MTSW-136-13-S-D-945

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

• What are the key design considerations when using the MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 in a high-density PCB layout with limited vertical clearance? The MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 has an overall contact length of 1.230 inches (31.24mm), which includes the 0.945-inch mating contact length and 0.185-inch post length. When designing with this connector, you must account for the full 31.24mm height to ensure adequate clearance above the PCB for mating and unmating cycles. The 2-row, 72-position configuration at 0.100-inch pitch means the connector footprint spans approximately 0.7 inches in one direction. In space-constrained applications, verify that your enclosure or adjacent components do not interfere with connector insertion or the mating partner.
• Can the MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 be used for high-frequency or differential signaling applications, and what impedance characteristics should I expect? The MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 is a general-purpose through-hole header connector with unshrouded, square male pins on a 0.100-inch (2.54mm) pitch. While the datasheet does not specify controlled impedance or high-frequency characteristics, the large pitch and unshrouded design suggest this connector is optimized for general signal and power distribution rather than high-speed differential pairs. For applications requiring impedance control, signal integrity above 100 MHz, or differential signaling, consider specialized connectors with tighter pitch tolerances and shielding. The MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 is suitable for general-purpose digital I/O, power distribution, and moderate-speed interfaces.
• Is the MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 suitable as a direct replacement for the AMP (TE Connectivity) Multilock or Molex KK connectors in legacy equipment? The MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 shares the 0.100-inch (2.54mm) pitch common to many classic through-hole connectors, but compatibility depends on specific mechanical and electrical requirements. The MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 uses a cuttable header design with push-pull fastening and gold-plated mating contacts on phosphor bronze. Legacy Multilock or KK series connectors may use different fastening mechanisms (e.g., wire-wrap or friction-lock), different post geometries, or different insulation materials. Before substituting the MTSW-136-13-S-D-945, verify that the mating connector, PCB footprint, insertion force, and retention mechanism are compatible. Mechanical fit does not guarantee functional equivalence.
• What are the thermal and reliability implications of operating the MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 at the upper limit of its -55°C to 125°C temperature range in a continuously powered application? The MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 is rated for -55°C to 125°C operation with a 3A current rating per contact. At sustained temperatures near 125°C, thermal cycling over extended service life can accelerate insulation degradation and increase contact resistance due to differential thermal expansion between the phosphor bronze contact and the gold plating (30.0µin thickness). The polyester, glass-filled insulation material (UL94 V-0) maintains structural integrity within this range, but repeated thermal stress may gradually increase insertion/removal force and contact wear. For industrial or mission-critical designs operating continuously above 100°C, conduct thermal cycling tests (IPC standards) and measure contact resistance degradation after 500+ thermal cycles to quantify margin.
• How does the gold plating thickness of 30.0µin (0.76µm) on the MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 mating contacts affect long-term reliability in corrosive or high-humidity environments? The MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 features 30.0µin (0.76µm) gold plating over phosphor bronze mating contacts. This plating thickness is within standard commercial ranges (typically 20–50µin) and provides corrosion resistance for indoor, controlled environments. However, in high-humidity, salt-spray, or chemically aggressive industrial settings, thin gold plating can be depleted or compromised at pinholes, exposing the underlying phosphor bronze to oxidation. Over time, this exposure can increase contact resistance and reduce mating cycle life. For humid or corrosive environments, verify that the connector is used with conformal coating or housed in a sealed enclosure. Consider connectors with thicker gold plating (≥50µin) or alternative contact materials for extended outdoor or marine service.
• What is the insertion and withdrawal force specification for the MTSW-136-13-S-D-945, and how does it impact design of automated assembly or field replacement procedures? The MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 datasheet does not explicitly state insertion or withdrawal force values. Without published specifications, you must consult Samtec technical documentation or contact application support for precise force ratings. Typical 0.100-inch pitch headers with unshrouded square pins generally require 1–3 pounds of insertion force per row, depending on contact design and gold plating. For automated assembly, insufficient force specification can lead to improper seating, intermittent contact, or press-in damage. For field replacement or maintenance, excessive force can cause operator fatigue or PCB damage. Before deploying the MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 in production or field service, obtain insertion force data and validate mating procedures with actual samples.
