TSW-118-14-F-S Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TSW-118-14-F-S is a classic PCB header strip manufactured by Samtec Inc., designed for through-hole board-to-board or cable connections. This unshrouded, single-row header features 18 positions with 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch spacing and gold-plated mating contacts on phosphor bronze material. The component maintains active product status with 1178 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 that maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility within specified parameters.

Substiute Parts

TSW-118-14-F-S

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 1218TSW-118-14-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 eligibility for the TSW-118-14-F-S is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

• Pitch - Mating: 0.100" (2.54mm) — exact match required
• Connector Type: Header with male pin contacts
• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Termination: Solder
• Number of Rows: Single row configuration

Secondary Compatibility Criteria:

• Number of Positions: Must accommodate or exceed 18 positions
• Contact Shape: Square profile
• Shrouding: Unshrouded configuration
• Insulation Material: PBT or equivalent thermoplastic
• Operating Temperature: Minimum -55°C ~ 125°C range
• Flammability Rating: UL94 V-0 compliance

The substitute part 4-103321-8 (TE Connectivity AMP Connectors) shares the fundamental pitch, connector type, mounting method, and termination approach. However, this part differs in position count (40 vs. 18), contact material composition, and operating temperature range, requiring engineering evaluation for specific application contexts.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Component (TSW-118-14-F-S): The TSW-118-14-F-S maintains active product status with established supply availability. This component is the preferred selection for new designs and applications requiring the specified 18-position configuration. Active status ensures continued manufacturer support, documentation, and consistent quality control.

Substitute Component (4-103321-8): The 4-103321-8 carries obsolete product status, indicating discontinued manufacturing and limited future availability. This part should be considered only when:

• Existing inventory is available and verified
• Design specifications explicitly permit 40-position headers with position reduction through selective loading
• Operating temperature requirements do not exceed 105°C maximum
• Contact finish material (tin vs. gold) compatibility is confirmed for the mating connector

Compliance Considerations: Both components maintain UL94 V-0 flammability rating and ROHS3 compliance, satisfying regulatory requirements for standard industrial and commercial applications.

Critical Differences Requiring Evaluation:

• Position count disparity (18 vs. 40) necessitates PCB layout modification
• Operating temperature upper limit reduction (125°C to 105°C) affects thermal margin calculations
• Contact finish material change (gold to tin) may impact contact resistance and corrosion resistance characteristics
• Insulation height variance (0.100" to 0.090") requires mechanical clearance verification

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 4-103321-8 directly replace the TSW-118-14-F-S in existing designs?

A: Direct replacement is not recommended without design modification. The 4-103321-8 features 40 positions versus 18 positions in the TSW-118-14-F-S. PCB layout changes are required to accommodate the extended header length. Additionally, the obsolete product status of the 4-103321-8 limits long-term supply viability.

Q: What is the significance of the pitch specification in substitution?

A: The 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch specification defines the spacing between adjacent contact pins. This parameter is non-negotiable for connector compatibility. Both the primary and substitute parts share identical pitch specifications, ensuring mechanical and electrical alignment with mating connectors designed for this standard spacing.

Q: How do contact material differences affect performance?

A: The TSW-118-14-F-S uses phosphor bronze with gold plating on mating contacts, while the 4-103321-8 uses copper alloy with tin plating. Gold plating provides superior corrosion resistance and lower contact resistance over extended service life. Tin plating is acceptable for standard industrial environments but may exhibit higher contact resistance degradation in corrosive or high-humidity conditions.

Q: What does "obsolete" product status mean for the substitute part?

A: Obsolete status indicates the manufacturer has discontinued production of the 4-103321-8. Existing inventory may be available through distributors, but no new manufacturing runs are planned. This status creates supply uncertainty and limits access to updated documentation or design support from the manufacturer.

Q: Are there position-loading considerations for the 40-position substitute?

A: The 4-103321-8 specification indicates all positions are loaded. Using this part as a substitute for an 18-position application would require either accepting the additional 22 unused positions or performing selective depopulation during assembly, both of which increase cost and complexity.

Q: How do operating temperature ranges affect component selection?

A: The TSW-118-14-F-S operates from -55°C to 125°C, while the 4-103321-8 operates from -65°C to 105°C. Applications requiring operation above 105°C must use the primary component. The primary component also provides superior low-temperature performance margin at -55°C versus -65°C.

Q: What is the relevance of insulation height differences?

A: Insulation height (0.100" vs. 0.090") affects the vertical profile of the assembled connector. This dimension is critical for PCB layout, mating connector alignment, and mechanical clearance verification. Substitution requires confirmation that the reduced insulation height does not create interference with adjacent components or mating connector geometry.