CWN-351-16-0021 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The CWN-351-16-0021 is a rectangular connector header manufactured by CW Industries, designed for through-hole mounting applications. This 16-position, 2-row connector with 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch serves board-to-cable/wire interconnection in electronic assemblies. The part is currently active in production with 951 units in stock. Substitute parts are identified to address supply chain requirements, inventory availability, or specific application constraints while maintaining functional compatibility within the defined electrical and mechanical parameters.

Substiute Parts

CWN-351-16-0021

CW IndustriesIn Stock: 1014CWN-351-16-0021 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

71918-016LF

Amphenol ICC (FCI)In Stock: 98271918-016LF Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

D3408-6002-AR

3MIn Stock: 6604D3408-6002-AR Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

N3408-6002RB

3MIn Stock: 817N3408-6002RB Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

N3408-6003RB

3MIn Stock: 1008N3408-6003RB Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the CWN-351-16-0021 is determined by strict compliance with the following parameters:

Critical Parameters (Must Match Exactly):

• Number of Positions: 16
• Number of Rows: 2
• Pitch - Mating: 0.100" (2.54mm)
• Row Spacing - Mating: 0.100" (2.54mm)
• Connector Type: Header
• Contact Type: Male Pin
• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Shrouding: Shrouded - 4 Wall
• Termination: Solder
• Material Flammability Rating: UL94 V-0
• Moisture Sensitivity Level: 1 (Unlimited)

Allowable Variations:

• Contact Length - Mating: Variation permitted within mechanical envelope constraints
• Contact Length - Post: Variation permitted within solder joint and PCB clearance constraints
• Insulation Height: Minor variation permitted (±0.010")
• Contact Shape: Square or Circular acceptable
• Contact Finish - Mating: Gold acceptable with varying thickness
• Contact Finish - Post: Tin or Nickel acceptable
• Contact Material: Phosphor Bronze, Brass, or Copper Alloy acceptable
• Insulation Material: Thermoplastic or glass-filled variants acceptable
• Fastening Type: Latch Lock/Eject Hooks or Push-Pull acceptable
• Operating Temperature: Must support minimum -55°C ~ 105°C range
• Current Rating: Must support minimum 1A
• RoHS Status: ROHS3 or RoHS Compliant acceptable
• Packaging: Tube, Tray, or Bulk acceptable

The four substitute parts listed below meet all critical parameters and fall within allowable variations.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All four substitute parts maintain active product status and comply with UL94 V-0 flammability requirements and MSL 1 moisture sensitivity specifications. Selection among substitutes is based on the following considerations:

D3408-6002-AR (3M): Highest inventory availability at 6514 units. ROHS3 compliant. Supports 1.75A current rating, exceeding the 1A requirement. Operating temperature range of -55°C ~ 105°C meets minimum specifications. Tray packaging suitable for automated assembly processes.

N3408-6002RB (3M): RoHS compliant with 773 units in stock. Supports 1.75A current rating. Operating temperature range -55°C ~ 105°C. Bulk packaging. Contact post length of 0.112" (2.84mm) provides standard solder joint depth.

N3408-6003RB (3M): RoHS compliant with 977 units in stock. Supports 1.75A current rating. Operating temperature range -55°C ~ 105°C. Bulk packaging. Extended contact post length of 0.155" (3.94mm) accommodates thicker PCB assemblies or applications requiring deeper solder penetration.

71918-016LF (Amphenol ICC/FCI): RoHS compliant with 882 units in stock. Quickie™ series with GXT™ gold mating contact finish. Operating temperature and current rating not specified in available data. Tube packaging. Contact mating length of 0.228" (5.80mm) is 0.012" shorter than the main part.

The CWN-351-16-0021 operates to 125°C, which exceeds the 105°C maximum of the 3M substitutes. Applications requiring the full -55°C ~ 125°C range should prioritize the original part or 71918-016LF if operating temperature specifications are confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use these substitute parts interchangeably with the CWN-351-16-0021?

A: Yes, within the constraints of your specific application. All substitute parts share identical pitch (0.100"), position count (16), row configuration (2), shrouding (4-wall), and mounting method (through-hole solder). Differences in contact length, material composition, and post finish may affect solder joint characteristics and mechanical fit in specific PCB designs.

Q: What is the significance of contact length variations?

A: Contact length variations affect solder joint formation and mechanical engagement depth. The CWN-351-16-0021 has a 0.090" post length, while substitutes range from 0.112" to 0.155". Longer posts provide deeper solder penetration, beneficial for thick PCBs or high-vibration environments. Shorter posts reduce solder volume, suitable for space-constrained designs. PCB pad design and solder reflow profile must accommodate the selected contact length.

Q: Does the contact shape difference (circular vs. square) affect compatibility?

A: Contact shape does not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility. Both circular and square contacts provide equivalent current-carrying capacity and mating force characteristics at 0.100" pitch. Shape differences are manufacturing variations within the same functional class.

Q: Why do some substitutes have higher current ratings (1.75A vs. 1A)?

A: Higher current ratings indicate the contact's maximum safe current capacity. The CWN-351-16-0021 is rated for 1A per contact. Substitutes rated at 1.75A provide additional margin but do not require higher current in applications designed for 1A. The 1A specification of the original part remains the design constraint.

Q: What is the impact of operating temperature range differences?

A: The CWN-351-16-0021 operates from -55°C to 125°C. The 3M substitutes (D3408-6002-AR, N3408-6002RB, N3408-6003RB) operate from -55°C to 105°C. Applications requiring operation above 105°C must use the original part or confirm temperature capability with the substitute manufacturer. The 71918-016LF operating temperature is not specified and must be confirmed before use in temperature-critical applications.

Q: How do RoHS compliance levels affect part selection?

A: ROHS3 compliance (CWN-351-16-0021, D3408-6002-AR) includes restrictions on additional substances beyond RoHS2. RoHS compliant parts (71918-016LF, N3408-6002RB, N3408-6003RB) meet the core RoHS2 requirements. Selection depends on your product's regulatory requirements. ROHS3 compliance is required for certain markets and applications.

Q: Does packaging type affect the connector's performance?

A: Packaging (Tube, Tray, Bulk) does not affect electrical or mechanical performance. Packaging selection impacts handling, storage, and assembly automation compatibility. Tray packaging (D3408-6002-AR) is optimized for pick-and-place equipment. Tube and Bulk packaging are suitable for manual assembly or alternative handling systems.

Q: Can I mix different substitute parts in the same assembly?

A: Yes, provided all parts meet your application's electrical, mechanical, and environmental specifications. Mixing parts with different contact post lengths may create visual inconsistency in solder joint appearance but does not affect functionality if each part's post length is appropriate for your PCB thickness.

Q: What does the keying slot feature provide?

A: The keying slot prevents incorrect mating orientation, ensuring connectors are inserted in the correct polarity. All listed parts include this feature, maintaining polarization protection across substitutions.