Palladium composition, both meeting the 30.0µin thickness requirement. Selection of the 1658623-3 eliminates obsolescence risk while maintaining full mechanical and electrical compatibility.

Secondary Substitute: 3M 89116-0001

The 89116-0001 provides functional equivalence as an alternative rectangular receptacle connector with identical position count, pitch, row configuration, and IDC ribbon cable termination specifications. This 3M connector operates within the same wire gauge range (26-28 AWG) and maintains the same contact finish thickness (30.0µin). The 89116-0001 is Active product status with ROHS3 compliance and REACH Unaffected designation. The contact type differs (Female Socket versus Forked), and housing color is Gray rather than Black; however, these variations do not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility with mating plug connectors or ribbon cable termination performance. The 89116-0001 offers expanded supply availability through a different manufacturer channel.

Compliance Considerations:

Both substitute parts achieve ROHS3 compliance, addressing regulatory requirements for products manufactured or sold in regulated markets. The main part 746290-3 is RoHS non-compliant; designs requiring RoHS compliance must transition to either 1658623-3 or 89116-0001. All three connectors share identical ECCN (EAR99) and HTSUS (8536.69.4051) classifications, maintaining consistent export and tariff treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 1658623-3 directly replace the obsolete 746290-3 in existing designs?

A: Yes. The 1658623-3 maintains identical specifications across all critical parameters: 16-position receptacle configuration, 0.100" pitch, 2-row layout with 0.100" row spacing, IDC ribbon cable termination for 26-28 AWG wire, free-hanging in-line mounting, and 30.0µin gold contact finish thickness. Mechanical and electrical compatibility is complete.

Q: What is the difference between the Forked contact type in the 746290-3 and the Female Socket contact type in the 89116-0001?

A: Both contact types are designed for IDC termination with ribbon cable and provide equivalent electrical performance and mechanical retention. The contact geometry differs, but both configurations accept the same ribbon cable conductor width and termination force specifications. Selection between these contact types depends on existing connector inventory and mating plug specifications in the system design.

Q: Does the Gold-Palladium contact finish option in the 1658623-3 provide equivalent performance to the pure Gold finish in the 746290-3?

A: Yes. Both Gold and Gold-Palladium finishes meet the specified 30.0µin (0.76µm) thickness requirement and provide equivalent electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and contact reliability for IDC ribbon cable applications. The contact finish composition does not affect mechanical compatibility or electrical performance within the specified operating parameters.

Q: Are there any compliance differences between the three connectors?

A: The 746290-3 is RoHS non-compliant. Both substitute parts (1658623-3 and 89116-0001) achieve ROHS3 compliance. All three connectors share identical ECCN (EAR99) and HTSUS (8536.69.4051) classifications. Designs requiring RoHS compliance must use either 1658623-3 or 89116-0001.

Q: Does the housing color difference (Black versus Gray) affect connector function?

A: No. Housing color is a cosmetic attribute and does not affect electrical performance, mechanical compatibility, or termination characteristics. Color selection may be driven by system assembly documentation or visual identification requirements but does not impact functional equivalence.

Q: What is the Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) for these connectors?

A: All three connectors are rated MSL 1 (Unlimited), indicating no moisture sensitivity restrictions. These connectors do not require special moisture control during storage, handling, or assembly processes.

Q: Can I mix connectors from different manufacturers in the same system?

A: Yes, provided the mating plug connectors are compatible with the receptacle specifications. The 746290-3, 1658623-3, and 89116-0001 all accept identical ribbon cable conductor configurations and pitch specifications. Mixing manufacturers is acceptable from an electrical and mechanical standpoint; however, design documentation should clearly specify which connector types are used in each assembly location.

Q: What inventory availability should I expect for these substitute parts?

A: The 1658623-3 (TE Connectivity) has 1373 pieces in stock. The 89116-0001 (3M) has 25510 pieces in stock. The original 746290-3 has 1068 pieces remaining in inventory but is obsolete. For new production, the 89116-0001 offers the highest immediate availability through the 3M supply channel.