MMCX-LP-178B/U Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MMCX-LP-178B/U is a right-angle MMCX connector plug manufactured by Hirose Electric Co Ltd, designed for 50-ohm coaxial applications with RG-178B cable compatibility. This connector features solder termination for the center contact and crimp termination for the shield, operating across a frequency range up to 6 GHz. The product is currently listed as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent alternatives essential for ongoing system maintenance and new design implementations where this connector type is specified.

Substiute Parts

MMCX-LP-178B/U

Hirose Electric Co LtdIn Stock: 915MMCX-LP-178B/U Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

908-43200

Amphenol RFIn Stock: 1277908-43200 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the MMCX-LP-178B/U is determined by strict alignment across the following critical parameters:

• Connector Style: MMCX (industry-standard miniature coaxial interface)
• Connector Type: Plug, Male Pin (mating interface specification)
• Impedance: 50 Ohms (RF transmission characteristic)
• Mounting Type: Free Hanging (In-Line), Right Angle (physical orientation and installation method)
• Contact Termination: Solder (electrical connection method)
• Shield Termination: Crimp (shielding connection method)
• Frequency - Max: 6 GHz (operational bandwidth)
• Fastening Type: Snap-On (mechanical coupling mechanism)

The substitute part 908-43200 (Amphenol RF) meets all these core substitution criteria. While the substitute part supports an extended cable group compatibility (RG-178, 178A, 178B, 196, 196A, M17/93-RG178) compared to the original RG-178B specification, this represents functional enhancement rather than limitation. The substitute maintains identical electrical and mechanical interface specifications required for direct replacement.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The 908-43200 (Amphenol RF) serves as a direct functional equivalent to the obsolete MMCX-LP-178B/U. Selection of this substitute is supported by the following engineering factors:

Product Status: The substitute part maintains active production status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain continuity compared to the obsolete original part.

Compliance Certifications: The substitute achieves ROHS3 compliance, meeting current regulatory requirements for electronic component manufacturing. The original part is RoHS non-compliant, making the substitute preferable for applications subject to RoHS directives.

Electrical and Mechanical Compatibility: All core interface parameters—impedance, connector style, termination methods, frequency rating, and fastening mechanism—are identical between the original and substitute parts, ensuring direct replacement capability in existing circuit designs.

Operating Temperature Range: The substitute part extends the operating temperature range to -65°C ~ 165°C, providing enhanced thermal performance compared to the original -55°C ~ 85°C specification. This represents a functional improvement for applications requiring extended temperature operation.

Cable Compatibility: The substitute supports the original RG-178B cable specification plus additional cable types (RG-178, 178A, 196, 196A, M17/93-RG178), offering design flexibility without compromising the original application requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 908-43200 directly replace the MMCX-LP-178B/U in existing assemblies?

A: Yes. Both connectors share identical electrical and mechanical interface specifications: MMCX plug configuration, 50-ohm impedance, right-angle free-hanging mounting, solder center contact termination, crimp shield termination, 6 GHz frequency rating, and snap-on fastening. Direct substitution is supported without circuit modification.

Q: What is the significance of the extended cable group compatibility in the substitute part?

A: The 908-43200 supports RG-178, 178A, 178B, 196, 196A, and M17/93-RG178 cables, while the original MMCX-LP-178B/U is specified for RG-178B only. This expanded compatibility provides design flexibility for applications using alternative cable types within the supported group, while maintaining full compatibility with the original RG-178B specification.

Q: How do the operating temperature ranges compare?

A: The original part operates from -55°C to 85°C. The substitute extends this range to -65°C to 165°C, providing 10°C additional low-temperature capability and 80°C additional high-temperature capability. Applications requiring extended thermal performance benefit from this specification improvement.

Q: What is the impact of RoHS compliance differences?

A: The original MMCX-LP-178B/U is RoHS non-compliant, while the 908-43200 achieves ROHS3 compliance. For applications subject to RoHS directives or customer requirements mandating RoHS-compliant components, the substitute part is the appropriate selection.

Q: Are there packaging differences between these parts?

A: The original part is listed with unspecified packaging, while the substitute is supplied in bulk packaging. The substitute includes three pieces per connector: the connector body, end cap, and ferrule. Verify packaging requirements for your specific procurement and assembly processes.

Q: Do both connectors support the same mating cycle rating?

A: Yes. Both the original MMCX-LP-178B/U and the 908-43200 substitute are rated for 500 mating cycles, ensuring equivalent mechanical durability for connection and disconnection operations.