ACT96ME35PA Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ACT96ME35PA is a 55-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 discontinued at DiGi Electronics, necessitating identification of equivalent substitute components that maintain functional and electrical compatibility for ongoing system support and procurement.

Substiute Parts

ACT96ME35PA
TE Connectivity Deutsch ConnectorsIn Stock: 1167ACT96ME35PA Datasheet
ACT96ME35PA
Current Part
D38999/26WE35PA
Amphenol Aerospace OperationsIn Stock: 1027D38999/26WE35PA Datasheet
D38999/26WE35PA
Similar
D38999/26WE35PA
Amphenol Aerospace OperationsIn Stock: 1027D38999/26WE35PA Datasheet
D38999/26WE35PA
Similar

Key Parameters

Parameter Value
Connector Type Plug, Male Pins
Number of Positions 55
Shell Size - Insert 17-35
Shell Size, MIL E
Termination Crimp
Fastening Type Threaded
Orientation A
Shielding Shielded
Contact Finish - Mating Gold
Contact Finish Thickness - Mating 50.0µin (1.27µm)
Operating Temperature Range -65°C ~ 200°C
Current Rating 5A
Mounting Type Free Hanging (In-Line)
Series Qualification MIL-DTL-38999 Series III

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the ACT96ME35PA is determined by strict adherence to the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

  • Connector type: Plug with male pins
  • Position count: 55 positions
  • Shell size specifications: Insert 17-35, MIL size E
  • Termination method: Crimp
  • Fastening mechanism: Threaded
  • Orientation: A
  • Shielding: Shielded configuration
  • Contact finish: Gold plating at 50.0µin (1.27µm) thickness
  • MIL-DTL-38999 Series III qualification

Compatible Substitute: The D38999/26WE35PA manufactured by Amphenol Aerospace Operations satisfies all mandatory matching parameters. This substitute maintains identical mechanical and electrical interface specifications, enabling direct replacement in applications requiring 55-position circular connectors with the specified shell size, crimp termination, and military qualification.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter ACT96ME35PA (TE Connectivity) D38999/26WE35PA (Amphenol) Compatibility
Connector Type Plug, Male Pins Plug, Male Pins Match
Number of Positions 55 55 Match
Shell Size - Insert 17-35 17-35 Match
Shell Size, MIL E E Match
Termination Crimp Crimp Match
Fastening Type Threaded Threaded Match
Orientation A A Match
Shielding Shielded Shielded Match
Contact Finish - Mating Gold Gold Match
Contact Finish Thickness - Mating 50.0µin (1.27µm) 50.0µin (1.27µm) Match
Series Qualification MIL-DTL-38999 Series III, ACT MIL-DTL-38999 Series III, Tri-Start™ TV Match
Operating Temperature Range -65°C ~ 200°C -65°C ~ 175°C Amphenol rated to 175°C minimum
Current Rating 5A Not specified ACT96ME35PA specifies 5A
Part Status Discontinued at DiGi Electronics Active Substitute is active
RoHS Status RoHS non-compliant RoHS non-compliant Match
Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 (Unlimited) 1 (Unlimited) Match

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The D38999/26WE35PA is the qualified substitute for the discontinued ACT96ME35PA based on the following engineering criteria:

Functional Equivalence: Both connectors meet MIL-DTL-38999 Series III specifications with identical mechanical interfaces, pin configurations, and electrical contact specifications. The 55-position male plug configuration, shell size E, crimp termination, and threaded fastening are identical across both parts.

Compliance Status: Both parts are RoHS non-compliant and carry MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity ratings, indicating equivalent environmental handling requirements. The D38999/26WE35PA is currently active in production with Amphenol Aerospace Operations, ensuring ongoing availability for procurement and support.

Operating Conditions: The ACT96ME35PA operates across -65°C to 200°C, while the D38999/26WE35PA operates across -65°C to 175°C. Applications requiring operation above 175°C must retain the original ACT96ME35PA specification. For applications within the -65°C to 175°C range, the substitute provides equivalent thermal performance.

Contact and Shielding Specifications: Gold-plated mating contacts at 50.0µin (1.27µm) thickness are identical on both parts, ensuring equivalent electrical performance and corrosion resistance. Shielded construction is maintained on both connectors for electromagnetic interference protection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the D38999/26WE35PA directly replace the ACT96ME35PA in all applications?

A: The D38999/26WE35PA is mechanically and electrically compatible with the ACT96ME35PA for applications operating within -65°C to 175°C. Applications requiring operation above 175°C must use the original ACT96ME35PA specification, as the substitute is rated to 175°C maximum.

Q: What are the key compatibility criteria for this substitution?

A: Compatibility is determined by matching connector type (plug, male pins), position count (55), shell size (17-35 insert, E MIL), termination method (crimp), fastening type (threaded), orientation (A), shielding (shielded), contact finish (gold at 50.0µin), and MIL-DTL-38999 Series III qualification. All these parameters are identical between the two parts.

Q: Are there differences in shell material between these connectors?

A: Yes. The ACT96ME35PA features a composite shell material with nickel finish, while the D38999/26WE35PA features an aluminum shell with olive drab cadmium finish. Both materials provide equivalent shielding and environmental resistance for the specified applications.

Q: What is the current rating for the D38999/26WE35PA?

A: The current rating for the D38999/26WE35PA is not specified in the available technical data. The ACT96ME35PA is rated at 5A. Applications with specific current requirements should verify the D38999/26WE35PA rating with Amphenol Aerospace Operations.

Q: Are both parts compliant with RoHS regulations?

A: No. Both the ACT96ME35PA and D38999/26WE35PA are RoHS non-compliant. Applications requiring RoHS compliance must identify alternative connector solutions.

Q: What is the inventory status of these parts?

A: The ACT96ME35PA is discontinued at DiGi Electronics with 1076 pieces in stock. The D38999/26WE35PA is active with Amphenol Aerospace Operations and has 1013 pieces in stock. The substitute part offers ongoing availability for future procurement.

Q: Do both connectors use the same contact material?

A: Yes. Both the ACT96ME35PA and D38999/26WE35PA use copper alloy contacts with identical gold plating thickness of 50.0µin (1.27µm), ensuring equivalent electrical performance and contact reliability.

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