ACT96ME26SA Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ACT96ME26SA is a 26-position circular connector plug with female sockets manufactured by TE Connectivity Deutsch Connectors. This connector is qualified to MIL-DTL-38999 Series III specifications and features crimp termination, gold-plated mating contacts, and shielded construction for aerospace and military applications. The part is discontinued at DiGi Electronics, necessitating identification of equivalent substitute components that maintain functional and electrical compatibility.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Connector Type	Plug, Female Sockets
Number of Positions	26
Shell Size - Insert	17-26
Shell Size, MIL	E
Termination	Crimp
Fastening Type	Threaded
Orientation	A
Contact Finish - Mating	Gold
Contact Finish Thickness - Mating	50.0µin (1.27µm)
Shielding	Shielded
Current Rating	7.5A
Operating Temperature	-65°C ~ 200°C
Ingress Protection	Environment Resistant
Mounting Type	Free Hanging (In-Line)
MIL Qualification	MIL-DTL-38999 Series III

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the ACT96ME26SA is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Connector type: Plug with female sockets
Position count: 26 positions
Shell size classification: MIL size E with 17-26 insert designation
Termination method: Crimp
Fastening mechanism: Threaded coupling
Contact finish: Gold plating at 50.0µin (1.27µm) thickness
Shielding: Shielded construction
Orientation: A-type
MIL qualification: MIL-DTL-38999 Series III compliance

The substitute parts identified maintain these core parameters, ensuring mechanical and electrical interchangeability within the specified application envelope. Variations in shell material, shell finish, and operating temperature range do not preclude substitution when the above criteria are satisfied.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	ACT96ME26SA (TE Connectivity)	D38999/26FE26SA (Souriau-Sunbank)	D38999/26WE26SA (Amphenol)
Connector Type	Plug, Female Sockets	Plug, Female Sockets	Plug, Female Sockets
Number of Positions	26	26	26
Shell Size - Insert	17-26	17-26	17-26
Shell Size, MIL	E	E	E
Termination	Crimp	Crimp	Crimp
Fastening Type	Threaded	Threaded	Threaded
Orientation	A	A	A
Contact Finish - Mating	Gold	Gold	Gold
Contact Finish Thickness - Mating	50.0µin (1.27µm)	50.0µin (1.27µm)	50.0µin (1.27µm)
Shielding	Shielded	Shielded	Shielded
Mounting Type	Free Hanging (In-Line)	Free Hanging (In-Line)	Free Hanging (In-Line)
MIL Qualification	MIL-DTL-38999 Series III	MIL-DTL-38999 Series III	MIL-DTL-38999 Series III
Ingress Protection	Environment Resistant	Environment Resistant	Environment Resistant
Contact Material	Copper Alloy	Copper Alloy	Copper Alloy
Part Status	Discontinued	Active	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

D38999/26FE26SA (Souriau-Sunbank by Eaton): This substitute maintains full mechanical and electrical equivalence to the ACT96ME26SA. The part is currently active and available in inventory (1052 pcs). The D38999/26FE26SA achieves ROHS3 compliance and is REACH unaffected, providing regulatory advantages over the discontinued original part. This option is suitable for applications where regulatory compliance is a primary consideration.

D38999/26WE26SA (Amphenol Aerospace Operations): This substitute satisfies all critical substitution parameters and is actively produced by Amphenol Aerospace Operations. The part is available in inventory (856 pcs) and qualifies to MIL-DTL-38999 Series III. The D38999/26WE26SA features an aluminum shell with olive drab cadmium finish and operates across -65°C to 175°C, which is within the lower end of the original part's temperature range. This option is appropriate for aerospace and military applications requiring active production status and established supply chain support.

Both substitute parts are functionally equivalent for direct replacement in applications originally specified for the ACT96ME26SA.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can D38999/26FE26SA and D38999/26WE26SA be used interchangeably with ACT96ME26SA?

A: Both substitute parts maintain equivalence across all critical parameters: 26-position configuration, MIL size E shell, crimp termination, threaded fastening, gold-plated contacts at 50.0µin thickness, and MIL-DTL-38999 Series III qualification. They are functionally interchangeable for connector mating and electrical performance.

Q: What are the differences between the two substitute options?

A: The primary differences are manufacturer, shell material composition, shell finish, operating temperature range, and regulatory compliance status. D38999/26FE26SA (Souriau-Sunbank) offers ROHS3 compliance. D38999/26WE26SA (Amphenol) features an aluminum shell with olive drab cadmium finish and operates to 175°C maximum, compared to the original part's 200°C rating.

Q: Does the operating temperature difference affect substitution suitability?

A: The D38999/26WE26SA operates to -65°C ~ 175°C, which is 25°C lower than the original ACT96ME26SA specification of -65°C ~ 200°C. Substitution is appropriate only when the application's maximum operating temperature does not exceed 175°C.

Q: Are there packaging differences between the original and substitute parts?

A: The original ACT96ME26SA was supplied in unspecified packaging. Both substitute parts are supplied in bulk packaging, which may require adjustment to procurement and inventory management procedures.

Q: What is the inventory status of each option?

A: ACT96ME26SA is discontinued. D38999/26FE26SA has 1052 pcs in stock. D38999/26WE26SA has 856 pcs in stock. Both substitutes are actively produced and available for immediate procurement.

Q: Do the substitute parts maintain the same contact finish thickness?

A: Yes. All three parts specify 50.0µin (1.27µm) gold plating thickness on mating contacts, ensuring equivalent electrical contact resistance and durability characteristics.

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