TE Connectivity 746443-3 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 746443-3 is a rectangular connector header designed for through-hole mounting applications. This 16-position, 2-row connector operates at 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch and features shrouded 4-wall construction with latch lock/eject hooks for secure mating. The part is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent and substitute components that maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility for new designs and production continuity.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Connector Type	Header
Contact Type	Male Pin
Number of Positions	16
Number of Rows	2
Pitch - Mating	0.100" (2.54mm)
Row Spacing - Mating	0.100" (2.54mm)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Shrouding	Shrouded - 4 Wall
Fastening Type	Latch Lock/Eject Hooks
Contact Shape	Square
Material Flammability Rating	UL94 V-0
Operating Temperature Range	-65°C ~ 105°C
Current Rating	1A per Contact
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 746443-3 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Primary Matching Criteria:

Connector type: Header
Contact type: Male Pin
Number of positions: 16
Number of rows: 2
Pitch - mating: 0.100" (2.54mm)
Row spacing - mating: 0.100" (2.54mm)
Mounting type: Through Hole
Shrouding: Shrouded - 4 Wall
Fastening type: Latch Lock/Eject Hooks
Contact shape: Square
Material flammability rating: UL94 V-0
Moisture sensitivity level: 1 (Unlimited)

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

Operating temperature range: -65°C ~ 105°C or wider
Current rating: 1A per Contact or higher
Contact finish - mating: Gold or Gold-Palladium
Contact material: Phosphor Bronze or Copper Alloy
Termination: Press-Fit, Solder or Solder

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: direct manufacturer equivalents from TE Connectivity and cross-manufacturer alternatives from Amphenol ICC (FCI) and 3M that maintain full electrical and mechanical compatibility.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	746443-3 (TE)	5746443-3 (TE)	53611-G16-4LF (Amphenol)	53611-S16-4LF (Amphenol)	71918-116LF (Amphenol)	D3408-6302-AR (3M)	N3408-6302RB (3M)	N3408-6303RB (3M)
Manufacturer	TE Connectivity	TE Connectivity	Amphenol ICC (FCI)	Amphenol ICC (FCI)	Amphenol ICC (FCI)	3M	3M	3M
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active
Connector Type	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
Number of Positions	16	16	16	16	16	16	16	16
Number of Rows	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2
Pitch - Mating	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)
Row Spacing - Mating	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)	0.100" (2.54mm)
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Shrouding	Shrouded - 4 Wall	Shrouded - 4 Wall	Shrouded - 4 Wall	Shrouded - 4 Wall	Shrouded - 4 Wall	Shrouded - 4 Wall	Shrouded - 4 Wall	Shrouded - 4 Wall
Fastening Type	Latch Lock/Eject Hooks	Latch Lock/Eject Hooks	Latch Lock/Eject Hooks	Latch Lock/Eject Hooks	Latch Lock/Eject Hooks	Latch Lock/Eject Hooks, Long	Latch Lock/Eject Hooks, Long	Latch Lock/Eject Hooks, Long
Contact Shape	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square	Square
Contact Length - Mating	0.240" (6.10mm)	0.240" (6.10mm)	0.230" (5.84mm)	0.230" (5.84mm)	0.228" (5.80mm)	0.240" (6.10mm)	0.240" (6.10mm)	0.240" (6.10mm)
Contact Finish - Mating	Gold or Gold-Palladium	Gold or Gold-Palladium	Gold or Gold, GXT™	Gold or Gold, GXT™	Gold, GXT™	Gold	Gold	Gold
Contact Finish Thickness - Mating	30.0µin (0.76µm)	30.0µin (0.76µm)	30.0µin (0.76µm)	15.0µin (0.38µm)	30.0µin (0.76µm)	10.0µin (0.25µm)	30.0µin (0.76µm)	30.0µin (0.76µm)
Contact Finish - Post	Tin-Lead	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin	Tin
Contact Material	Phosphor Bronze	Phosphor Bronze	Phosphor Bronze	Phosphor Bronze	Phosphor Bronze	Brass	Copper Alloy	Copper Alloy
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
Insulation Color	Black	Black	Black	Black	Gray	Black	Black	Black
Operating Temperature	-65°C ~ 105°C	-65°C ~ 105°C	Not Specified	Not Specified	Not Specified	-55°C ~ 105°C	-55°C ~ 105°C	-55°C ~ 105°C
Current Rating (Amps)	1A per Contact	1A per Contact	Not Specified	Not Specified	Not Specified	1.75A	1.75A	1.75A
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant	RoHS Compliant	RoHS Compliant	RoHS Compliant	RoHS Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	RoHS Compliant	RoHS Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: TE Connectivity 5746443-3

The 5746443-3 is the direct active equivalent from TE Connectivity AMP Connectors. This part maintains identical electrical and mechanical specifications to the obsolete 746443-3 across all critical parameters including connector type, position count, pitch, shrouding, and fastening mechanism. The primary distinction is product status (Active vs. Obsolete) and RoHS compliance (RoHS Compliant vs. RoHS non-compliant). The 5746443-3 is packaged in Bulk format with 1036 pieces in stock, providing immediate availability for production requirements.

