TE Connectivity 794638-4 Rectangular Connector Header: Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity 794638-4 is a surface mount rectangular connector header from the Micro MATE-N-LOK series. This component is a shrouded 4-position header with 0.118" (3.00mm) pitch, designed for board-to-cable/wire applications with solder termination. The part is classified as obsolete, making identification of active equivalent components essential for ongoing production and design requirements. The substitute part 3-794638-4 provides functional equivalence with active product status and improved availability.

Substiute Parts

794638-4

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 1201794638-4 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

3-794638-4

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 23553-794638-4 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution between the main part 794638-4 and the equivalent part 3-794638-4 is based on strict electrical and mechanical parameter alignment. Both components share identical specifications across all critical functional parameters:

Key Parameters Determining Substitutability:

• Connector type, contact configuration, and male pin design
• 4-position count with 2-row arrangement
• 0.118" (3.00mm) mating pitch and row spacing
• Surface mount assembly compatibility
• 4-wall shrouded housing for mechanical alignment
• 250V voltage rating and -40°C to 105°C operating temperature range
• Gold-plated mating contacts with identical finish thickness
• Polyamide/Nylon insulation with UL94 V-0 flammability rating
• Solder termination and locking ramp fastening

The primary distinction between these parts is product status and packaging format. The main part 794638-4 is obsolete with no specified packaging, while 3-794638-4 is active with Tape & Reel (TR) packaging. Additionally, the contact finish on the post differs: the main part uses Tin-Lead while the substitute uses Tin, though both maintain identical thickness specifications of 100.0µin (2.54µm).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The part 3-794638-4 is the direct active equivalent for the obsolete 794638-4. Selection of the substitute part is based on the following engineering criteria:

Product Status Consideration: The main part 794638-4 carries obsolete status, indicating discontinued manufacturing and limited long-term availability. The substitute 3-794638-4 maintains active product status with established supply chain support.

Compliance and Certification Alignment: Both parts maintain identical compliance certifications including RoHS compliance, UL94 V-0 flammability rating, and EAR99 export classification. The substitute part meets all regulatory requirements equivalent to the main part.

Packaging and Supply Chain: The substitute part is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) packaging, which is the standard format for high-volume surface mount assembly operations. This packaging format supports automated pick-and-place assembly processes.

Electrical and Mechanical Equivalence: All critical functional parameters are identical between the main part and substitute, including connector geometry, pitch specifications, voltage rating, temperature range, and contact configuration. The parts are mechanically and electrically interchangeable within the same PCB footprint and assembly process.

Contact Finish Specification: The substitute part uses Tin finish on the post termination instead of Tin-Lead. Both finishes maintain identical thickness specifications and are compatible with standard solder reflow processes. This change aligns with industry-wide lead-free manufacturing initiatives.

Inventory and Availability: The substitute part demonstrates superior inventory availability with 2250 pieces in stock compared to 1091 pieces for the obsolete main part, supporting production continuity and reduced lead times.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are the 794638-4 and 3-794638-4 parts mechanically interchangeable?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical mechanical specifications including 4-position count, 0.118" (3.00mm) pitch, 2-row configuration, 4-wall shrouded housing, and 0.364" (9.25mm) insulation height. They fit the same PCB footprint and connector cavity.

Q: What is the difference between the contact finishes on the post termination?

A: The main part 794638-4 uses Tin-Lead finish while the substitute 3-794638-4 uses Tin finish. Both maintain identical thickness of 100.0µin (2.54µm). The Tin finish on the substitute aligns with lead-free manufacturing standards and is compatible with standard solder reflow processes.

Q: Can the 3-794638-4 be used as a direct replacement in existing designs?

A: Yes. The substitute part maintains all electrical and mechanical specifications identical to the main part. No design modifications are required for PCB layout, assembly process, or mating connector specifications.

Q: Why is the main part 794638-4 listed as obsolete?

A: Obsolete status indicates the part has been discontinued by the manufacturer. The substitute 3-794638-4 provides the same functionality with active product status and ongoing manufacturing support.

Q: What is the significance of the Tape & Reel packaging for the substitute part?

A: Tape & Reel (TR) packaging is the standard format for surface mount components in automated assembly operations. This packaging enables high-speed pick-and-place machine processing and is the preferred format for production environments.

Q: Are both parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. The main part 794638-4 is ROHS3 Compliant and the substitute 3-794638-4 is RoHS Compliant. Both parts meet RoHS regulatory requirements for restricted substance elimination.

Q: What is the voltage rating for these connector headers?

A: Both parts are rated for 250V maximum operating voltage, suitable for general-purpose board-to-cable/wire applications within this voltage specification.

Q: What is the operating temperature range for these parts?

A: Both parts operate across the temperature range of -40°C to 105°C, supporting applications in standard industrial and commercial environments.

Q: Are there any differences in the number of positions or rows between these parts?

A: No. Both parts maintain identical 4-position count arranged in 2 rows with 0.118" (3.00mm) spacing in both mating pitch and row spacing dimensions.

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

A: Both parts have MSL rating of 1 (Unlimited), indicating no moisture sensitivity restrictions for storage or handling.