TMS-115-03-G-S-RA Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TMS-115-03-G-S-RA is a rectangular connector header manufactured by Samtec Inc., designed for through-hole, right-angle board-to-board applications. This 15-position connector operates across a wide temperature range of -55°C to 125°C and features gold-plated phosphor bronze contacts with a 0.050" (1.27mm) pitch. The part is currently active in production with 936 units in stock. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary when the primary part becomes unavailable, when supply chain constraints occur, or when design flexibility is required for multi-source component strategies.

Substiute Parts

TMS-115-03-G-S-RA

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 957TMS-115-03-G-S-RA Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

5-104186-9

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 9795-104186-9 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the TMS-115-03-G-S-RA is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Connector Type & Contact Type: Must be Header with Male Pin configuration
• Position Count & Row Configuration: Must be 15 positions in a single row
• Pitch Specification: Must maintain 0.050" (1.27mm) mating pitch for PCB footprint compatibility
• Mounting Style: Must be Through Hole, Right Angle to match board layout requirements
• Termination Method: Must be Solder for assembly process compatibility
• Contact Finish: Gold plating on mating surface for signal integrity
• Temperature Operating Range: Must support the application's thermal requirements
• Compliance Standards: RoHS3 compliance required for regulatory alignment

The TE Connectivity AMP Connectors part 5-104186-9 qualifies as a substitute based on matching the core functional parameters: 15-position header, 0.050" pitch, through-hole right-angle mounting, solder termination, and gold-plated mating contacts. However, specific differences in contact geometry, insulation material, and temperature range must be evaluated for the intended application.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Part (TMS-115-03-G-S-RA): Recommended for new designs and applications requiring the full operating temperature range of -55°C to 125°C. This part is actively manufactured and maintains full inventory availability. ROHS3 compliance and UL94 V-0 flammability rating support regulatory requirements across industrial and consumer applications.

Substitute Part (5-104186-9): The TE Connectivity connector qualifies as a functional substitute for applications operating within the narrower temperature range of -65°C to 105°C. This part is discontinued at DiGi Electronics, limiting future availability. Selection of this substitute should be restricted to legacy system support or applications where existing inventory is available through alternative distribution channels. ROHS3 compliance and UL94 V-0 rating maintain regulatory alignment.

Key Differences Affecting Selection:

• Contact post length differs by 0.040" (1.02mm), requiring PCB layout verification
• Insulation height variation of 0.018" (0.46mm) may impact board-to-board spacing
• Operating temperature upper limit is 20°C lower on the substitute part
• Contact finish thickness on the substitute is thicker (30.0µin vs. 10.0µin), providing enhanced durability in high-cycle mating applications

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 5-104186-9 be used as a direct replacement for the TMS-115-03-G-S-RA?

A: The 5-104186-9 is functionally compatible for applications within its operating temperature range (-65°C to 105°C). However, differences in contact post length and insulation height require PCB layout verification before substitution. The TMS-115-03-G-S-RA supports a higher maximum temperature (125°C vs. 105°C), making it the preferred choice for high-temperature applications.

Q: What are the critical parameters that must match for substitution?

A: The following parameters must remain identical: 15-position count, single-row configuration, 0.050" (1.27mm) pitch, through-hole right-angle mounting, solder termination, and gold-plated mating contacts. Variations in contact geometry, insulation material, or post length require design validation.

Q: Is the 5-104186-9 still available for purchase?

A: The 5-104186-9 is discontinued at DiGi Electronics. Availability through other distribution channels may be limited. For new designs, the TMS-115-03-G-S-RA is recommended due to active production status and consistent inventory availability.

Q: How do the contact post length differences affect PCB design?

A: The TMS-115-03-G-S-RA has a post length of 0.140" (4.66mm) compared to 0.100" (2.54mm) for the 5-104186-9. This 0.040" difference impacts solder joint formation and board-to-board spacing. PCB trace routing and component placement must be verified when substituting between these parts.

Q: Are both parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes, both the TMS-115-03-G-S-RA and 5-104186-9 are ROHS3 compliant and carry UL94 V-0 flammability ratings, meeting regulatory requirements for industrial and consumer applications.

Q: What is the difference between the contact materials?

A: The TMS-115-03-G-S-RA uses phosphor bronze contacts, while the 5-104186-9 uses copper alloy. Both materials support the specified current and voltage requirements. Phosphor bronze offers superior spring characteristics and durability in high-cycle mating applications.