Secondary Recommendations: Amphenol ICC (FCI) Quickie™ Series

The 53611-G16-4LF and 53611-S16-4LF represent cross-manufacturer alternatives from Amphenol ICC (FCI) within the Quickie™ series. Both parts maintain full compatibility across all primary matching criteria. These parts are RoHS Compliant and Active status. The 53611-G16-4LF is packaged in Tray format (965 pieces in stock), while the 53611-S16-4LF is also Tray packaged (1074 pieces in stock). Minor variations exist in contact length specifications and contact finish thickness on the mating surface, which do not affect functional compatibility.

The 71918-116LF represents an alternative within the same Quickie™ series, packaged in Tube format with exceptional inventory availability (343,780 pieces in stock). This part features a gray insulation color and glass-filled thermoplastic insulation material, distinguishing it from other alternatives while maintaining full electrical and mechanical compatibility.

Tertiary Recommendations: 3M 3000 Series

The D3408-6302-AR, N3408-6302RB, and N3408-6303RB from 3M represent alternatives within the 3000 series. All three parts are Active status and RoHS Compliant (ROHS3 for D3408-6302-AR). These parts feature higher current ratings (1.75A per contact) compared to the original specification (1A per contact), providing enhanced electrical capacity. The primary distinction between N3408-6302RB and N3408-6303RB is contact length on the post (0.112" vs. 0.155"), affecting overall connector height. The D3408-6302-AR is packaged in Tray format (20,200 pieces in stock), while N3408-6302RB and N3408-6303RB are Bulk packaged (20,200 and 1,297 pieces respectively).

Compliance Considerations:

All substitute parts maintain UL94 V-0 flammability rating and Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 (Unlimited). All substitute parts are RoHS Compliant or ROHS3 Compliant, addressing environmental regulatory requirements that the obsolete 746443-3 does not meet. The original part carries RoHS non-compliant status, making substitution necessary for new designs subject to RoHS directives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 5746443-3 be used as a direct replacement for the 746443-3?

A: Yes. The 5746443-3 is the direct active equivalent from TE Connectivity. All electrical and mechanical parameters are identical to the 746443-3, with the exception of product status (Active vs. Obsolete) and RoHS compliance. The 5746443-3 is the recommended primary substitute.

Q: What are the key differences between TE Connectivity and Amphenol ICC (FCI) alternatives?

A: Both manufacturers provide 16-position, 2-row headers at 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch with identical shrouding and fastening mechanisms. The primary differences are contact length specifications (0.240" for TE vs. 0.228-0.230" for Amphenol), contact material composition (Phosphor Bronze for TE vs. Phosphor Bronze for Amphenol), and packaging formats. These variations do not affect functional compatibility in standard applications.

Q: Why do 3M alternatives have higher current ratings (1.75A vs. 1A)?

A: The 3M 3000 series parts are designed with enhanced electrical capacity. The higher current rating reflects the contact material composition (Brass or Copper Alloy) and contact geometry. Parts with higher current ratings are backward compatible with applications requiring the original 1A specification.

Q: What is the significance of packaging format (Bulk, Tray, Tube)?

A: Packaging format affects handling, storage, and assembly processes but does not impact electrical or mechanical performance. Bulk packaging is suitable for high-volume production with automated handling. Tray packaging provides organized component presentation. Tube packaging offers compact storage with high inventory density. Selection depends on manufacturing process requirements and inventory management practices.

Q: Are there compatibility concerns with the gray insulation color of the 71918-116LF?

A: No. Insulation color is a visual identification feature and does not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility. The gray insulation of the 71918-116LF is functionally equivalent to the black insulation of other alternatives. Selection based on color is a design preference rather than a technical requirement.

Q: How do contact finish thickness variations affect performance?

A: Contact finish thickness variations (ranging from 10.0µin to 30.0µin on mating surfaces) do not affect functional compatibility in standard applications. All specified finishes provide adequate corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity. Thicker finishes provide extended contact life in high-cycle mating applications.

Q: Can parts with different operating temperature ranges be substituted?

A: The 746443-3 specifies -65°C ~ 105°C operating range. The 3M alternatives specify -55°C ~ 105°C, which is narrower at the lower temperature extreme. For applications operating below -55°C, the TE Connectivity alternatives (5746443-3) or Amphenol ICC (FCI) parts are required. For applications within -55°C ~ 105°C, all alternatives are suitable.

Q: What is the impact of RoHS compliance on part selection?

A: The original 746443-3 is RoHS non-compliant. All substitute parts are RoHS Compliant or ROHS3 Compliant, meeting environmental regulatory requirements for new designs and production in regions with RoHS directives. RoHS compliance is mandatory for most commercial and industrial applications in regulated markets.

Q: Are there inventory considerations for production planning?

A: Yes. The 71918-116LF offers exceptional inventory availability (343,780 pieces in stock), suitable for high-volume production. The TE Connectivity 5746443-3 (1036 pieces) and Amphenol ICC (FCI) alternatives (965-1074 pieces) provide moderate inventory levels. The 3M alternatives offer substantial inventory (1,297-20,200 pieces). Selection should consider production volume requirements and supply chain continuity.

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