TE Connectivity Erni 973028 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity Erni 973028 is a 90-position backplane connector receptacle with female sockets, configured for through-hole, right-angle mounting. This connector is part of the ERMET ZD series and features a 9-row by 10-column layout with 0.098" (2.50mm) pitch spacing. The product is classified as obsolete, making identification of equivalent and substitute parts essential for ongoing system maintenance and component procurement.

Substiute Parts

973028

TE Connectivity ErniIn Stock: 3439973028 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

6469081-1

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 41926469081-1 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TE Connectivity Erni 973028 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Position Count and Layout: The main part features 90 positions arranged in a 9-row by 10-column configuration. Substitute parts must accommodate the same or compatible position count and row/column arrangement to ensure mechanical and electrical compatibility with existing backplane designs.

Pitch Specification: The 0.098" (2.50mm) pitch is a fundamental spacing requirement. Substitute connectors must maintain identical pitch to ensure proper alignment with mating connectors and printed circuit board layouts.

Mounting Configuration: Through-hole, right-angle mounting is essential for backplane applications. Substitute parts must support the same mounting orientation and method to fit existing mechanical assemblies.

Connector Type and Gender: Female socket receptacles are required for daughtercard or mating connector interfaces. Substitute parts must maintain receptacle configuration with female sockets.

Termination Method: Press-fit termination is specified for the main part. Substitute connectors must use compatible termination technology to ensure reliable solder-free connections.

Contact Finish and Material: Gold plating on contacts ensures signal integrity and corrosion resistance. Substitute parts must maintain gold contact finish specifications.

Compliance and Environmental Ratings: RoHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating are mandatory for modern procurement. Operating temperature range compatibility is required for thermal environment matching.

The substitute part 6469081-1 differs in position count (60 versus 90) and row configuration (6 rows versus 9 rows), representing a reduced-capacity alternative suitable for applications requiring fewer interconnection points while maintaining core electrical and mechanical compatibility parameters.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Product Status Consideration: The TE Connectivity Erni 973028 is classified as obsolete. The substitute part 6469081-1 maintains active product status within the TE Connectivity AMP Connectors portfolio, ensuring ongoing availability and manufacturing support.

Compliance Alignment: Both the main part and substitute part are ROHS3 compliant and carry MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity ratings, meeting current regulatory requirements for electronic component procurement.

Electrical and Mechanical Compatibility: Both connectors maintain identical pitch (0.098" / 2.50mm), press-fit termination, gold contact finish, and through-hole right-angle mounting configurations. These shared parameters establish the foundation for substitution viability.

Position Count Variance: The substitute part provides 60 positions in a 6-row configuration compared to the main part's 90 positions in a 9-row configuration. This reduction in position count requires verification that the application does not demand the full 90-position capacity. Applications utilizing 60 or fewer interconnection points can proceed with substitution.

Temperature Range Differential: The main part operates across -55°C to 125°C, while the substitute operates across -65°C to 105°C. Applications requiring operation above 105°C cannot use the substitute part. Applications operating within the -65°C to 105°C range are compatible with the substitute.

Electrical Ratings: The substitute part provides specified current (0.700A) and voltage (250V) ratings. Applications requiring electrical specifications beyond these ratings require alternative component selection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 6469081-1 substitute directly replace the 973028 in all applications?

A: Direct substitution is limited by position count. The 973028 provides 90 positions while the 6469081-1 provides 60 positions. Substitution is viable only for applications requiring 60 or fewer interconnection points. Applications utilizing all 90 positions of the original connector require alternative solutions.

Q: What is the primary difference in mounting configuration between these connectors?

A: The 973028 uses standard through-hole mounting, while the 6469081-1 uses board edge through-hole mounting. Both maintain right-angle orientation. Board edge mounting requires the connector to be positioned at the edge of the printed circuit board, whereas standard through-hole mounting allows placement anywhere on the board surface.

Q: Are both connectors compliant with current environmental and regulatory standards?

A: Yes. Both the 973028 and 6469081-1 are ROHS3 compliant and carry MSL 1 (Unlimited) ratings. Both are suitable for procurement in applications requiring compliance with current environmental regulations.

Q: What is the significance of the pitch specification in connector substitution?

A: Pitch (0.098" / 2.50mm) defines the center-to-center spacing between connector positions. Both connectors maintain identical pitch, ensuring compatibility with mating connectors and printed circuit board layouts designed for 2.50mm spacing. Pitch mismatch prevents proper mechanical and electrical connection.

Q: How do the operating temperature ranges differ, and what is the impact?

A: The 973028 operates from -55°C to 125°C, while the 6469081-1 operates from -65°C to 105°C. The substitute part provides lower temperature capability (-65°C versus -55°C) but reduced upper temperature capability (105°C versus 125°C). Applications requiring sustained operation above 105°C cannot use the substitute part.

Q: What does press-fit termination mean, and is it consistent between these parts?

A: Press-fit termination is a solder-free connection method where connector contacts are mechanically pressed into plated through-holes on the printed circuit board. Both the 973028 and 6469081-1 use press-fit termination, ensuring consistent assembly and rework procedures.

Q: Why is the 973028 classified as obsolete, and what does this mean for procurement?

A: Obsolete status indicates the 973028 is no longer manufactured by TE Connectivity. Existing inventory may be available through authorized distributors, but long-term procurement cannot rely on new manufacturing. The active status of the 6469081-1 ensures ongoing availability for future orders.

Q: Are the electrical ratings (current and voltage) critical for substitution decisions?

A: Yes. The substitute part 6469081-1 specifies 0.700A current rating and 250V voltage rating. Applications requiring higher current or voltage specifications must verify compatibility with these ratings. The main part does not specify these ratings, requiring application-level analysis to determine if the substitute's ratings are adequate.

Q: What role does contact finish play in connector substitution?

A: Both connectors feature gold contact finish, which provides corrosion resistance and ensures reliable signal transmission. Gold plating thickness may vary (the substitute specifies 30.0µin / 0.76µm), but the presence of gold finish in both parts ensures compatibility in terms of contact reliability and environmental resistance.

Q: Can packaging differences (Tray versus Tube) affect substitution decisions?

A: Packaging differences do not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility. The 973028 is supplied in trays while the 6469081-1 is supplied in tubes. Packaging selection is determined by procurement volume and handling requirements, not by functional substitution criteria.