Amphenol RF 901-256-11 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Amphenol RF 901-256-11 is an SMA connector jack (female socket) rated for 50 ohms impedance with solder termination. This panel mount bulkhead connector is designed for RF applications up to 12.4 GHz and is currently in active product status. Substitute parts are identified for applications requiring alternative termination methods or when the primary part becomes unavailable due to inventory constraints or design requirement changes.

Substiute Parts

901-256-11

Amphenol RFIn Stock: 889901-256-11 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

225608-4

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 994225608-4 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

5225608-4

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 6925225608-4 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the Amphenol RF 901-256-11 is determined by the following core parameters:

Critical Matching Parameters:

• Connector Style: SMA
• Connector Type: Jack, Female Socket
• Impedance: 50 Ohms
• Mounting Type: Panel Mount
• Mounting Feature: Bulkhead - Front Side Nut
• Fastening Type: Threaded
• Number of Ports: 1

Variable Parameters (Substitution Allowed):

• Contact Termination: Solder (main part) vs. Crimp (substitute parts)
• Shield Termination: Clamp (main part) vs. Crimp (substitute parts)
• Body Material: Beryllium Copper (main part) vs. Stainless Steel (substitute parts)
• Housing Color: Gold (main part) vs. Silver (substitute parts)
• Dielectric Material: PTFE (main part) vs. Fluoropolymer or PTFE (substitute parts)

The identified substitute parts (TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 225608-4 and 5225608-4) maintain all critical matching parameters while differing in termination methodology and material composition. These differences are acceptable for equivalent functionality in RF applications where the mechanical and electrical interface requirements remain constant.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Part (901-256-11): The Amphenol RF 901-256-11 is the recommended selection for new designs. This part maintains active product status, ROHS3 compliance, and confirmed REACH affected status. The solder termination method provides direct PCB integration without requiring specialized crimping equipment.

Substitute Part 5225608-4 (TE Connectivity): The TE Connectivity 5225608-4 is the preferred substitute when the primary part is unavailable. This part achieves RoHS compliance and maintains REACH affected status, aligning with regulatory requirements equivalent to the primary part. The crimp termination requires appropriate cable preparation tooling but provides equivalent RF performance within the specified frequency range.

Substitute Part 225608-4 (TE Connectivity): The TE Connectivity 225608-4 is an alternative substitute with equivalent RF characteristics but carries RoHS non-compliance status and undefined REACH status. This part is suitable only for applications where regulatory compliance is not a requirement or where legacy system compatibility is necessary.

All three parts maintain identical mechanical interfaces, impedance characteristics, and mating cycle ratings, ensuring functional interchangeability within the RF connector interface.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 901-256-11 be directly replaced with the 225608-4 or 5225608-4?

A: Yes, both TE Connectivity parts are mechanically and electrically equivalent. All three connectors share identical SMA jack configuration, 50 ohm impedance, panel mount bulkhead design, and threaded fastening. The primary difference is the termination method: the 901-256-11 uses solder termination while the substitute parts use crimp termination.

Q: What is the impact of switching from solder to crimp termination?

A: Solder termination (901-256-11) requires soldering to PCB pads or cable conductors. Crimp termination (225608-4, 5225608-4) requires mechanical crimping of the contact to the cable conductor. Both methods achieve equivalent electrical performance and mating cycle ratings of 500 cycles. The selection depends on assembly process capability and design requirements.

Q: Are there frequency limitations when using substitute parts?

A: The primary part 901-256-11 specifies a maximum frequency of 12.4 GHz. The substitute parts do not provide explicit frequency specifications in their parameters. However, both maintain identical connector geometry and impedance characteristics, indicating equivalent RF performance within standard SMA operating ranges.

Q: What are the compliance differences between the substitute parts?

A: The 901-256-11 is ROHS3 compliant and REACH affected. The 5225608-4 is RoHS compliant and REACH affected, meeting equivalent regulatory standards. The 225608-4 is RoHS non-compliant with undefined REACH status, making it unsuitable for applications requiring regulatory compliance.

Q: Can these connectors be used interchangeably in existing assemblies?

A: Yes, the connectors are mechanically interchangeable due to identical bulkhead mounting features and threaded fastening. However, cable preparation differs: solder termination requires PCB or wire soldering, while crimp termination requires specialized crimping tools and compatible cable ferrules.

Q: What cable types are compatible with each part?

A: The 901-256-11 supports RG-174, 188, 188A, 316, LMR-100, and M17/119-RG174 cables. The 225608-4 and 5225608-4 support RG-174, 188A, and 316 cables. Cable compatibility is narrower for the substitute parts; verify specific cable requirements before substitution.

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

A: The 901-256-11 operates from -65°C to 165°C. The substitute parts do not provide explicit operating temperature specifications, but maintain identical connector materials and design, indicating equivalent thermal performance.