TSW-120-14-S-S Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TSW-120-14-S-S is a rectangular connector header manufactured by Samtec Inc., designed for through-hole mounting applications. This connector features a vertical orientation with 20 positions at 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch, suitable for board-to-board or cable interconnections. The part maintains active product status with 877 units in current inventory. Substitute parts are identified when equivalent electrical and mechanical parameters align with application requirements, particularly when the primary part becomes unavailable or when design specifications permit alternative configurations.

Substiute Parts

TSW-120-14-S-S

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 979TSW-120-14-S-S Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

4-102972-0

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 15504-102972-0 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the TSW-120-14-S-S is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Pitch - Mating: 0.100" (2.54mm) — must match exactly for mechanical compatibility
• Connector Type: Header with male pin contact type
• Mounting Type: Through hole solder termination
• Contact Finish - Mating: Gold plating for signal integrity
• Insulation Material: PBT or equivalent thermoplastic
• Operating Temperature Range: Minimum -55°C ~ 125°C or broader
• Material Flammability Rating: UL94 V-0 compliance
• RoHS Compliance: ROHS3 or equivalent environmental standard

The identified substitute part 4-102972-0 (TE Connectivity AMP Connectors) shares the core electrical and mechanical characteristics required for functional equivalence, though with variations in position count and specific material compositions that must be evaluated against application requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The TSW-120-14-S-S maintains active product status with ROHS3 compliance, making it the preferred selection for new designs and applications requiring current environmental standards. The part's operating temperature range of -55°C ~ 125°C and UL94 V-0 flammability rating support demanding industrial and commercial applications.

The substitute part 4-102972-0 carries obsolete product status and lacks RoHS compliance documentation, limiting its suitability for new production designs. However, this part may be considered for legacy system maintenance or retrofit applications where the 40-position configuration and breakaway feature provide functional advantages despite the narrower operating temperature range (-65°C ~ 105°C) and reduced gold plating thickness (15.0µin versus 30.0µin). The position count difference (40 versus 20) requires careful evaluation of PCB layout and connector footprint compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 4-102972-0 directly replace the TSW-120-14-S-S in new designs?

A: Direct replacement is not recommended for new designs. The TSW-120-14-S-S is active and ROHS3 compliant, while the 4-102972-0 is obsolete and lacks RoHS compliance. The 40-position configuration of the substitute also differs from the 20-position main part, requiring PCB redesign.

Q: What are the critical compatibility factors between these connectors?

A: Both connectors share 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch, male pin contact type, through-hole solder termination, and UL94 V-0 flammability rating. These parameters ensure mechanical and electrical compatibility at the interface level. Differences in position count, operating temperature range, and contact finish thickness must be evaluated against specific application requirements.

Q: Does the gold plating thickness difference affect signal integrity?

A: The TSW-120-14-S-S provides 30.0µin (0.76µm) gold plating on mating contacts, while the 4-102972-0 provides 15.0µin (0.38µm). Both thicknesses meet standard connector specifications for signal integrity in typical applications. Applications requiring extended contact life or high-cycle mating may benefit from the thicker plating of the primary part.

Q: Are there temperature range limitations when considering substitution?

A: The TSW-120-14-S-S operates from -55°C ~ 125°C, while the 4-102972-0 operates from -65°C ~ 105°C. Applications requiring operation above 105°C must use the primary part. The substitute part supports lower minimum temperatures but has a reduced upper temperature limit.

Q: What is the significance of the breakaway feature on the substitute part?

A: The 4-102972-0 includes a breakaway feature, allowing individual connector sections to be separated. This feature is not present on the TSW-120-14-S-S. Applications requiring modular connector configurations may benefit from this characteristic, though it introduces additional design considerations for mechanical stability.