TSW-117-14-F-S Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TSW-117-14-F-S is a classic PCB header strip manufactured by Samtec Inc., designed for through-hole mounting applications. This unshrouded, single-row connector features 17 positions with 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch spacing and gold-plated mating contacts. The part maintains Active product status with 1130 units in current inventory.

Substitute parts become necessary when the primary component experiences supply constraints, extended lead times, or when design requirements permit alternative configurations within compatible electrical and mechanical parameters. The substitute identified shares critical mating characteristics while differing in position count and certain contact specifications.

Substiute Parts

TSW-117-14-F-S

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 1184TSW-117-14-F-S Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

4-103321-8

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 28654-103321-8 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution logic for the TSW-117-14-F-S is based on the following critical parameters that must align between the main part and substitute:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

• Pitch - Mating: 0.100" (2.54mm) — ensures PCB footprint compatibility
• Connector Type: Header — maintains interface class
• Contact Type: Male Pin — preserves mating polarity
• Mounting Type: Through Hole — sustains assembly method
• Termination: Solder — maintains connection methodology
• Shrouding: Unshrouded — preserves mechanical envelope
• Contact Shape: Square — ensures contact retention

Allowable Variation Parameters:

• Number of Positions: The substitute (4-103321-8) provides 40 positions versus 17 in the main part. This variation is acceptable when design requirements permit use of additional positions or when the application can utilize a breakaway configuration.
• Contact Finish - Mating: Tin (substitute) versus Gold (main part) — both provide acceptable electrical conductivity for standard applications
• Insulation Height: 0.090" (2.29mm) versus 0.100" (2.54mm) — minor dimensional variance within tolerance
• Operating Temperature Range: -65°C ~ 105°C (substitute) versus -55°C ~ 125°C (main part) — substitute provides narrower range but covers standard industrial applications
• Contact Material: Copper Alloy (substitute) versus Phosphor Bronze (main part) — both materials provide equivalent electrical performance

The substitute part 4-103321-8 qualifies as an equivalent based on shared mating pitch, connector class, contact type, and mounting methodology. Position count difference requires design verification for application fit.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Part Selection (TSW-117-14-F-S): The TSW-117-14-F-S maintains Active product status with established supply availability (1130 units in stock). This part is the preferred selection for new designs and applications requiring the specified 17-position configuration. Active status ensures continued manufacturer support, documentation availability, and supply chain stability.

Substitute Part Selection (4-103321-8): The 4-103321-8 qualifies as a functional substitute when the primary part experiences supply unavailability. However, this part carries Obsolete product status, indicating discontinued manufacturing and potential long-term supply constraints. Selection of this substitute requires design accommodation for the following conditions:

1. Position Count Accommodation: The substitute provides 40 positions versus 17 in the main part. Applications must either utilize the additional positions or accept the use of a breakaway configuration to reduce the effective position count to 17.

2. Operating Temperature Range: The substitute operates within -65°C ~ 105°C, which is narrower than the main part's -55°C ~ 125°C range. Applications requiring operation above 105°C or below -65°C cannot use this substitute.

3. Contact Finish Difference: The substitute features tin-plated mating contacts versus gold plating on the main part. Both finishes provide acceptable electrical conductivity for standard signal and power applications without special environmental requirements.

4. Insulation Height Variance: The substitute's 0.090" (2.29mm) insulation height differs from the main part's 0.100" (2.54mm). This minor dimensional variance may affect mechanical clearance in space-constrained PCB layouts.

5. Compliance Verification: Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and UL94 V-0 flammability rating, satisfying standard regulatory requirements.

Recommendation Logic:

• Use TSW-117-14-F-S for all new designs and standard production applications
• Use 4-103321-8 only when primary part supply is unavailable and design parameters accommodate the noted variations
• Verify PCB layout clearances when substituting due to insulation height difference
• Confirm application operating temperature requirements fall within -65°C ~ 105°C range for substitute use

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 4-103321-8 substitute directly replace the TSW-117-14-F-S without PCB layout modifications?

A: Direct replacement without modifications is not guaranteed. While both parts share the same 0.100" (2.54mm) mating pitch and through-hole mounting, the substitute's 40-position configuration and 0.090" insulation height may require PCB footprint adjustments. The 17-position main part and 40-position substitute have different overall lengths. PCB layout verification is necessary before substitution.

Q: What is the significance of the Obsolete product status for the 4-103321-8?

A: Obsolete status indicates the manufacturer has discontinued production of this part. While current inventory may be available (2828 units noted), future supply cannot be guaranteed. This substitute should be considered a temporary solution for supply emergencies only. Long-term production programs should not rely on obsolete parts.

Q: Are the gold and tin contact finishes electrically equivalent?

A: Both gold and tin contact finishes provide acceptable electrical conductivity for standard applications. Gold offers superior corrosion resistance and is preferred for high-reliability or harsh environment applications. Tin is suitable for standard industrial and commercial applications with normal environmental exposure. Selection depends on application requirements, not electrical equivalence.

Q: How does the insulation height difference affect compatibility?

A: The main part's 0.100" (2.54mm) insulation height versus the substitute's 0.090" (2.29mm) represents a 0.010" (0.254mm) reduction. This difference may affect mechanical clearance in PCB designs with tight vertical spacing constraints. Verify that the reduced insulation height does not create clearance conflicts with adjacent components or PCB features.

Q: Can the 4-103321-8 be used in applications requiring operation above 105°C?

A: No. The substitute's maximum operating temperature is 105°C, while the main part operates to 125°C. Applications requiring sustained operation above 105°C must use the TSW-117-14-F-S or identify an alternative part with higher temperature rating.

Q: What does the breakaway feature on the 4-103321-8 mean?

A: The breakaway feature allows individual positions to be separated from the 40-position header strip. This enables users to configure the connector to a specific position count. For applications requiring 17 positions, the breakaway feature could theoretically reduce the 40-position part to 17 positions, though this modification is not standard practice in production environments.

Q: Are both parts suitable for high-current applications?

A: The main part (TSW-117-14-F-S) does not specify a current rating. The substitute (4-103321-8) specifies 3A per contact. For applications requiring current ratings above 3A per contact, neither part may be suitable without additional verification. Consult manufacturer datasheets for detailed current handling specifications.

Q: Do both parts meet RoHS compliance requirements?

A: Yes. Both the TSW-117-14-F-S and 4-103321-8 are ROHS3 compliant, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements for lead-free manufacturing and restricted substance limitations.