MS3116F12-3S Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MS3116F12-3S is a 3-position circular connector plug with female sockets manufactured by Amphenol Industrial Operations. This connector belongs to the Military MIL-DTL-26482 Series I product line and features solder cup termination with bayonet lock fastening. The part is discontinued at DiGi Electronics, making equivalent substitutes necessary for ongoing procurement and system maintenance in aerospace, military, and industrial applications.

Substiute Parts

MS3116F12-3S

Amphenol Industrial OperationsIn Stock: 3158MS3116F12-3S Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

MSW06E12-3S-SR

Milspecwest, LLCIn Stock: 836MSW06E12-3S-SR Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The MSW06E12-3S-SR qualifies as a functional equivalent to the MS3116F12-3S based on the following critical parameters:

• Connector Configuration: Both are 3-position circular connector plugs with female sockets
• Shell Size: Both use 12-3 shell size and insert designation
• Fastening Mechanism: Both employ bayonet lock fastening
• Mounting Style: Both are free hanging (in-line) configurations
• Shell Material: Both feature aluminum construction
• Temperature Range: Both operate across -55°C ~ 125°C
• Environmental Rating: Both provide environment resistant ingress protection
• Series Compliance: MSW06E12-3S-SR conforms to 26482 Style Connectors, maintaining MIL-DTL-26482 compatibility

The primary difference lies in termination method: the MS3116F12-3S uses solder cup termination, while the MSW06E12-3S-SR uses solder termination with strain relief. Both termination methods are compatible with the same connector shell and pin configuration.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The MSW06E12-3S-SR serves as an active substitute for the discontinued MS3116F12-3S. Both connectors maintain compliance with MIL-DTL-26482 specifications and share identical mechanical and electrical interface characteristics for the 3-position, 12-3 shell size configuration.

Key considerations for selection:

• Product Availability: The MSW06E12-3S-SR is currently active in production with 788 units in stock, whereas the MS3116F12-3S is discontinued
• Contact Finish: The MS3116F12-3S features gold-plated mating contacts, while the MSW06E12-3S-SR uses cadmium finish. Gold plating provides superior corrosion resistance and lower contact resistance in low-signal applications
• Shell Finish: The MS3116F12-3S includes olive drab chromate over cadmium finish; the MSW06E12-3S-SR uses cadmium finish alone
• Termination Method: The MS3116F12-3S uses solder cup termination; the MSW06E12-3S-SR includes strain relief with solder termination, providing additional mechanical protection
• Compliance Status: Both parts are RoHS non-compliant and subject to REACH regulations

For applications requiring gold contact finish or specific olive drab finish specifications, alternative sources should be evaluated. For standard military and industrial applications where cadmium finish and strain relief are acceptable, the MSW06E12-3S-SR provides direct functional equivalence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the MSW06E12-3S-SR directly replace the MS3116F12-3S in existing assemblies?

A: Yes, for mechanical and electrical interface compatibility. Both connectors use identical 3-position, 12-3 shell size configurations with bayonet lock fastening and free hanging mounting. The primary differences are contact finish (gold vs. cadmium) and termination method (solder cup vs. solder with strain relief). Verify that your application does not require the specific gold contact finish or olive drab shell finish of the original part.

Q: What is the difference between solder cup and solder termination?

A: Solder cup termination features a cup-shaped contact designed for wire insertion and solder connection. Solder termination with strain relief includes a protective boot that provides mechanical strain relief at the wire connection point. Both methods create permanent solder connections suitable for military and industrial applications.

Q: Are there compatibility concerns with the different contact finishes?

A: Contact finish differences affect corrosion resistance and contact resistance characteristics. Gold plating (MS3116F12-3S) provides superior performance in corrosive environments and low-signal applications. Cadmium finish (MSW06E12-3S-SR) is suitable for standard military and industrial environments. Verify your application's environmental and signal requirements before substitution.

Q: What is the packaging difference between these parts?

A: The MS3116F12-3S is supplied in bulk packaging, while the MSW06E12-3S-SR is supplied in bag packaging. This affects handling and storage but does not impact connector performance or compatibility.

Q: Are both parts compliant with current regulations?

A: Both parts are RoHS non-compliant and REACH-affected. The MS3116F12-3S has REACH status as "REACH Affected," while the MSW06E12-3S-SR has "Vendor Undefined" REACH status. Verify regulatory compliance requirements for your specific application and region before final selection.