Amphenol ICC 78208-508 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Amphenol ICC 78208-508 is a rectangular connector header designed for through-hole, right-angle mounting applications. This 8-position connector operates at a 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch and features shrouded 2-wall construction with solder termination. The part is currently active in production with 1015 units in stock. Substitute parts are identified to address inventory availability, lead time requirements, or specific application constraints while maintaining functional compatibility.

Substiute Parts

78208-508

Amphenol ICC (FCI)In Stock: 110378208-508 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

281698-8

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 5616281698-8 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 78208-508 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Connector type, contact type, and gender (Header, Male Pin)
• Mating pitch (0.100" / 2.54mm)
• Position count (8 positions, single row)
• Mounting configuration (Through Hole, Right Angle)
• Shrouding style (Shrouded - 2 Wall)
• Termination method (Solder)
• Fastening mechanism (Friction Lock)
• Contact material (Phosphor Bronze)
• Flammability rating (UL94 V-0)

The TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 281698-8 meets all critical substitution criteria. Both parts share identical mating pitch, position count, mounting type, shrouding configuration, termination method, and fastening type. Both employ phosphor bronze contacts and achieve UL94 V-0 flammability compliance. Variations in contact finish (gold vs. tin), insulation material composition, and operating temperature range do not prevent functional substitution when application requirements align with the substitute part's specifications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Selection between the 78208-508 and 281698-8 should be based on the following factors:

78208-508 (Amphenol ICC): Choose this part when gold-plated mating contacts are required for enhanced corrosion resistance or when the specific insulation material composition (PCT, glass-filled) is mandated by application specifications. This part is RoHS non-compliant and should be selected only when RoHS compliance is not a regulatory requirement.

281698-8 (TE Connectivity): Choose this part when ROHS3 compliance is required or when higher inventory availability is needed to meet production schedules. The tin contact finish is suitable for general-purpose applications where gold plating is not specified. The defined operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 100°C) provides explicit thermal performance documentation. Higher stock levels (5509 units) support shorter lead times.

Both parts achieve UL94 V-0 flammability compliance and maintain identical mechanical and electrical interface specifications. Selection should prioritize regulatory compliance requirements and application-specific contact finish specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 281698-8 directly replace the 78208-508 in existing designs?

A: Yes, provided that the application does not require gold-plated mating contacts or RoHS non-compliance. Both parts share identical mating pitch (0.100"), position count (8), mounting configuration (through-hole right-angle), shrouding (2-wall), and termination method (solder). The primary differences are contact finish (tin vs. gold) and RoHS compliance status.

Q: What is the impact of contact finish differences between these parts?

A: The 78208-508 features gold or gold GXT™ plating, which provides superior corrosion resistance and is preferred in high-reliability or harsh-environment applications. The 281698-8 uses tin plating, which is suitable for general-purpose applications and indoor environments. Contact finish selection should align with application environmental requirements and signal integrity specifications.

Q: Are there mechanical compatibility concerns when substituting these parts?

A: No mechanical compatibility issues exist. Both parts maintain identical pitch (0.100"), position count (8), row configuration (single row), contact shape (square), and mounting type (through-hole right-angle). PCB footprints and mating connector interfaces are compatible.

Q: How do the insulation materials differ, and does this affect substitution?

A: The 78208-508 uses polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate (PCT) with glass filling, while the 281698-8 uses thermoplastic insulation. Both materials achieve UL94 V-0 flammability compliance. Material selection should be verified against application-specific requirements for chemical resistance, thermal stability, or mechanical properties.

Q: What is the significance of the RoHS compliance difference?

A: The 78208-508 is RoHS non-compliant, while the 281698-8 is ROHS3 compliant. RoHS compliance is mandatory for products sold into European markets and many regulated industries. If RoHS compliance is a regulatory requirement, the 281698-8 must be selected.

Q: Does the operating temperature specification affect substitution decisions?

A: The 281698-8 specifies an operating temperature range of -40°C ~ 100°C, while the 78208-508 does not provide this specification. If the application operates within this range, the 281698-8 is suitable. For applications requiring operation outside this range, verify the 78208-508 specifications with the manufacturer or select based on application thermal requirements.

Q: Are there inventory or lead time considerations?

A: The 281698-8 has significantly higher inventory availability (5509 units vs. 1015 units), which may result in shorter lead times and improved supply chain reliability for high-volume production requirements.