ACT96MD18PB Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ACT96MD18PB is an 18-position circular connector plug with male pins manufactured by TE Connectivity Deutsch Connectors. This component is designed for aerospace and military applications requiring shielded, crimp-terminated connections with gold-plated mating surfaces. The part is discontinued at DiGi Electronics, necessitating identification of functionally equivalent alternatives that maintain compliance with MIL-DTL-38999 Series III specifications and operational requirements.

Substiute Parts

ACT96MD18PB
TE Connectivity Deutsch ConnectorsIn Stock: 1041ACT96MD18PB Datasheet
ACT96MD18PB
Current Part
CTVS06RF-15-18PB
Amphenol Aerospace OperationsIn Stock: 868CTVS06RF-15-18PB Datasheet
CTVS06RF-15-18PB
Similar
CTVS06RF-15-18PB-LC
Amphenol Aerospace OperationsIn Stock: 885CTVS06RF-15-18PB-LC Datasheet
CTVS06RF-15-18PB-LC
Similar

Key Parameters

Parameter Value
Manufacturer Part Number ACT96MD18PB
Connector Type Plug, Male Pins
Number of Positions 18
Shell Size - Insert 15-18
Series MIL-DTL-38999 Series III
Termination Crimp
Fastening Type Threaded
Orientation B
Shielding Shielded
Contact Finish - Mating Gold
Contact Finish Thickness - Mating 50.0µin (1.27µm)
Operating Temperature Range -65°C ~ 200°C
Current Rating 7.5A
Mounting Type Free Hanging (In-Line)
Shell Material Composite
Contact Material Copper Alloy
Ingress Protection Environment Resistant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the ACT96MD18PB are identified based on strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

  • MIL-DTL-38999 Series III compliance
  • 18-position configuration
  • Shell size 15-18
  • Male pin connector type
  • Crimp termination method
  • Threaded fastening
  • Orientation B
  • Shielded design
  • Gold contact finish at 50.0µin (1.27µm) thickness
  • Operating temperature range -65°C ~ 200°C
  • Free hanging (in-line) mounting
  • Composite shell material
  • Copper alloy contacts
  • Environment resistant ingress protection

Substitute parts meeting these parameters are classified as direct functional equivalents suitable for replacement in applications where the ACT96MD18PB was originally specified.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter ACT96MD18PB (Main Part) CTVS06RF-15-18PB (Substitute 1) CTVS06RF-15-18PB-LC (Substitute 2)
Manufacturer TE Connectivity Deutsch Connectors Amphenol Aerospace Operations Amphenol Aerospace Operations
Connector Type Plug, Male Pins Plug, Male Pins Plug Housing (For Male Pins)
Number of Positions 18 18 18
Shell Size - Insert 15-18 15-18 15-18
Series MIL-DTL-38999 Series III, ACT MIL-DTL-38999 Series III, Tri-Start™ TV MIL-DTL-38999 Series III, Tri-Start™ TV
Termination Crimp Crimp Crimp
Fastening Type Threaded Threaded Threaded
Orientation B B B
Shielding Shielded Shielded Shielded
Contact Finish - Mating Gold Gold Gold
Contact Finish Thickness - Mating 50.0µin (1.27µm) 50.0µin (1.27µm) 50.0µin (1.27µm)
Operating Temperature Range -65°C ~ 200°C -65°C ~ 200°C -65°C ~ 200°C
Mounting Type Free Hanging (In-Line) Free Hanging (In-Line) Free Hanging (In-Line)
Shell Material Composite Composite Composite
Contact Material Copper Alloy Copper Alloy Copper Alloy
Ingress Protection Environment Resistant Environment Resistant Environment Resistant
Product Status Discontinued at DiGi Electronics Active Active
RoHS Status RoHS non-compliant ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant
Current Inventory 1019 Pcs 835 Pcs 779 Pcs

Engineering Selection Recommendations

CTVS06RF-15-18PB is a direct functional equivalent to the ACT96MD18PB. Both components are complete plug assemblies with male pins, crimp termination, and identical electrical and mechanical specifications. The CTVS06RF-15-18PB is currently active in production and carries ROHS3 compliance, providing regulatory advantage over the discontinued ACT96MD18PB. The Amphenol Aerospace Operations Tri-Start™ TV series maintains full MIL-DTL-38999 Series III compliance with self-locking coupling nut features.

CTVS06RF-15-18PB-LC is a plug housing component designed for male pins and is not a complete assembly equivalent. This part is suitable only for applications requiring a replacement housing shell without integrated pin contacts. Selection of this component requires separate procurement of compatible crimp contacts and assembly procedures.

For direct replacement applications where the ACT96MD18PB was originally specified, CTVS06RF-15-18PB is the appropriate selection. For housing-only replacement scenarios, CTVS06RF-15-18PB-LC is applicable with the understanding that contacts must be sourced and installed separately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can CTVS06RF-15-18PB directly replace ACT96MD18PB in existing assemblies?

A: Yes. Both components meet identical MIL-DTL-38999 Series III specifications for 18-position circular connectors with male pins, crimp termination, threaded fastening, and gold-plated contacts. Physical and electrical compatibility is maintained across all critical parameters.

Q: What is the difference between CTVS06RF-15-18PB and CTVS06RF-15-18PB-LC?

A: CTVS06RF-15-18PB is a complete plug assembly with integrated male pin contacts. CTVS06RF-15-18PB-LC is a housing shell only and does not include contacts. The -LC designation indicates a connector housing component requiring separate contact procurement and installation.

Q: Does the RoHS3 compliance of the Amphenol substitute parts affect compatibility?

A: No. RoHS3 compliance is a regulatory advantage and does not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility. The substitute parts maintain all functional equivalence to the ACT96MD18PB while meeting current environmental compliance standards.

Q: Are the operating temperature ranges identical across all three parts?

A: Yes. All three components operate across the -65°C to 200°C temperature range, ensuring thermal compatibility in aerospace and military applications.

Q: What is the significance of the self-locking coupling nut feature on the Amphenol parts?

A: The self-locking coupling nut is an additional feature that prevents unintended disconnection during vibration or mechanical stress. This feature enhances reliability in demanding aerospace and military environments without compromising compatibility with standard threaded fastening requirements.

Q: Can CTVS06RF-15-18PB-LC be used as a complete replacement for ACT96MD18PB?

A: No. CTVS06RF-15-18PB-LC is a housing component only and lacks integrated contacts. Complete replacement requires CTVS06RF-15-18PB or equivalent full assemblies. The -LC variant is suitable only for housing replacement in applications where contacts are being reused or sourced separately.

Q: Are inventory levels a factor in component selection?

A: Inventory availability should be evaluated based on project timeline and supply chain requirements. Current stock levels are: ACT96MD18PB (1019 Pcs), CTVS06RF-15-18PB (835 Pcs), and CTVS06RF-15-18PB-LC (779 Pcs). All parts are available in quantities suitable for production applications.

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