TFM-140-12-S-D Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TFM-140-12-S-D is a surface mount rectangular connector header manufactured by Samtec Inc. from the Tiger Eye™ TFM series. This 80-position, dual-row connector operates at 0.050" (1.27mm) pitch and is designed for board-to-board or cable applications with push-pull fastening. The part is active in production status and widely used in applications requiring reliable high-density interconnection with gold-plated mating contacts and solder termination.

Equivalent and substitute parts are identified when design requirements allow flexibility in specific mechanical or electrical parameters while maintaining core functionality. Samtec offers multiple variants within the TFM-140 base product family with different insulation heights and features, while cross-manufacturer alternatives exist from TE Connectivity with comparable electrical performance.

Substiute Parts

TFM-140-12-S-D

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 885TFM-140-12-S-D Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

TFM-140-12-S-D-A

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 841TFM-140-12-S-D-A Datasheet

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TFM-140-12-S-D-A-K

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 996TFM-140-12-S-D-A-K Datasheet

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TFM-140-22-S-D-A

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 1183TFM-140-22-S-D-A Datasheet

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TFM-140-32-S-D

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 1202TFM-140-32-S-D Datasheet

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TFM-140-32-S-D-A

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 1203TFM-140-32-S-D-A Datasheet

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TFM-140-32-S-D-LC

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 906TFM-140-32-S-D-LC Datasheet

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5-104656-8

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 11085-104656-8 Datasheet

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TFM-140-12-S-D-LC

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 819TFM-140-12-S-D-LC Datasheet

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TFM-140-22-S-D-LC

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 858TFM-140-22-S-D-LC Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the TFM-140-12-S-D is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

• Connector type (Header), contact type (Male Pin), and number of positions (80) must remain constant
• Mating pitch (0.050" / 1.27mm) and row spacing (0.050" / 1.27mm) are fixed requirements
• Surface mount mounting type and solder termination are non-negotiable
• Push-pull fastening type must be maintained
• Contact finish (Gold) and material (Phosphor Bronze) specifications must match

Allowable Variation Parameters:

• Insulation height may vary within the TFM-140 family (0.290", 0.360", 0.435")
• Features such as Board Guide, Board Lock, or Pick and Place capability can be added without affecting core functionality
• Operating temperature range may be extended (e.g., -65°C to 105°C for cross-manufacturer alternatives)
• Current rating may be lower in cross-manufacturer alternatives (0.5A vs. 2.9A per contact)

Samtec TFM-140 Series Variants are direct substitutes when insulation height and feature differences are accommodated in the PCB design. The "-12-" designation indicates 0.290" insulation height; "-22-" indicates 0.360"; "-32-" indicates 0.435". The "-S-D" suffix denotes shrouded 4-wall configuration with standard features. Suffixes "-A" (Board Guide), "-LC" (Board Lock), and "-A-K" (Board Guide + Pick and Place) represent feature additions.

Cross-Manufacturer Alternative (TE Connectivity 5-104656-8) is substitutable only when the application can tolerate reduced current rating (0.5A vs. 2.9A per contact) and narrower operating temperature range (-65°C to 105°C vs. -55°C to 125°C).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Samtec TFM-140 Series Substitution (Same Insulation Height):

Parts TFM-140-12-S-D-A, TFM-140-12-S-D-A-K, and TFM-140-12-S-D-LC maintain the 0.290" insulation height of the original part. These are direct substitutes when the added features (Board Guide, Pick and Place, or Board Lock) are compatible with the PCB layout. All variants maintain identical electrical ratings (2.9A per contact, 275VAC) and operating temperature range (-55°C to 125°C). All are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 rating.

Samtec TFM-140 Series Substitution (Different Insulation Heights):

Parts with "-22-" designation (0.360" height) and "-32-" designation (0.435" height) require PCB redesign to accommodate the increased insulation height. These substitutions are valid when the application allows for taller connector profiles and when the added vertical clearance does not conflict with adjacent components or enclosure constraints. Electrical performance remains identical to the original part.

Cross-Manufacturer Substitution (TE Connectivity 5-104656-8):

This part is substitutable only in applications where the reduced current rating (0.5A per contact versus 2.9A) is acceptable and where the narrower operating temperature range (-65°C to 105°C versus -55°C to 125°C) meets system requirements. The contact shape differs (circular versus square), and the contact length is shorter (0.120" versus 0.139"). This alternative is suitable for lower-power signal applications but not for high-current power distribution circuits. ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating are maintained.

Compliance and Certification:

All listed parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity level. All are rated UL94 V-0 for flammability. The TE Connectivity alternative extends the operating temperature range to -65°C but reduces the upper limit to 105°C, which may be restrictive for high-temperature applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I substitute TFM-140-12-S-D with a higher insulation height variant like TFM-140-32-S-D?

A: Yes, if your PCB layout accommodates the increased height. The TFM-140-32-S-D has an insulation height of 0.435" compared to 0.290" for the original part. All electrical parameters remain identical. Verify that the taller profile does not interfere with adjacent components or enclosure clearances.

Q: What is the difference between the "-A", "-LC", and "-A-K" suffixes?

A: The "-A" suffix indicates a Board Guide feature for improved alignment during mating. The "-LC" suffix indicates Board Lock for secure mechanical retention. The "-A-K" suffix combines Board Guide with Pick and Place capability for automated assembly. These are feature additions that do not affect electrical performance.

Q: Is the TE Connectivity 5-104656-8 a direct replacement?

A: It is not a direct replacement. While it maintains the same 80-position, dual-row, 0.050" pitch configuration, it has a reduced current rating (0.5A per contact versus 2.9A) and a narrower operating temperature range (-65°C to 105°C versus -55°C to 125°C). Use this alternative only in low-power signal applications where these limitations are acceptable.

Q: Do all substitute parts have the same solder termination and push-pull fastening?

A: Yes. All listed parts use solder termination and push-pull fastening. These core characteristics are maintained across all variants and alternatives.

Q: Are there any differences in contact finish or material between the main part and substitutes?

A: No. All parts use gold-plated mating contacts (30.0µin / 0.76µm thickness) and phosphor bronze contact material. Tin plating is used on the solder posts across all variants.

Q: What is the significance of the insulation material being Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP)?

A: LCP provides excellent dimensional stability, low moisture absorption, and superior electrical properties. All listed parts use LCP insulation, ensuring consistent performance across the entire substitute family.

Q: Can I use TFM-140-12-S-D-LC as a drop-in replacement for TFM-140-12-S-D?

A: Yes. The Board Lock feature (-LC) adds mechanical retention without changing the footprint or electrical characteristics. The connector will occupy the same PCB space and maintain identical electrical performance. The Board Lock simply provides additional mechanical security during mating and unmating cycles.