3M 960246-6202-AR 46-Position Rectangular Receptacle Connector Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 3M 960246-6202-AR is a 46-position rectangular receptacle connector with 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch, designed for board-to-board applications with through-hole solder termination. This connector features gold-plated mating contacts and is rated for 2A at 1000VDC. The product is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement.

Substiute Parts

960246-6202-AR

3MIn Stock: 725960246-6202-AR Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

803-41-046-10-001000

Mill-Max Manufacturing Corp.In Stock: 871803-41-046-10-001000 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

803-41-046-10-004000

Mill-Max Manufacturing Corp.In Stock: 1000803-41-046-10-004000 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

803-43-046-10-001000

Mill-Max Manufacturing Corp.In Stock: 1050803-43-046-10-001000 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

803-91-046-10-001000

Mill-Max Manufacturing Corp.In Stock: 1203803-91-046-10-001000 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

803-93-046-10-001000

Mill-Max Manufacturing Corp.In Stock: 783803-93-046-10-001000 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

803-93-046-10-002000

Mill-Max Manufacturing Corp.In Stock: 1050803-93-046-10-002000 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

803-99-046-10-001000

Mill-Max Manufacturing Corp.In Stock: 1046803-99-046-10-001000 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

803-99-046-10-004000

Mill-Max Manufacturing Corp.In Stock: 995803-99-046-10-004000 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the 3M 960246-6202-AR is based on the following critical parameters that must remain constant:

• 46-position configuration
• 0.100" (2.54mm) mating pitch
• 2-row layout with 0.100" (2.54mm) row spacing
• Receptacle connector type with female socket contacts
• Board-to-board style with through-hole solder termination
• Push-pull fastening mechanism
• Black insulation with UL94 V-0 flammability rating

All substitute parts listed are manufactured by Mill-Max Manufacturing Corp. (Series 803) and maintain these core electrical and mechanical parameters. Variations exist in contact material composition, contact finish specifications, insulation height, and post contact length, which are secondary parameters that do not affect functional interchangeability for standard board-to-board applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All Mill-Max 803 series substitute parts maintain active product status and are ROHS3 compliant, providing long-term availability and regulatory compliance advantages over the obsolete 3M 960246-6202-AR. The substitute parts offer expanded operating temperature ranges (-55°C to 125°C versus -25°C to 105°C) and higher current ratings (4.5A versus 2A), making them suitable for applications requiring enhanced thermal and electrical performance.

Selection among substitute parts depends on specific application requirements:

Gold-plated mating contact options (803-41, 803-43, 803-91, 803-93 series) are appropriate for applications requiring corrosion resistance and signal integrity in low-current environments. The 803-99 series with tin-lead mating contacts provides cost-effective alternatives for applications where gold plating is not required.

Packaging considerations affect procurement logistics: 803-41 and 803-99 series are supplied in bulk packaging, while 803-43 series is supplied in tube packaging. Insulation height variations (0.165" to 0.276") and contact post length differences (0.118" to 0.125") must be verified against PCB layout constraints and mating connector specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are all listed Mill-Max 803 series connectors directly interchangeable with the 3M 960246-6202-AR?

A: All listed parts maintain the same 46-position, 0.100" pitch, 2-row configuration with push-pull fastening, ensuring mechanical and electrical interchangeability at the board-to-board interface. Differences in contact material, finish thickness, and insulation composition do not affect functional compatibility for standard applications.

Q: What is the difference between gold-plated and tin-lead mating contact finishes?

A: Gold-plated contacts (803-41, 803-43, 803-91, 803-93 series) provide superior corrosion resistance and are preferred for applications requiring long-term reliability and low contact resistance. Tin-lead contacts (803-99 series) are suitable for applications where cost optimization is prioritized and corrosion resistance is not critical.

Q: How do insulation height variations affect connector selection?

A: Insulation height determines the vertical profile of the connector on the PCB. The 3M 960246-6202-AR has an insulation height of 0.280" (7.10mm). Most Mill-Max substitutes offer 0.276" (7.00mm) height, which is functionally equivalent. The 803-93-046-10-002000 variant has a reduced height of 0.165" (4.20mm) and should only be selected if PCB layout specifically requires a lower profile.

Q: What is the significance of the expanded operating temperature range in Mill-Max parts?

A: Mill-Max 803 series parts operate from -55°C to 125°C, compared to the 3M part's -25°C to 105°C range. This expanded range provides design margin for applications in extreme thermal environments and allows use in industrial and aerospace applications with more stringent temperature requirements.

Q: Are Mill-Max 803 series parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes, all listed Mill-Max 803 series parts are ROHS3 compliant, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements. The 3M 960246-6202-AR does not specify RoHS compliance status.

Q: What packaging options are available for the substitute parts?

A: Mill-Max 803-41 and 803-99 series are supplied in bulk packaging for high-volume procurement. The 803-43 series is supplied in tube packaging, which may be preferred for lower-volume applications or when component handling and traceability are important considerations.