TE Connectivity 747908-4 D-Sub Connector Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity 747908-4 is a 15-position D-Sub plug connector with male pins, solder cup termination, and free-hanging in-line mounting. This connector is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent and substitute parts for new designs and ongoing production requirements. The AMPLIMITE HD-20 series connector features a 2-row shell layout (DA, A size) with steel housing and gold-plated brass contacts rated for 3A at 250V across an operating temperature range of -55°C to 105°C.

Substiute Parts

747908-4
TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 943747908-4 Datasheet
747908-4
Current Part
5-747908-2
TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 81835-747908-2 Datasheet
5-747908-2
Direct
171-015-103L011
NorComp Inc.In Stock: 1071171-015-103L011 Datasheet
171-015-103L011
Similar
171-015-103L021
NorComp Inc.In Stock: 1211171-015-103L021 Datasheet
171-015-103L021
Similar
171-015-103L031
NorComp Inc.In Stock: 1058171-015-103L031 Datasheet
171-015-103L031
Similar

Key Parameters

Parameter Value
Connector Style D-Sub
Connector Type Plug, Male Pins
Number of Positions 15
Number of Rows 2
Shell Size, Connector Layout 2 (DA, A)
Termination Solder Cup
Mounting Type Free Hanging (In-Line)
Current Rating 3A
Voltage Rating 250V
Operating Temperature -55°C to 105°C
Contact Finish Gold
Material Flammability Rating UL94 V-0

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the obsolete 747908-4 connector is determined by strict alignment of core electrical and mechanical parameters. The following criteria establish valid substitution relationships:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

  • Connector style: D-Sub
  • Connector type: Plug, Male Pins
  • Number of positions: 15
  • Number of rows: 2
  • Shell size and layout: 2 (DA, A)
  • Termination method: Solder Cup
  • Contact finish: Gold
  • Material flammability rating: UL94 V-0
  • Dielectric material: Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT), Glass Filled

Direct Equivalent: The part 5-747908-2 (TE Connectivity) is a direct equivalent sharing identical electrical and mechanical specifications with the main part. The primary difference is packaging format (tray versus bulk) and shell material finish (tin plated versus blue zinc plated). This part maintains active product status and RoHS compliance.

Similar Substitutes with Mounting Variation: The NorComp 171 series parts (171-015-103L011, 171-015-103L021, 171-015-103L031) share core D-Sub connector specifications but differ in mounting type (panel mount versus free-hanging in-line). These parts are suitable for applications where panel mounting is acceptable or preferred. Flange feature variations distinguish these three parts: cable side (4-40) for 171-015-103L011 and 171-015-103L021, and mating side (4-40) for 171-015-103L031.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter 747908-4 (Main) 5-747908-2 (Direct) 171-015-103L011 (Similar) 171-015-103L021 (Similar) 171-015-103L031 (Similar)
Manufacturer TE Connectivity TE Connectivity NorComp Inc. NorComp Inc. NorComp Inc.
Connector Type Plug, Male Pins Plug, Male Pins Plug, Male Pins Plug, Male Pins Plug, Male Pins
Number of Positions 15 15 15 15 15
Number of Rows 2 2 2 2 2
Shell Size, Connector Layout 2 (DA, A) 2 (DA, A) 2 (DA, A) 2 (DA, A) 2 (DA, A)
Termination Solder Cup Solder Cup Solder Cup Solder Cup Solder Cup
Mounting Type Free Hanging (In-Line) Free Hanging (In-Line) Panel Mount Panel Mount Panel Mount
Contact Finish Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold
Contact Finish Thickness 8.00µin (0.203µm) 8.00µin (0.203µm) Flash Flash Flash
Material Flammability Rating UL94 V-0 UL94 V-0 UL94 V-0 UL94 V-0 UL94 V-0
Current Rating (Amps) 3A 3A 5A 5A 5A
Voltage Rating 250V 250V Not Specified Not Specified Not Specified
Operating Temperature -55°C to 105°C -55°C to 105°C -50°C to 100°C -50°C to 100°C -50°C to 100°C
Shell Material, Finish Steel, Blue Zinc Plated Steel, Tin Plated Steel, Nickel Plated Steel, Nickel Plated Steel, Nickel Plated
Contact Material Brass Brass Copper Alloy Copper Alloy Copper Alloy
Product Status Obsolete Active Active Active Active
RoHS Status RoHS Non-Compliant RoHS Compliant ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (In-Line Free-Hanging Mounting): The TE Connectivity 5-747908-2 is the primary substitute for the obsolete 747908-4. Both connectors maintain identical mounting configuration (free-hanging in-line), electrical ratings (3A, 250V), and operating temperature range (-55°C to 105°C). The 5-747908-2 is active product status with RoHS compliance, addressing regulatory requirements for new designs. Shell material finish differs (tin plated versus blue zinc plated), but both provide equivalent corrosion protection. Contact finish specifications are identical (gold, 8.00µin thickness). This part is suitable for direct substitution in existing designs without mechanical redesign.

