M20-7873842 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The M20-7873842 is a 78-position rectangular receptacle connector manufactured by Harwin Inc., designed for board-to-board or cable applications with 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch spacing. This surface mount connector features gold-plated mating contacts, push-pull fastening, and operates across -40°C to 105°C. The product is classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent alternatives necessary for ongoing system support and procurement planning.

Substiute Parts

M20-7873842

Harwin Inc.In Stock: 1039M20-7873842 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

0015445876

MolexIn Stock: 10590015445876 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the M20-7873842 is constrained by the following critical parameters:

• Connector Type & Pitch: Receptacle configuration with 0.100" (2.54mm) mating pitch is the primary compatibility criterion
• Position Count: 78 positions defines the contact density and mating interface
• Number of Rows: 2-row configuration establishes the physical layout
• Contact Finish: Gold plating on mating contacts ensures signal integrity and corrosion resistance
• Fastening Type: Push-pull mechanism provides consistent mating force
• Electrical Ratings: Current (3A) and voltage (1000V) establish maximum operational parameters
• Temperature Range: -40°C to 105°C defines environmental operating limits
• Compliance: RoHS3 compliance is mandatory for modern procurement

The substitute part 0015445876 (Molex C-Grid 71850) shares the core pitch, row configuration, contact finish, and fastening mechanism. However, differences in position count (76 vs. 78), mounting type (through-hole vs. surface mount), and electrical ratings must be evaluated for specific application requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The M20-7873842 is obsolete; however, direct replacement with identical specifications is not available through the provided substitute list. The Molex 0015445876 offers functional compatibility in core parameters (pitch, row configuration, contact finish, fastening mechanism) but introduces the following trade-offs:

• Position Count Reduction: 76 positions versus 78 positions requires verification that the application can accommodate reduced contact density
• Mounting Type Change: Through-hole termination versus surface mount requires PCB redesign and assembly process modification
• Electrical Rating Reduction: 2.5A current and 500VAC voltage ratings are lower than the original 3A and 1000V specifications; applications operating near these limits require re-evaluation
• Temperature Range Extension: The substitute supports -40°C to 125°C, exceeding the original -40°C to 105°C range
• Compliance Alignment: Both parts maintain RoHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating, ensuring regulatory continuity

Selection of the Molex substitute is appropriate only when the application can tolerate the specified parameter differences and PCB-level modifications are feasible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the Molex 0015445876 directly replace the Harwin M20-7873842 without PCB modification?

A: No. The mounting type differs (through-hole vs. surface mount), requiring PCB footprint redesign and assembly process changes. Additionally, the position count reduction (76 vs. 78) may affect connector alignment and mating interface compatibility.

Q: What is the impact of the 2-position reduction in the Molex substitute?

A: The Molex part provides 76 positions instead of 78. Applications utilizing all 78 positions in the original design cannot use this substitute without signal routing modifications or acceptance of unused contact positions.

Q: Are the electrical ratings of the Molex substitute adequate for applications using the full 3A and 1000V specifications?

A: The Molex substitute is rated for 2.5A and 500VAC, which are lower than the original specifications. Applications requiring the full 3A current or 1000V voltage must verify that the substitute's reduced ratings are acceptable for the intended use case.

Q: Do both connectors share the same mating pitch and row spacing?

A: Yes. Both the Harwin M20-7873842 and Molex 0015445876 feature 0.100" (2.54mm) mating pitch and 0.100" (2.54mm) row spacing, ensuring compatibility at the connector interface level.

Q: What are the packaging and inventory considerations?

A: The Harwin M20-7873842 is available in 1014 pieces (new original stock) with unspecified packaging. The Molex 0015445876 is available in 1028 pieces (new original stock) packaged in trays.

Q: Are both parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. Both the M20-7873842 and 0015445876 are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 (unlimited) moisture sensitivity ratings, meeting current regulatory requirements.