TML-120-03-S-D-RA Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TML-120-03-S-D-RA is a shrouded rectangular connector header manufactured by Samtec Inc., designed for through-hole, right-angle board-to-board applications. This 40-position connector operates across a wide temperature range of -55°C to 125°C and features a 0.050" (1.27mm) pitch with 2-row configuration and 0.100" (2.54mm) row spacing. The connector is actively produced and ROHS3 compliant, making it suitable for applications requiring reliable interconnection in industrial and commercial environments.

Identifying equivalent substitute parts becomes necessary when the primary part experiences supply constraints, extended lead times, or when design flexibility permits component standardization across multiple platforms. Substitute connectors must maintain compatibility across critical electrical and mechanical parameters including pitch, position count, row configuration, mounting orientation, and contact specifications.

Substiute Parts

TML-120-03-S-D-RA

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 1271TML-120-03-S-D-RA Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

5-104069-6

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 4003485-104069-6 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute part identification for the TML-120-03-S-D-RA is based on strict alignment of the following critical parameters:

Critical Matching Parameters:

• Pitch - Mating: 0.050" (1.27mm)
• Number of Positions: 40
• Number of Rows: 2
• Row Spacing - Mating: 0.100" (2.54mm)
• Mounting Type: Through Hole, Right Angle
• Connector Type: Header
• Contact Type: Male Pin
• Termination: Solder

Important Compatibility Parameters:

• Shrouding configuration (shrouded design)
• Contact finish specification (gold mating surface)
• Operating temperature capability
• RoHS compliance status

The substitute part 5-104069-6 (TE Connectivity AMP Connectors) satisfies all critical matching parameters. Both connectors feature identical pitch, position count, row configuration, and mounting specifications. Both employ solder termination and shrouded designs with gold-plated mating contacts. Variations exist in shrouding wall count, contact geometry, insulation material composition, and operating temperature range, which are documented in the parameter comparison table below.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Selection Criteria:

The TML-120-03-S-D-RA remains the preferred component when the design specifically requires:

• Operating temperature range extending to 125°C (the substitute part operates only to 105°C)
• Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) insulation material for enhanced dimensional stability
• Push-Pull fastening mechanism
• 4-wall shrouding configuration
• Square contact geometry with extended mating contact length (0.170")

Substitute Selection Criteria:

The 5-104069-6 (TE Connectivity) serves as a functional equivalent when:

• Operating temperature maximum of 105°C satisfies application requirements
• Thermoplastic insulation material is acceptable
• Latch Holder fastening mechanism is compatible with system design
• 2-wall shrouding provides adequate EMI/crosstalk protection
• Circular contact geometry and shorter mating contact length (0.125") are mechanically compatible with mating receptacles
• Extended lower temperature rating (-65°C) is beneficial for cold environment applications

Compliance Considerations:

Both parts maintain RoHS compliance status. The TML-120-03-S-D-RA carries ROHS3 certification, while the 5-104069-6 carries standard RoHS compliance. Both parts are classified under ECCN EAR99 and HTSUS 8536.69.4040. The TE Connectivity part includes MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating and REACH Unaffected status.

Inventory and Availability:

The TML-120-03-S-D-RA maintains 1,178 pieces in current stock. The 5-104069-6 maintains significantly higher inventory at 400,305 pieces, providing superior availability for high-volume applications or rapid procurement scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 5-104069-6 directly replace the TML-120-03-S-D-RA in existing designs?

A: Direct mechanical and electrical substitution is possible when the design accommodates the documented parameter differences. The critical parameters—pitch, position count, row configuration, and mounting type—are identical. However, the differences in contact geometry (square vs. circular), mating contact length (0.170" vs. 0.125"), insulation height (0.370" vs. 0.290"), and fastening mechanism (Push-Pull vs. Latch Holder) require verification against specific PCB layout, mating receptacle specifications, and mechanical assembly requirements. Designs with tight vertical clearance constraints or specific receptacle compatibility may not accommodate this substitution without modification.

Q: What are the temperature operating range implications of substitution?

A: The TML-120-03-S-D-RA operates from -55°C to 125°C, while the 5-104069-6 operates from -65°C to 105°C. Applications requiring sustained operation above 105°C must use the TML part. Applications operating exclusively below 105°C can use either part. The TE Connectivity part provides superior low-temperature performance, extending 10°C lower, which may be advantageous for aerospace or arctic environment applications.

Q: How do the different shrouding configurations affect performance?

A: The TML-120-03-S-D-RA features 4-wall shrouding, while the 5-104069-6 features 2-wall shrouding. Both provide shrouded designs for EMI/crosstalk protection and keying functionality. The 4-wall configuration offers enhanced shielding and mechanical protection. The 2-wall configuration reduces overall connector profile and may be preferred in space-constrained applications. Both configurations are suitable for board-to-board interconnection in standard industrial environments.

Q: What are the implications of different contact materials?

A: The TML-120-03-S-D-RA uses Phosphor Bronze contacts, while the 5-104069-6 uses Copper Alloy contacts. Both materials provide reliable electrical conductivity and mechanical durability. Phosphor Bronze offers superior spring characteristics and fatigue resistance in high-cycle mating applications. Copper Alloy provides cost-effective performance for standard applications. Both materials are compatible with gold plating (30.0µin thickness on mating surfaces) and tin plating on post surfaces.

Q: Are there mechanical compatibility concerns with different contact lengths?

A: Yes. The TML-120-03-S-D-RA provides 0.170" mating contact length and 0.120" post length, while the 5-104069-6 provides 0.125" mating contact length and 0.100" post length. These differences affect engagement depth with mating receptacles and PCB solder joint geometry. Substitution requires confirmation that the mating receptacle design accommodates the shorter contact length of the TE part, and that PCB pad layouts and solder joint profiles remain within acceptable specifications.

Q: What is the significance of different fastening mechanisms?

A: The TML-120-03-S-D-RA uses Push-Pull fastening, while the 5-104069-6 uses Latch Holder fastening. Push-Pull mechanisms provide quick-disconnect capability with tactile feedback. Latch Holder mechanisms provide positive mechanical retention with board guide features. System design must accommodate the specific fastening mechanism; substitution is not possible if the mating connector or system assembly is designed for a specific fastening type.

Q: How do insulation material differences impact reliability?

A: The TML-120-03-S-D-RA uses Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) insulation, while the 5-104069-6 uses Thermoplastic insulation. LCP provides superior dimensional stability, lower moisture absorption, and better high-temperature performance. Thermoplastic provides cost-effective performance for standard applications. The LCP material in the TML part contributes to its extended temperature rating (125°C vs. 105°C). Applications requiring high-precision mating or extended thermal cycling should prioritize the LCP insulation material.

Q: What inventory considerations should influence substitution decisions?

A: The 5-104069-6 maintains 400,305 pieces in stock compared to 1,178 pieces for the TML-120-03-S-D-RA. For high-volume production or applications with extended lead time requirements, the TE Connectivity part offers superior supply chain security. For applications with specific performance requirements (high temperature, LCP insulation, Push-Pull fastening), the TML part remains the only suitable option despite lower inventory levels.