For Panel Mount Applications: The NorComp 171 series connectors (171-015-103L011, 171-015-103L021, 171-015-103L031) are suitable substitutes when panel mounting is required or preferred. All three parts are active product status with ROHS3 compliance. These connectors support higher current ratings (5A versus 3A) and maintain the same 15-position, 2-row D-Sub configuration with solder cup termination. Operating temperature range is slightly reduced (-50°C to 100°C versus -55°C to 105°C). Flange feature selection depends on mounting location: cable side (4-40) for 171-015-103L011 and 171-015-103L021, or mating side (4-40) for 171-015-103L031.

Compliance Considerations: The obsolete 747908-4 is RoHS non-compliant. Both the direct equivalent (5-747908-2) and similar substitutes (171 series) are RoHS compliant or ROHS3 compliant, supporting regulatory requirements for new production and design updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 5-747908-2 be used as a direct replacement for the 747908-4? A: Yes. The 5-747908-2 is a direct equivalent with identical connector type, position count, shell size, termination method, and electrical ratings. Both are free-hanging in-line mounted D-Sub plugs with 15 positions, 2 rows, and 3A/250V ratings. The primary differences are packaging format and shell finish material, neither of which affects electrical or mechanical compatibility.

Q: What is the difference between the NorComp 171-015-103L011, 171-015-103L021, and 171-015-103L031? A: All three NorComp parts share identical core specifications (15-position D-Sub plug, solder cup termination, panel mount). The distinction is flange feature location: 171-015-103L011 and 171-015-103L021 have cable side (4-40) flanges, while 171-015-103L031 has a mating side (4-40) flange. Flange location determines mounting orientation and panel cutout requirements.

Q: Are the NorComp 171 series connectors suitable for applications requiring free-hanging in-line mounting? A: No. The NorComp 171 series connectors are panel mount only. The 5-747908-2 is the appropriate substitute for applications requiring free-hanging in-line mounting identical to the 747908-4.

Q: What is the impact of the operating temperature range difference between the 747908-4 and NorComp 171 series? A: The 747908-4 operates from -55°C to 105°C, while the NorComp 171 series operates from -50°C to 100°C. The NorComp range is narrower by 5°C at both extremes. Applications requiring operation below -50°C or above 100°C must use the 5-747908-2 or 747908-4.

Q: What is the significance of the current rating difference (3A versus 5A)? A: The 747908-4 and 5-747908-2 are rated for 3A, while the NorComp 171 series is rated for 5A. The higher rating of the NorComp parts provides additional current capacity but does not affect compatibility for applications operating at or below 3A.

Q: Are there packaging differences between these connectors? A: Yes. The 747908-4 is supplied in bulk packaging, while the 5-747908-2 and NorComp 171 series are supplied in tray packaging. Packaging format does not affect connector performance or compatibility.

Q: What is the difference in contact finish thickness between the 747908-4 and NorComp 171 series? A: The 747908-4 and 5-747908-2 specify gold contact finish at 8.00µin (0.203µm) thickness. The NorComp 171 series specifies flash gold finish without thickness specification. Both provide gold contact protection; the difference is in specification detail rather than functional performance.

Q: Is the 747908-4 still available for purchase? A: The 747908-4 is classified as obsolete. The 5-747908-2 (8,101 units in stock) is the recommended active equivalent. NorComp 171 series alternatives are also available (1,004 to 1,189 units in stock depending on variant).

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