SFW18R-2STE1 FFC/FPC Connector Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SFW18R-2STE1 is an 18-position FFC/FPC connector manufactured by Amphenol ICC (FCI) with top-mounted contacts, 1.00mm pitch, and right-angle surface mount configuration. This part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing production and maintenance applications. The connector features Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) operation with slide lock retention and is designed for flexible cable termination in compact electronic assemblies.

Substiute Parts

SFW18R-2STE1

Amphenol ICC (FCI)In Stock: 1185SFW18R-2STE1 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SFW18R-2STE1LF

Amphenol ICC (FCI)In Stock: 5815SFW18R-2STE1LF Datasheet

DirectRFQ

0522071860

MolexIn Stock: 127620522071860 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

68611814422

Würth ElektronikIn Stock: 205068611814422 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

ZF1-18-02-T-WT

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 1048ZF1-18-02-T-WT Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SFW18R-2STE1 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Position Count: 18 positions (exact match required)
• Pitch: 0.039" (1.00mm) (exact match required)
• Mounting Configuration: Surface Mount, Right Angle (exact match required)
• Contact Orientation: Top-mounted contacts (primary requirement)
• Termination Method: Solder (exact match required)
• Locking Mechanism: Slide Lock (exact match required)
• Zero Insertion Force (ZIF): Required feature

Substitute parts must maintain these core electrical and mechanical parameters. Variations in housing material, contact finish, operating temperature range, voltage rating, and current rating are permissible when the primary functional parameters align. Parts with bottom-mounted contacts or different pitch specifications are not direct substitutes.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

SFW18R-2STE1LF (Amphenol ICC - Direct Manufacturer Upgrade)

This part is the direct active-status equivalent from the original manufacturer. It maintains identical mechanical and electrical specifications to the obsolete SFW18R-2STE1 while adding solder retention feature and achieving RoHS compliance. Operating temperature range extends to -55°C ~ 105°C with 100V voltage rating and 1A current capacity. This is the preferred selection for direct replacement in existing designs.

0522071860 (Molex - Cross-Manufacturer Substitute)

This Molex part meets all critical functional parameters with identical position count, pitch, mounting configuration, and ZIF operation. It features gold contact finish and supports 125V voltage rating with 1A current capacity. Operating temperature range is -30°C ~ 85°C. Housing material differs (Polyamide PA46 vs. PPS), and cable end type is tapered rather than straight. This part is suitable for applications where the operating temperature range and voltage specifications are compatible.

68611814422 (Würth Elektronik - Bottom-Contact Configuration)

This part provides an alternative with bottom-mounted contacts instead of top-mounted. All other critical parameters align: 18 positions, 1.00mm pitch, right-angle surface mount, slide lock, and ZIF operation. Height above board is 0.118" (3.00mm) versus 0.106" (2.70mm) for the main part. This configuration is applicable only when PCB layout accommodates bottom-contact orientation and the increased height clearance.

ZF1-18-02-T-WT (Samtec - Extended Temperature Alternative)

This Samtec connector maintains top-contact orientation with identical position count, pitch, and mounting configuration. It supports the widest operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 105°C) among all substitutes. Housing material is Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) with PPS actuator. Material flammability rating is UL94 V-2 versus V-0 for other options. This selection is appropriate for applications requiring extended temperature performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SFW18R-2STE1LF be used as a direct replacement for the obsolete SFW18R-2STE1?

A: Yes. SFW18R-2STE1LF is the active-status equivalent from Amphenol ICC with identical mechanical dimensions, contact count, pitch, and mounting configuration. The primary differences are RoHS compliance and the addition of solder retention feature. It is the recommended direct replacement.

Q: What is the key difference between the Molex 0522071860 and the Amphenol SFW18R-2STE1LF?

A: Both parts share identical position count (18), pitch (1.00mm), mounting type (surface mount right angle), and ZIF operation. The Molex part uses gold contact finish versus tin, has a different housing material (Polyamide PA46 vs. PPS), and operates at -30°C ~ 85°C versus -55°C ~ 105°C. Selection depends on application temperature requirements and contact finish specifications.

Q: Why is the Würth 68611814422 listed as a substitute if it has bottom-mounted contacts?

A: The Würth part meets all critical electrical and mechanical parameters except contact orientation. It is a valid substitute only for applications where PCB layout permits bottom-contact configuration and the increased height above board (0.118" vs. 0.106") does not create clearance conflicts. This represents a design-level substitution rather than a direct pin-for-pin replacement.

Q: What are the compliance differences between these substitute parts?

A: The obsolete SFW18R-2STE1 is RoHS non-compliant. All active substitutes (SFW18R-2STE1LF, 0522071860, 68611814422, and ZF1-18-02-T-WT) are RoHS3 compliant or RoHS compliant. For new designs or applications with RoHS requirements, any of the active substitutes are acceptable. The Samtec ZF1-18-02-T-WT has UL94 V-2 flammability rating versus V-0 for other options.

Q: Are there packaging differences between these parts?

A: The Amphenol and Molex parts are supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) packaging. The Würth part is also Tape & Reel. The Samtec ZF1-18-02-T-WT is supplied in Tube packaging. Packaging selection may affect procurement, handling, and assembly processes.

Q: Which substitute offers the best temperature performance?

A: Both SFW18R-2STE1LF and ZF1-18-02-T-WT support -55°C ~ 105°C operating temperature range. The Molex 0522071860 operates at -30°C ~ 85°C, and the Würth 68611814422 operates at -25°C ~ 85°C. For applications requiring extended low-temperature operation below -30°C, the Amphenol or Samtec options are required.