TFM-135-12-S-D Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TFM-135-12-S-D is a surface mount rectangular connector header manufactured by Samtec Inc. as part of the Tiger Eye™ TFM series. This 70-position, 2-row connector with 0.050" (1.27mm) pitch is designed for board-to-board or cable applications with push-pull fastening. The part is currently active in production with 931 units in stock. Equivalent and substitute parts are identified when design requirements, supply constraints, or application specifications necessitate alternative connector solutions that maintain functional compatibility within the same rectangular connector category.

Substiute Parts

TFM-135-12-S-D

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 977TFM-135-12-S-D Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

104656-7

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 926104656-7 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

5-104656-7

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 12145-104656-7 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the TFM-135-12-S-D are identified based on strict equivalence in the following critical parameters:

• Connector Type & Contact Type: Header with Male Pin contacts
• Position Count & Row Configuration: 70 positions in 2-row arrangement
• Pitch Specification: 0.050" (1.27mm) mating pitch and row spacing
• Mounting & Termination: Surface mount with solder termination
• Shrouding & Fastening: Shrouded 4-wall design with push-pull fastening
• Insulation Material: Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP)
• Flammability Rating: UL94 V-0 compliance

The substitute parts listed (104656-7 and 5-104656-7) are both manufactured by TE Connectivity AMP Connectors and belong to the AMPMODU 50/50 Grid series. Both maintain equivalence across all critical mechanical and electrical interface parameters that determine physical and functional compatibility in board-to-board applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

TFM-135-12-S-D (Primary Part): This Samtec connector is ROHS3 compliant and rated for higher current (2.9A per contact) and voltage (275VAC). It operates across a wider temperature range (-55°C to 125°C) and features square contact geometry. Select this part when RoHS3 compliance is required and when application current or voltage demands exceed the specifications of substitute parts.

5-104656-7 (Preferred Substitute): This TE Connectivity connector is ROHS3 compliant, matching the primary part's regulatory status. It maintains all critical mechanical interface parameters and is available in higher inventory (1128 units). The operating temperature range is -65°C to 105°C with a lower current rating (0.5A per contact). Select this part when supply of the primary part is constrained and RoHS3 compliance is mandatory.

104656-7 (Alternative Substitute): This TE Connectivity connector is RoHS non-compliant and should be selected only when RoHS3 compliance is not a design requirement. It shares identical mechanical specifications with 5-104656-7 but differs in regulatory status. This part is suitable for applications where legacy or non-regulated designs are acceptable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can 104656-7 and 5-104656-7 be used interchangeably with TFM-135-12-S-D?

A: Both TE Connectivity parts maintain mechanical and functional compatibility with the TFM-135-12-S-D in board-to-board applications. However, 5-104656-7 is the preferred substitute due to ROHS3 compliance matching the primary part. The 104656-7 variant is RoHS non-compliant and should only be used when regulatory requirements permit.

Q: What are the key differences between these connectors?

A: The primary differences are: (1) Contact shape (square on TFM-135-12-S-D versus circular on TE Connectivity parts), (2) Current rating (2.9A on TFM-135-12-S-D versus 0.5A on TE Connectivity parts), (3) Voltage rating (275VAC specified on TFM-135-12-S-D versus not specified on TE Connectivity parts), and (4) Operating temperature range (TFM-135-12-S-D: -55°C to 125°C; TE Connectivity: -65°C to 105°C). All three parts share identical pitch, position count, row configuration, mounting type, and shrouding.

Q: Are there any compliance or certification differences?

A: Yes. The TFM-135-12-S-D and 5-104656-7 are both ROHS3 compliant. The 104656-7 is RoHS non-compliant. All three parts are UL94 V-0 rated and have MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity levels. The TFM-135-12-S-D and 5-104656-7 are suitable for regulated applications requiring RoHS3 compliance.

Q: Which substitute should I select if my application requires high current or voltage?

A: The TFM-135-12-S-D is the only part rated for 2.9A per contact and 275VAC. The TE Connectivity substitutes (104656-7 and 5-104656-7) are rated for only 0.5A per contact with unspecified voltage ratings. If your application requires the higher current or voltage specifications, the primary part TFM-135-12-S-D must be used.

Q: Can I use these connectors in temperature-critical applications?

A: The TFM-135-12-S-D operates from -55°C to 125°C, while both TE Connectivity substitutes operate from -65°C to 105°C. For applications requiring operation above 105°C or below -65°C, the TFM-135-12-S-D is required. For applications within the -65°C to 105°C range, either part is suitable.

Q: What is the difference between 104656-7 and 5-104656-7?

A: Both parts are mechanically and functionally identical. The primary difference is regulatory compliance: 5-104656-7 is ROHS3 compliant while 104656-7 is RoHS non-compliant. For new designs and regulated applications, 5-104656-7 is the appropriate choice.