ACT96WD18PN Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ACT96WD18PN 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 discontinued at DiGi Electronics, necessitating identification of equivalent alternatives that maintain functional and electrical compatibility for ongoing system support and new installations.

Substiute Parts

ACT96WD18PN

TE Connectivity Deutsch ConnectorsIn Stock: 800ACT96WD18PN Datasheet

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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

Substitute parts for the ACT96WD18PN are identified based on strict electrical and mechanical parameter alignment within the MIL-DTL-38999 Series III circular connector category. The following parameters establish substitution eligibility:

Critical Matching Parameters:

• Connector type: Plug with male pins
• Position count: 18 positions
• Shell size insert range: 15-18
• Termination method: Crimp
• Fastening mechanism: Threaded
• Contact finish: Gold plating on mating surfaces
• Shielding: Shielded construction
• Mounting configuration: Free hanging (in-line)

Acceptable Variation Parameters:

• Orientation: Normal (N) orientation preferred; alternative orientation (A) acceptable with mechanical verification
• Operating temperature: Minimum -65°C to maximum 175°C required; higher maximum ratings acceptable
• Contact finish thickness: 50.0µin baseline; higher thickness values acceptable
• Shell material: Composite or stainless steel both acceptable
• Shell finish: Olive drab cadmium, electroless nickel, or passivated finishes acceptable
• Current rating: 7.5A minimum required
• RoHS compliance: Both compliant and non-compliant parts listed; selection depends on application requirements

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

CTVS06RF-15-18P (Amphenol Aerospace Operations)

This substitute provides the closest functional alignment to the ACT96WD18PN. It matches all critical parameters: 18-position plug with male pins, crimp termination, threaded fastening, normal orientation, gold-plated contacts, and shielded construction. The part operates across an extended temperature range (-65°C to 200°C), exceeding the original specification. Contact finish thickness matches at 50.0µin (1.27µm). The connector is currently active in production and carries ROHS3 compliance, supporting modern procurement requirements. Amphenol Aerospace Operations maintains established supply channels for this part.

CTVS06RF-15-18HA (Amphenol Aerospace Operations)

This alternative meets all critical substitution parameters with one exception: orientation is specified as A (Alternative) rather than N (Normal). This part features enhanced contact finish thickness at 100.0µin (2.54µm), providing increased durability. Operating temperature range extends to 200°C. The connector is active and ROHS3 compliant. Selection of this part requires mechanical verification that alternative orientation accommodates the application's mating interface.

D38999/26KD18PN (Souriau-Sunbank by Eaton)

This substitute maintains full parameter compatibility with the ACT96WD18PN, including shell size MIL-D specification, normal orientation, and 7.5A current rating. The stainless steel shell with passivated finish provides enhanced environmental resistance compared to the composite shell of the original part. Operating temperature extends to 200°C. The part is currently active. RoHS non-compliance matches the original part status. This option is suitable for applications requiring superior corrosion resistance.

D38999/26WD18PN (Glenair)

Limited technical specification data is provided for this part. Documented parameters include active product status and MIL-DTL-38999 Series III compliance. Insufficient data prevents complete parameter verification against the ACT96WD18PN baseline. This part should be selected only when additional technical documentation confirms compatibility with all critical parameters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can CTVS06RF-15-18HA be used as a direct replacement for ACT96WD18PN despite the orientation difference?

A: The CTVS06RF-15-18HA features alternative (A) orientation rather than normal (N) orientation. While all other electrical and mechanical parameters align, the orientation difference affects the physical mating interface geometry. Direct substitution requires mechanical verification that the alternative orientation accommodates the existing mating connector and cable routing within the application.

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

A: Contact finish thickness affects contact durability and wear resistance. The ACT96WD18PN specifies 50.0µin (1.27µm) gold plating. CTVS06RF-15-18HA provides 100.0µin (2.54µm), offering enhanced durability for high-cycle mating applications. CTVS06RF-15-18P and D38999/26KD18PN match the original 50.0µin specification. Higher thickness values provide extended service life without compromising electrical performance.

Q: Why is operating temperature range extended in substitute parts?

A: The ACT96WD18PN operates from -65°C to 175°C. Substitute parts from Amphenol and Souriau-Sunbank extend the maximum to 200°C. This extended range reflects design improvements in materials and construction. Applications operating within the original -65°C to 175°C window remain fully compatible with substitutes rated to 200°C.

Q: What is the difference between composite and stainless steel shell materials?

A: The ACT96WD18PN features a composite shell with olive drab cadmium finish. D38999/26KD18PN uses stainless steel with passivated finish. Stainless steel provides superior corrosion resistance in harsh marine and high-humidity environments. Composite shells offer lighter weight and cost efficiency. Both materials meet MIL-DTL-38999 Series III specifications and maintain equivalent electrical performance.

Q: Are RoHS-compliant substitutes interchangeable with the non-compliant original part?

A: CTVS06RF-15-18P and CTVS06RF-15-18HA are ROHS3 compliant, while ACT96WD18PN and D38999/26KD18PN are non-compliant. Electrical and mechanical compatibility remains unchanged. Selection depends on procurement requirements: RoHS compliance is mandatory for applications subject to EU regulations or customer specifications; non-compliant parts are acceptable for legacy systems or applications without RoHS mandates.

Q: What inventory considerations apply to substitute selection?

A: Current inventory levels are: ACT96WD18PN (775 pcs), CTVS06RF-15-18HA (796 pcs), CTVS06RF-15-18P (1034 pcs), D38999/26KD18PN (892 pcs), and D38999/26WD18PN (858 pcs). CTVS06RF-15-18P offers the highest available stock. For applications requiring immediate delivery or large-volume procurement, inventory availability should factor into substitute selection alongside technical compatibility.

Q: How do I verify that D38999/26WD18PN is compatible when limited specifications are provided?

A: D38999/26WD18PN documentation lacks detailed electrical and mechanical parameters. Before selection, obtain complete technical specifications from Glenair confirming: 18-position configuration, crimp termination, threaded fastening, gold-plated contacts, shielded construction, and operating temperature range. Cross-reference against MIL-DTL-38999 Series III standards to ensure full compatibility with the ACT96WD18PN baseline.