TSW-121-14-F-S Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TSW-121-14-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 connector features 21 positions with 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch spacing and gold-plated mating contacts on phosphor bronze material. The part maintains Active product status with 1019 units in current inventory.

Substitute parts become necessary when the primary part experiences supply constraints, extended lead times, or when design requirements permit alternative configurations within compatible electrical and mechanical parameters. The TSW-121-14-F-S can be substituted with parts sharing identical pitch specifications, compatible contact materials, and equivalent operating temperature ranges.

Substiute Parts

TSW-121-14-F-S

Samtec Inc.In Stock: 1107TSW-121-14-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-121-14-F-S is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

• Pitch - Mating: 0.100" (2.54mm) — exact match required for PCB footprint compatibility
• Connector Type: Header with male pin contact type
• Mounting Type: Through Hole solder termination
• Number of Rows: Single row configuration
• Contact Shape: Square pins

Secondary Compatibility Criteria:

• Operating Temperature Range: Must encompass or match -55°C ~ 125°C
• Material Flammability Rating: UL94 V-0 compliance
• RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant

Flexible Parameters (Position Count): The TSW-121-14-F-S specifies 21 positions. Substitute parts with different position counts (such as 40-position variants) can serve as functional equivalents when the application permits breakaway or partial-use configurations, provided all other electrical and mechanical parameters remain compatible.

The substitute part 4-103321-8 (TE Connectivity AMP Connectors) shares the critical 0.100" pitch specification, through-hole solder termination, and single-row header configuration. Although it features 40 positions and differs in contact finish material and insulation height, it maintains compatibility with the core substitution criteria.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Part Selection: The TSW-121-14-F-S maintains Active product status with established inventory availability (1019 units in stock). This part is the preferred choice for new designs and applications requiring the specified 21-position configuration. The gold-plated mating contacts provide enhanced corrosion resistance and contact reliability in demanding environments.

Substitute Part Consideration: The 4-103321-8 from TE Connectivity carries Obsolete product status, indicating discontinued manufacturing and limited future availability. This substitute should be considered only when the TSW-121-14-F-S experiences supply constraints or extended lead times that impact project schedules.

Compliance and Certification: Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and UL94 V-0 flammability ratings, satisfying regulatory requirements for industrial and commercial applications. Both parts share identical ECCN (EAR99) and HTSUS (8536.69.4040) classifications for export and tariff purposes.

Temperature Operating Range: The TSW-121-14-F-S operates across -55°C to 125°C. The substitute part 4-103321-8 operates across -65°C to 105°C, with a lower maximum temperature limit. Applications requiring sustained operation above 105°C must use the primary TSW-121-14-F-S part.

Contact Material and Finish Differences: The TSW-121-14-F-S uses phosphor bronze with gold mating contact finish (3.00µin thickness), while the substitute uses copper alloy with tin mating contact finish (100.0µin thickness). Gold plating provides superior corrosion resistance and lower contact resistance in low-signal applications. Tin plating is suitable for general-purpose applications with adequate contact pressure.

Position Count and Breakaway Configuration: The substitute part offers 40 positions with breakaway capability, compared to the fixed 21-position configuration of the primary part. Applications requiring fewer than 40 positions can utilize the breakaway feature to achieve the required pin count, though this introduces additional assembly considerations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 4-103321-8 directly replace the TSW-121-14-F-S in existing designs?

A: Direct replacement is not recommended without design review. While both parts share the critical 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch and through-hole solder termination, they differ in contact material (phosphor bronze vs. copper alloy), contact finish (gold vs. tin), insulation height (0.100" vs. 0.090"), and operating temperature range (-55°C to 125°C vs. -65°C to 105°C). Applications operating above 105°C require the TSW-121-14-F-S. Applications with corrosion or low-signal requirements benefit from the gold-plated contacts of the primary part.

Q: What is the significance of the 40-position count on the substitute part?

A: The 4-103321-8 provides 40 positions with breakaway capability, allowing users to separate individual pins or groups of pins to achieve lower position counts. For applications requiring exactly 21 positions, the breakaway feature enables configuration to match the primary part's pin count, though this requires additional assembly and quality control steps.

Q: Are there compatibility issues with PCB footprints?

A: Both parts maintain identical 0.100" (2.54mm) pitch spacing and square contact geometry, ensuring PCB footprint compatibility. However, the substitute part's slightly lower insulation height (0.090" vs. 0.100") and longer post length (0.125" vs. 0.110") may affect board clearance and solder joint geometry. PCB design verification is necessary before substitution.

Q: Why is the substitute part listed as Obsolete?

A: Obsolete status indicates that TE Connectivity has discontinued manufacturing of the 4-103321-8. This classification reflects the part's removal from active production and suggests limited future availability through standard distribution channels. New designs should specify the Active TSW-121-14-F-S to ensure long-term supply chain stability.

Q: What are the implications of different contact finish materials?

A: The TSW-121-14-F-S uses gold plating (3.00µin thickness) on mating contacts, providing superior corrosion resistance, lower contact resistance, and enhanced performance in low-signal or high-reliability applications. The substitute uses tin plating (100.0µin thickness), which is suitable for general-purpose applications with adequate contact pressure and environmental protection. Gold plating is preferred for applications exposed to corrosive environments or requiring minimal contact resistance.

Q: Can the substitute part be used in applications requiring the full -55°C to 125°C temperature range?

A: No. The 4-103321-8 operates only to 105°C maximum, making it unsuitable for applications requiring sustained operation above 105°C. The TSW-121-14-F-S must be specified for applications requiring the full -55°C to 125°C operating range.

Q: Are both parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. Both the TSW-121-14-F-S and 4-103321-8 maintain ROHS3 compliance, satisfying regulatory requirements for hazardous substance restrictions in electrical and electronic equipment.

Q: What inventory considerations apply to these parts?

A: The TSW-121-14-F-S maintains Active status with 1019 units currently in stock, ensuring reliable availability for immediate procurement. The 4-103321-8 is Obsolete with 2828 units in inventory, but this stock is finite and will not be replenished. Substitution should be considered only when primary part availability is constrained.