TFC-135-12-F-D Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TFC-135-12-F-D is a rectangular connector header manufactured by Samtec Inc. as part of the Tiger Eye™ TFC series. This surface mount connector features 70 positions arranged in 2 rows with 0.050" (1.27mm) pitch, designed for board-to-board or cable applications. The part is currently active in production with full inventory availability. Substitute parts are identified to provide alternative sourcing options when the primary part number is unavailable or when specific design requirements necessitate alternative configurations within the same connector family.

Substiute Parts

TFC-135-12-F-D

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 881TFC-135-12-F-D Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

TFC-135-32-F-D-A

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 940TFC-135-32-F-D-A Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The TFC-135-12-F-D qualifies for substitution with TFC-135-32-F-D-A based on the following critical parameters that remain constant across both parts:

Invariant Parameters (Must Match for Substitution):

• Manufacturer: Samtec Inc.
• Series: Tiger Eye™ TFC
• Connector Type: Header
• Contact Type: Male Pin
• Number of Positions: 70
• Number of Rows: 2
• Pitch - Mating: 0.050" (1.27mm)
• Row Spacing - Mating: 0.050" (1.27mm)
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount
• Shrouding: Shrouded - 4 Wall
• Termination: Solder
• Fastening Type: Push-Pull
• Contact Material: Phosphor Bronze
• Contact Finish - Mating: Gold
• Contact Finish - Post: Tin
• Insulation Material: Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP)
• Current Rating: 3.1A per Contact
• Voltage Rating: 275VAC
• Operating Temperature: -55°C ~ 125°C
• Material Flammability Rating: UL94 V-0
• RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant
• Moisture Sensitivity Level: 1 (Unlimited)
• Product Status: Active

Variable Parameter:

• Insulation Height: TFC-135-12-F-D = 0.296" (7.52mm); TFC-135-32-F-D-A = 0.441" (11.20mm)
• Features: TFC-135-32-F-D-A includes Board Guide feature

The substitute part TFC-135-32-F-D-A maintains electrical and mechanical compatibility through identical contact specifications, pitch, position count, and environmental ratings. The increased insulation height and board guide feature in the substitute part represent design enhancements that do not compromise interchangeability in applications where the additional height and guidance are acceptable or beneficial.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Both TFC-135-12-F-D and TFC-135-32-F-D-A are active production parts from Samtec Inc. with ROHS3 compliance and UL94 V-0 flammability certification. Selection between these parts depends on PCB layout constraints and mechanical clearance requirements.

The TFC-135-12-F-D with 0.296" (7.52mm) insulation height is suitable for applications with limited vertical space above the connector. The TFC-135-32-F-D-A with 0.441" (11.20mm) insulation height and integrated board guide feature provides enhanced mechanical stability and is appropriate for applications requiring additional guidance during mating operations or where increased insulation height does not conflict with design constraints.

Both parts maintain identical electrical performance characteristics, including 3.1A per contact current rating, 275VAC voltage rating, and -55°C to 125°C operating temperature range. The choice between these parts should be based solely on mechanical fit within the target application and the benefit of the board guide feature in the substitute part.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can TFC-135-32-F-D-A be used as a direct replacement for TFC-135-12-F-D?

A: TFC-135-32-F-D-A is electrically and functionally compatible with TFC-135-12-F-D. The primary difference is the increased insulation height (0.441" versus 0.296") and the addition of a board guide feature. Substitution is valid provided the increased height does not violate PCB layout constraints or enclosure clearances in the target application.

Q: What is the significance of the board guide feature in TFC-135-32-F-D-A?

A: The board guide feature provides mechanical alignment assistance during connector mating operations. This feature does not affect electrical performance but enhances assembly reliability in applications where precise alignment is critical.

Q: Are the contact specifications identical between these two parts?

A: Yes. Both parts use phosphor bronze contacts with gold mating finish (3.00µin thickness) and tin post finish. Contact length, shape, and current/voltage ratings are identical.

Q: Do both parts meet the same compliance standards?

A: Yes. Both TFC-135-12-F-D and TFC-135-32-F-D-A are ROHS3 compliant with UL94 V-0 flammability rating and MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity level.

Q: What is the primary consideration when selecting between these substitute parts?

A: The primary consideration is mechanical fit. The 0.145" (3.68mm) difference in insulation height must be evaluated against available PCB clearance and enclosure constraints. If vertical space is limited, TFC-135-12-F-D is the appropriate choice. If additional height is acceptable or beneficial, TFC-135-32-F-D-A provides the board guide advantage.

Q: Are both parts available in the same packaging format?

A: Yes. Both parts are supplied in tube packaging and are available as new original stock from Samtec Inc.