3M 961256-6700-AR-TP Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 3M 961256-6700-AR-TP is a rectangular connector header designed for surface mount applications with 56 positions at 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch. This component features male pins, board-to-board connectivity, and solder termination with push-pull fastening. The part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement.

Substiute Parts

961256-6700-AR-TP

3MIn Stock: 1045961256-6700-AR-TP Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

TSM-128-02-F-DV-A

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 849TSM-128-02-F-DV-A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

TSM-128-02-G-DV-A

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 934TSM-128-02-G-DV-A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

TSM-128-02-S-DV-LC

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 1055TSM-128-02-S-DV-LC Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

TSM-128-02-S-DV-LC-TR

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 792TSM-128-02-S-DV-LC-TR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the 3M 961256-6700-AR-TP are qualified based on the following critical parameters that must match or exceed the original specification:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

• Connector Type: Header (with cuttable option acceptable)
• Contact Type: Male Pin
• Number of Positions: 56
• Number of Rows: 2
• Pitch - Mating: 0.100" (2.54mm)
• Row Spacing - Mating: 0.100" (2.54mm)
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount
• Termination: Solder
• Fastening Type: Push-Pull
• Contact Shape: Square
• Shrouding: Unshrouded
• Style: Board to Board or Board to Board/Cable
• Material Flammability Rating: UL94 V-0

Acceptable Parameter Variations:

• Contact Length - Mating: 0.320" (8.13mm) is acceptable (exceeds original 0.260")
• Insulation Height: 0.100" (2.54mm) is acceptable (exceeds original 0.098")
• Operating Temperature Range: -55°C ~ 125°C is acceptable (exceeds original -25°C ~ 105°C)
• Contact Material: Phosphor Bronze is acceptable (alternative to Copper Alloy)
• Insulation Material: Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) is acceptable (alternative to Thermoplastic)
• Contact Finish - Mating: Gold with varying thickness is acceptable
• Contact Finish - Post: Gold or Tin is acceptable
• Features: Board Guide or Board Lock features are acceptable additions

All substitute parts are manufactured by Samtec Inc. and carry active product status with RoHS3 compliance.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All four Samtec TSM-128 series alternatives are qualified substitutes for the obsolete 3M 961256-6700-AR-TP based on matching critical electrical and mechanical parameters. The following selection criteria apply:

TSM-128-02-F-DV-A: Primary substitute with board guide feature and minimal gold plating on mating contacts. Suitable for standard board-to-board applications requiring cost optimization. Active product status with ROHS3 compliance ensures long-term availability.

TSM-128-02-G-DV-A: Substitute with enhanced gold plating on both mating and post contacts (10.0µin mating, 3.00µin post). Recommended for applications requiring improved contact durability and corrosion resistance. Board guide feature provides mechanical alignment support.

TSM-128-02-S-DV-LC: Substitute featuring board lock mechanism and thicker gold plating on mating contacts (30.0µin). Board lock provides enhanced mechanical retention. Suitable for applications requiring positive locking engagement.

TSM-128-02-S-DV-LC-TR: Substitute with board lock mechanism and thicker gold plating (30.0µin), packaged in tape-and-reel format. Identical electrical and mechanical specifications to TSM-128-02-S-DV-LC with alternative packaging for automated assembly processes.

All substitutes exceed the original operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 125°C vs. -25°C ~ 105°C), feature superior insulation material (LCP vs. Thermoplastic), and maintain UL94 V-0 flammability compliance. Contact length increase (0.320" vs. 0.260") provides improved mating engagement depth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can Samtec TSM-128 series connectors directly replace the 3M 961256-6700-AR-TP?

A: Yes. All four Samtec TSM-128 variants meet the critical substitution parameters: 56-position, 2-row, 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch header with male pins, surface mount solder termination, and push-pull fastening. The connectors are mechanically and electrically compatible for board-to-board applications.

Q: What is the difference between the four Samtec substitute options?

A: The primary differences are: (1) Board Guide (TSM-128-02-F-DV-A, TSM-128-02-G-DV-A) vs. Board Lock (TSM-128-02-S-DV-LC, TSM-128-02-S-DV-LC-TR) mechanical features; (2) Gold plating thickness on mating contacts (3.00µin to 30.0µin); (3) Contact finish on posts (Tin vs. Gold); (4) Packaging format (Tube vs. Tape-and-Reel). All maintain identical electrical performance and pin configuration.

Q: Why do the Samtec parts have longer contact length (0.320" vs. 0.260")?

A: The increased contact length (0.320" vs. 0.260") provides deeper mating engagement, improving contact reliability and reducing insertion force variability. This enhancement is acceptable and beneficial for the substitution.

Q: Are the Samtec TSM-128 connectors RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. All four Samtec TSM-128 variants are ROHS3 compliant, exceeding the compliance status of the original 3M part.

Q: What is the difference between board guide and board lock features?

A: Board guide (TSM-128-02-F-DV-A, TSM-128-02-G-DV-A) provides mechanical alignment during mating. Board lock (TSM-128-02-S-DV-LC, TSM-128-02-S-DV-LC-TR) provides positive mechanical retention after mating, preventing accidental disconnection. Selection depends on application requirements for connector security.

Q: Which substitute should I select for automated assembly?

A: TSM-128-02-S-DV-LC-TR is packaged in tape-and-reel format, optimized for automated pick-and-place assembly processes. The other variants are supplied in tube packaging suitable for manual or semi-automated assembly.

Q: Do the Samtec substitutes support cable-to-board applications?

A: Yes. All Samtec TSM-128 variants support both board-to-board and cable-to-board connectivity, providing greater application flexibility than the original 3M part which specified board-to-board only.

Q: What is the operating temperature range for the Samtec substitutes?

A: All Samtec TSM-128 variants operate from -55°C to 125°C, exceeding the original 3M part specification of -25°C to 105°C. This extended range provides improved performance in demanding thermal environments.