3M 8337-6003 D-Sub 37-Position Receptacle Connector - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 3M 8337-6003 is a 37-position D-Sub receptacle connector with female sockets, designed for panel mount applications using IDC (Insulation Displacement Contact) termination with ribbon cable. This connector features a steel tin-plated shell with gold-plated contacts and operates across the industrial temperature range of -55°C to 105°C. The part maintains Active product status and is RoHS3 compliant. Equivalent and substitute parts are identified based on matching electrical and mechanical specifications including connector style, position count, termination method, shell material, contact finish, and operating temperature range.

Substiute Parts

8337-6003
3MIn Stock: 8878337-6003 Datasheet
8337-6003
Current Part
1658610-1
TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 34181658610-1 Datasheet
1658610-1
MFR Recommended
1658612-1
TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 12721658612-1 Datasheet
1658612-1
MFR Recommended
L17DCFRA37S
Amphenol ICC (Commercial Products)In Stock: 888L17DCFRA37S Datasheet
L17DCFRA37S
MFR Recommended

Key Parameters

Parameter 3M 8337-6003
Connector Style D-Sub
Connector Type Receptacle, Female Sockets
Number of Positions 37
Number of Rows 2
Shell Size, Connector Layout 4 (DC, C)
Termination IDC, Ribbon Cable
Shell Material, Finish Steel, Tin Plated
Contact Finish Gold
Contact Material Copper Alloy
Operating Temperature -55°C ~ 105°C
Current Rating (Amps) 1A
Material Flammability Rating UL94 V-0
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the 3M 8337-6003 are qualified based on the following critical parameters that determine functional and mechanical compatibility:

  • Connector Style & Type: All substitutes must be D-Sub receptacle connectors with female sockets
  • Position Count & Layout: 37 positions in 2-row configuration with shell size 4 (DC, C)
  • Termination Method: IDC ribbon cable termination required
  • Shell Material & Finish: Steel with tin plating
  • Contact Finish: Gold plating
  • Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to 105°C minimum
  • Flammability Rating: UL94 V-0 compliance
  • Electrical Performance: Current rating and contact material must support signal-level applications

The identified substitutes (TE Connectivity 1658610-1, TE Connectivity 1658612-1, and Amphenol ICC L17DCFRA37S) meet these core requirements while maintaining compatibility with the original application context.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter 3M 8337-6003 TE Connectivity 1658610-1 TE Connectivity 1658612-1 Amphenol ICC L17DCFRA37S
Manufacturer 3M TE Connectivity AMP Connectors TE Connectivity AMP Connectors Amphenol ICC (Commercial Products)
Connector Style D-Sub D-Sub D-Sub D-Sub
Connector Type Receptacle, Female Sockets Receptacle, Female Sockets Receptacle, Female Sockets Receptacle, Female Sockets
Number of Positions 37 37 37 37
Number of Rows 2 2 2 2
Shell Size, Connector Layout 4 (DC, C) 4 (DC, C) 4 (DC, C) 4 (DC, C)
Mounting Type Panel Mount Free Hanging (In-Line) Free Hanging (In-Line) Free Hanging (In-Line)
Termination IDC, Ribbon Cable IDC, Ribbon Cable IDC, Ribbon Cable IDC, Ribbon Cable
Shell Material, Finish Steel, Tin Plated Steel, Tin Plated Steel, Tin Plated Steel, Tin Plated
Contact Finish Gold Gold Gold Gold
Contact Material Copper Alloy Phosphor Bronze Phosphor Bronze Brass
Operating Temperature -55°C ~ 105°C -55°C ~ 105°C -55°C ~ 105°C -55°C ~ 105°C
Current Rating (Amps) 1A 1.25A 1.25A 3A
Material Flammability Rating UL94 V-0 UL94 V-0 UL94 V-0 UL94 V-0
Product Status Active Obsolete Active Active
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant RoHS Compliant ROHS3 Compliant RoHS Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitute - TE Connectivity 1658612-1: This part is the preferred substitute for new designs and ongoing production. It maintains Active product status with ROHS3 compliance matching the original 3M 8337-6003. Both connectors share identical electrical and mechanical specifications including 37-position configuration, IDC ribbon cable termination, steel tin-plated shell, gold contact finish, and -55°C to 105°C operating range. The 1658612-1 offers higher current rating (1.25A vs. 1A) and unthreaded shell flange, providing design flexibility for applications requiring increased current capacity.

Secondary Substitute - Amphenol ICC L17DCFRA37S: This connector is suitable for applications requiring enhanced current handling (3A rating) and strain relief features. It maintains Active product status and RoHS compliance. The L17DCFRA37S provides the same core D-Sub 37-position receptacle functionality with IDC termination and operating temperature range. The higher current rating and strain relief features make this option appropriate for demanding signal distribution applications.

Obsolete Alternative - TE Connectivity 1658610-1: While this part meets all core electrical and mechanical compatibility criteria, its Obsolete product status limits its suitability for new designs. It remains available in inventory (3405 pcs) and may be considered only for legacy system maintenance or repair applications where supply continuity is not a concern.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the TE Connectivity 1658612-1 directly replace the 3M 8337-6003 in existing panel mount applications?

A: The 1658612-1 is a Free Hanging (In-Line) connector, while the 8337-6003 is Panel Mount. Both share identical electrical and mechanical specifications for the connector body itself. Panel mount applications require the connector to be mounted directly to a panel with the flange secured to the panel surface. The 1658612-1 would require mechanical adaptation or redesign of the mounting interface. For direct replacement in panel mount applications, the mounting type difference must be addressed in the system design.

Q: What is the difference between the two TE Connectivity substitutes (1658610-1 and 1658612-1)?

A: Both are 37-position D-Sub receptacles with identical electrical specifications. The primary differences are: (1) Product Status - 1658610-1 is Obsolete while 1658612-1 is Active; (2) Shell Flange Feature - 1658610-1 has Housing/Shell (4-40) threaded flange, while 1658612-1 has unthreaded Housing/Shell flange; (3) REACH Status - 1658610-1 is REACH Affected, while 1658612-1 is Vendor Undefined. For new designs, the 1658612-1 is the appropriate choice due to its Active status.

Q: Does the higher current rating of the Amphenol ICC L17DCFRA37S affect compatibility?

A: The L17DCFRA37S 3A current rating exceeds the original 8337-6003 1A rating. Higher current rating indicates the connector can safely handle greater electrical load without degradation. This makes the L17DCFRA37S suitable as a substitute in applications operating at or below the original 1A specification. The higher rating provides additional design margin and is not a compatibility concern for signal-level applications.

Q: Are there packaging differences between these substitutes?

A: Yes. The 3M 8337-6003 is supplied in Tray packaging, while TE Connectivity 1658610-1 and 1658612-1 are supplied in Bulk packaging. Amphenol ICC L17DCFRA37S is supplied in Tray packaging. Packaging differences affect handling, storage, and procurement logistics but do not impact electrical or mechanical compatibility of the connector itself.

Q: What contact material differences exist, and do they affect performance?

A: The 8337-6003 uses Copper Alloy contacts, while TE Connectivity substitutes use Phosphor Bronze and Amphenol ICC uses Brass. All three materials are standard for D-Sub connectors and provide equivalent signal-level performance with gold plating. Contact material selection affects mechanical durability and mating cycle life but does not impact electrical compatibility for the specified 1A to 3A current range and signal applications.

Q: Is the 8337-6003 still in production?

A: Yes, the 3M 8337-6003 maintains Active product status with 829 pcs currently in stock. Substitutes are identified for design flexibility, supply chain redundancy, and application-specific requirements rather than due to product discontinuation.

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