3M 951123-4620-AR-TP Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 3M 951123-4620-AR-TP is a rectangular connector header designed for surface mount, right-angle board-to-board applications. This connector features 23 positions at 0.079" (2.00mm) pitch with male pin contacts and solder termination. The part is classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent alternatives essential for ongoing design support and procurement planning.

Substiute Parts

951123-4620-AR-TP

3MIn Stock: 727951123-4620-AR-TP Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

MMT-123-01-L-SH

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 686MMT-123-01-L-SH Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 3M 951123-4620-AR-TP is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Connector Type & Contact Configuration: Must be a header with male pin contacts
• Position Count & Pitch: Must maintain 23 positions at 0.079" (2.00mm) mating pitch
• Mounting & Orientation: Must support surface mount, right-angle configuration
• Termination Method: Must use solder termination
• Contact Finish: Must feature gold-plated mating contacts
• Electrical Performance: Current rating and operating temperature must meet or exceed application requirements
• Compliance: Must maintain UL94 V-0 flammability rating

The Samtec Inc. MMT-123-01-L-SH satisfies all critical substitution criteria while offering enhanced electrical performance and active product status.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The Samtec MMT-123-01-L-SH is a direct functional substitute for the obsolete 3M 951123-4620-AR-TP. Both connectors maintain identical mating pitch, position count, mounting configuration, and termination method. The Samtec alternative offers the following advantages:

• Active Product Status: Samtec MMT-123-01-L-SH is actively manufactured and supported, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain continuity
• Enhanced Electrical Performance: Current rating increased from 1A to 3A provides greater design margin for power distribution applications
• Extended Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to 125°C versus -25°C to 105°C accommodates broader environmental conditions
• Improved Contact Material: Phosphor bronze contacts provide superior durability compared to copper alloy
• Advanced Insulation Material: Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) offers enhanced thermal and chemical resistance versus standard thermoplastic
• Compliance Maintained: Both connectors maintain UL94 V-0 flammability rating and identical export classification

The primary design consideration is the reduced mating contact length (3.20mm versus 4.45mm). This difference must be evaluated against specific board layout and mating connector specifications to ensure adequate contact engagement and mechanical stability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the Samtec MMT-123-01-L-SH directly replace the 3M 951123-4620-AR-TP without PCB redesign?

A: The connectors share identical mating pitch, position count, and mounting footprint. However, the reduced mating contact length (3.20mm versus 4.45mm) requires verification that the mating connector provides sufficient engagement depth. PCB layout modifications are typically not required if the mating connector is compatible.

Q: What is the significance of the contact material difference between copper alloy and phosphor bronze?

A: Phosphor bronze provides superior spring properties, wear resistance, and durability under repeated mating cycles. This material upgrade enhances connector reliability and extends service life, particularly in applications with frequent connection/disconnection cycles.

Q: Does the insulation material change from thermoplastic to LCP affect compatibility?

A: Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) offers improved thermal stability, chemical resistance, and dimensional consistency compared to standard thermoplastic. This upgrade enhances overall connector performance and reliability without affecting electrical or mechanical compatibility.

Q: Why is the current rating increased from 1A to 3A in the substitute part?

A: The Samtec design incorporates improved contact geometry and material selection that support higher current capacity. This enhancement provides greater design flexibility for applications requiring increased power distribution without changing the connector's physical footprint.

Q: Are both connectors RoHS compliant?

A: The 3M 951123-4620-AR-TP does not specify RoHS status in the provided data. The Samtec MMT-123-01-L-SH is explicitly ROHS3 compliant, meeting current environmental regulations for new designs.

Q: What is the impact of the extended operating temperature range on system design?

A: The Samtec connector operates from -55°C to 125°C versus -25°C to 105°C for the 3M part. This extended range accommodates industrial, automotive, and aerospace applications requiring operation in extreme temperature environments without connector derating.