ACT96MD18PN Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ACT96MD18PN is an 18-position circular connector plug with male pins, manufactured by TE Connectivity Deutsch Connectors. This connector is designed for aerospace and military applications, featuring crimp termination, gold-plated mating contacts, and shielded construction compliant with MIL-DTL-38999 Series III specifications. The part is currently discontinued at DiGi Electronics, necessitating identification of equivalent alternatives that maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility for ongoing system support and new installations.

Substiute Parts

ACT96MD18PN

TE Connectivity Deutsch ConnectorsIn Stock: 763ACT96MD18PN Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

CTVS06RF-15-18HA

Amphenol Aerospace OperationsIn Stock: 874CTVS06RF-15-18HA Datasheet

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CTVS06RF-15-18P

Amphenol Aerospace OperationsIn Stock: 1112CTVS06RF-15-18P Datasheet

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D38999/26KD18PN

Souriau-Sunbank by EatonIn Stock: 978D38999/26KD18PN Datasheet

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D38999/26KD18PN

Souriau-Sunbank by EatonIn Stock: 978D38999/26KD18PN Datasheet

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D38999/26WD18PN

GlenairIn Stock: 967D38999/26WD18PN Datasheet

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D38999/26WD18PN

GlenairIn Stock: 967D38999/26WD18PN Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the ACT96MD18PN is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Critical Compatibility Parameters:

• Connector type (Plug, Male Pins)
• Number of positions (18)
• Shell size classification (15-18 insert size, MIL Size D)
• Termination method (Crimp)
• Fastening mechanism (Threaded)
• Contact finish (Gold plating)
• Shielding requirement (Shielded)
• Operating temperature range (-65°C ~ 200°C)
• Current rating (7.5A minimum)
• Series compliance (MIL-DTL-38999 Series III)

Substitute parts must satisfy all critical parameters to ensure direct mechanical and electrical interchangeability. Variations in shell material, shell finish, contact finish thickness, orientation, or RoHS compliance do not preclude substitution when all critical parameters align.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (Full Compatibility):

The CTVS06RF-15-18P manufactured by Amphenol Aerospace Operations is the preferred substitute for the ACT96MD18PN. This part maintains identical critical parameters including 18-position configuration, MIL-DTL-38999 Series III compliance, crimp termination, threaded fastening, gold contact finish, shielded construction, and -65°C to 200°C operating temperature range. The CTVS06RF-15-18P is currently active in production with 1034 units in stock and achieves ROHS3 compliance, providing enhanced environmental compliance over the discontinued original part.

The CTVS06RF-15-18HA is an alternative Amphenol Aerospace substitute with identical core specifications. The primary distinction is orientation designation (A versus N), which does not affect electrical or mechanical interchangeability for standard applications. This part is also ROHS3 compliant and maintains full MIL-DTL-38999 Series III compatibility.

Secondary Substitutes (Equivalent Functionality):

The D38999/26KD18PN manufactured by Souriau-Sunbank by Eaton provides equivalent electrical and mechanical performance. This part matches the original ACT96MD18PN in shell size (MIL D), current rating (7.5A), contact finish thickness (50.0µin), and operating temperature range. The D38999/26KD18PN features stainless steel construction with passivated finish and IP67 ingress protection, offering enhanced environmental resistance. This part remains active in production with 892 units in stock.

The D38999/26WD18PN manufactured by Glenair is listed as an equivalent substitute. However, complete technical specifications for this part are not fully documented in available parameters, limiting detailed compatibility verification.

Compliance Considerations:

For applications requiring RoHS3 compliance, the Amphenol Aerospace CTVS06RF series (both 15-18HA and 15-18P variants) are the appropriate selections. For applications where RoHS non-compliance is acceptable or required, the D38999/26KD18PN maintains compatibility with the original part's compliance status.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the CTVS06RF-15-18P directly replace the ACT96MD18PN in existing assemblies?

A: Yes. The CTVS06RF-15-18P maintains all critical electrical and mechanical parameters required for direct substitution, including 18-position configuration, MIL-DTL-38999 Series III compliance, crimp termination, threaded fastening, gold contact finish, shielded construction, and identical operating temperature range (-65°C to 200°C).

Q: What is the difference between CTVS06RF-15-18HA and CTVS06RF-15-18P?

A: The primary difference is connector orientation designation. The CTVS06RF-15-18HA specifies orientation A, while the CTVS06RF-15-18P specifies orientation N (Normal). Both parts are otherwise identical in electrical and mechanical specifications and are interchangeable for standard applications. The ACT96MD18PN uses orientation N, making the CTVS06RF-15-18P the more direct match.

Q: Does the D38999/26KD18PN offer any advantages over the Amphenol alternatives?

A: The D38999/26KD18PN features stainless steel shell construction with passivated finish and IP67 ingress protection (dust tight, waterproof), compared to the composite shell construction of the Amphenol parts. This provides enhanced environmental resistance for applications requiring superior moisture and corrosion protection. All three parts maintain equivalent electrical performance and MIL-DTL-38999 Series III compliance.

Q: Are there RoHS compliance differences between substitutes?

A: Yes. The Amphenol Aerospace CTVS06RF series (both variants) are ROHS3 compliant, while the ACT96MD18PN and D38999/26KD18PN are RoHS non-compliant. For new designs or applications requiring RoHS3 compliance, the Amphenol parts are the appropriate selection.

Q: What is the significance of contact finish thickness differences?

A: The ACT96MD18PN and D38999/26KD18PN both specify 50.0µin (1.27µm) contact finish thickness, while the CTVS06RF-15-18HA specifies 100.0µin (2.54µm). Both thicknesses meet MIL-DTL-38999 Series III requirements. The thicker finish on the CTVS06RF-15-18HA provides extended contact life and wear resistance for high-cycle mating applications.

Q: Can these connectors be used interchangeably in aerospace and military applications?

A: All substitute parts listed are qualified for aerospace, military, and aviation applications. The ACT96MD18PN, CTVS06RF series, and D38999/26KD18PN all comply with MIL-DTL-38999 Series III specifications and are suitable for these application domains. Specific application requirements should be verified against individual system specifications.

Q: What inventory availability should be considered for procurement?

A: Current inventory levels are: CTVS06RF-15-18P (1034 units), D38999/26KD18PN (892 units), CTVS06RF-15-18HA (796 units), and D38999/26WD18PN (858 units). The CTVS06RF-15-18P offers the highest availability for immediate procurement needs.