ACT96WD18PB Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ACT96WD18PB 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 gold-plated crimp contacts, composite shell construction, and shielded design for environment-resistant performance. The part is discontinued at DiGi Electronics, necessitating identification of equivalent substitute components that maintain functional and electrical compatibility while meeting current availability and compliance requirements.

Substiute Parts

ACT96WD18PB

TE Connectivity Deutsch ConnectorsIn Stock: 869ACT96WD18PB Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

CTVS06RF-15-18PB

Amphenol Aerospace OperationsIn Stock: 868CTVS06RF-15-18PB Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

CTVS06RF-15-18PB-LC

Amphenol Aerospace OperationsIn Stock: 885CTVS06RF-15-18PB-LC Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the ACT96WD18PB are identified based on strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

• Number of Positions: 18
• Shell Size - Insert: 15-18
• Series: MIL-DTL-38999 Series III
• Connector Type: Plug, Male Pins
• Termination: Crimp
• Fastening Type: Threaded
• Orientation: B
• Mounting Type: Free Hanging (In-Line)
• Shell Material: Composite
• Contact Finish - Mating: Gold
• Contact Finish Thickness - Mating: 50.0µin (1.27µm)
• Contact Material: Copper Alloy
• Shielding: Shielded
• Ingress Protection: Environment Resistant

Substitute parts must maintain compatibility across all listed parameters. Variations in shell finish, color, operating temperature range, and RoHS compliance status are permissible when the core electrical and mechanical specifications remain equivalent.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

CTVS06RF-15-18PB (Primary Substitute): This part is the direct functional equivalent to the ACT96WD18PB. Both are 18-position MIL-DTL-38999 Series III circular connector plugs with male pins, crimp termination, and identical shell size, orientation, and mounting configuration. The CTVS06RF-15-18PB maintains all critical electrical and mechanical parameters including gold contact finish, copper alloy contact material, and shielded design. The substitute features an extended operating temperature range (-65°C to 200°C versus -65°C to 175°C) and ROHS3 compliance, providing enhanced environmental performance. The part is currently active in production with confirmed inventory availability.

CTVS06RF-15-18PB-LC (Secondary Substitute): This part is a plug housing variant designed for the same 18-position MIL-DTL-38999 Series III connector system. It is suitable only when housing replacement is required without contact replacement. This part does not include contacts and is not a direct substitute for complete connector assemblies. Use this part only when the existing contact set remains serviceable or when contacts are sourced separately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can CTVS06RF-15-18PB directly replace ACT96WD18PB in existing assemblies?

A: Yes. Both connectors share identical mechanical and electrical specifications for the 18-position MIL-DTL-38999 Series III platform, including shell size, pin count, crimp termination, threaded fastening, and orientation. The connectors are mechanically and electrically interchangeable.

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

A: CTVS06RF-15-18PB is a complete connector plug assembly with male pins and contacts. CTVS06RF-15-18PB-LC is a housing-only component without contacts included. The housing variant is used for replacement of damaged shells when contacts remain serviceable.

Q: Does the extended operating temperature range of the substitute affect compatibility?

A: No. The CTVS06RF-15-18PB operates from -65°C to 200°C, which encompasses the original ACT96WD18PB operating range of -65°C to 175°C. The extended range provides additional thermal margin without affecting compatibility in applications within the original temperature specification.

Q: Are there RoHS compliance implications when substituting the ACT96WD18PB?

A: The ACT96WD18PB is RoHS non-compliant, while CTVS06RF-15-18PB is ROHS3 compliant. For applications subject to RoHS requirements, the substitute provides compliance. For legacy systems without RoHS mandates, both parts are functionally equivalent.

Q: What is the significance of the shell finish difference between Olive Drab Cadmium and Electroless Nickel?

A: Shell finish affects corrosion resistance and environmental durability. Electroless nickel provides superior corrosion protection compared to cadmium finishes. Both finishes are suitable for aerospace and military applications. The choice depends on specific environmental exposure requirements and application standards.

Q: Can the current rating difference affect part selection?

A: The ACT96WD18PB specifies 7.5A current rating. The CTVS06RF-15-18PB does not specify a current rating in available documentation. For applications requiring confirmed current capacity verification, consult manufacturer datasheets or contact the supplier for complete electrical specifications.

Q: Are crimp contact specifications identical between the main part and substitutes?

A: Yes. Both the ACT96WD18PB and CTVS06RF-15-18PB use crimp termination with copper alloy contacts finished with 50.0µin (1.27µm) gold plating. Existing crimp contacts and tooling are compatible across both connector types.