• Can individual positions in the MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 be left unpopulated or removed after initial assembly, and what are the mechanical and electrical consequences? The MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 is a cuttable header with all 72 positions loaded by default. While the 'cuttable' designation implies that the header can be physically segmented, individual pin removal post-assembly is not a standard design feature. Attempting to remove individual pins risks fracturing the insulation block, damaging surrounding contacts, or creating sharp edges that pose safety hazards. If your application requires fewer than 72 positions, Samtec can supply MTSW-136 series headers with custom position counts or you can use a segmented header assembly. Leaving positions unpopulated at the connector interface is acceptable for signal design, but the mechanical structure remains fully populated.
• How does the MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 compare to fine-pitch alternatives like 0.050-inch (1.27mm) or 0.025-inch (0.635mm) pitch connectors in terms of signal integrity and current-carrying capability? The MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 operates at 0.100-inch (2.54mm) pitch with 3A per-contact current rating and is optimized for general-purpose, moderate-density interconnection. Fine-pitch alternatives (0.050-inch or 0.025-inch) offer higher density and smaller overall size but introduce trade-offs: smaller contact cross-sections reduce current capacity per pin, tighter tolerances increase insertion force variability, and closer pin spacing can degrade signal integrity for high-speed applications due to increased crosstalk and impedance discontinuities. The MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 is preferable for power distribution, high-current I/O buses, or environments where robust, forgiving insertion mechanics are valued. Fine-pitch connectors are suitable when density is critical and applications operate at lower current levels or lower frequencies.
• What precautions should be taken when using the MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 in applications requiring multiple mating and unmating cycles, such as test fixtures or development boards? The MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 is rated for board-to-board or cable connections with push-pull fastening and a contact mating length of 0.945 inches (24.00mm). Repeated insertion and withdrawal cycles can cause progressive wear on the gold-plated mating surface, leading to increased contact resistance and reduced retention force. The 3A current rating assumes minimal contact degradation; high-current applications combined with frequent cycling will accelerate wear. To extend connector life, limit manual mating cycles to essential operations, use connector savers or protective caps when not mated, ensure alignment before insertion to avoid contact scraping, and periodically measure contact resistance if cycle count exceeds 500. For test fixtures requiring high-cycle mating, consider zero-insertion-force (ZIF) connectors or pogo pins as alternatives.
• Is the MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 RoHS3 compliant, and what are the implications for lead-free solder assembly and long-term reliability? The MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 is RoHS3 compliant, meaning it meets EU Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive requirements and contains no lead in the solder used for manufacturing. The connector uses tin plating on the post (solder tail) and gold on the mating contacts. Lead-free solder (typically SAC305: tin-silver-copper) has a higher melting point (~217°C vs. 183°C for lead-based) and requires increased reflow oven temperatures and adjusted thermal profiles. This increases thermal stress on the PCB and solder joints. The phosphor bronze contact material and polyester insulation are compatible with lead-free assembly processes, but verify your PCB manufacturer's lead-free solder specifications and thermal cycle limits. For legacy systems designed for lead-based solder, substituting the MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 may require process revalidation and qualification testing.
• What is the correct wire gauge and terminal type for cables intended to mate with the MTSW-136-13-S-D-945, and are there recommended crimp connector part numbers from Samtec? The MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 is a through-hole header designed for board-to-board connection or mating with a corresponding female connector header. It is not intended for direct wire attachment. To connect external cables to this connector, you must use a mating female header (such as MTSW-136 series female connectors) on either a cable assembly or a secondary PCB. Samtec publishes compatibility matrices and mating part numbers in technical documentation. Wire selection depends on the cable assembly design: for 3A per-contact circuits, typical wire gauges are 20–24 AWG. Consult Samtec's interconnect guides or contact applications engineering for recommended female connector part numbers, crimp terminal specifications, and cable assembly procedures.
• How should the MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 be handled and stored to prevent contamination, oxidation, or damage to the gold-plated contacts before assembly? The MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 ships in bulk packaging and contains exposed gold-plated contacts vulnerable to oxidation, fingerprint oils, dust, and corrosion in high-humidity or contaminated environments. Best practices include storing connectors in sealed, moisture-sealed bags (ESD bags or desiccant-lined packaging) at controlled temperature and humidity (recommend <60% RH); avoiding contact with bare hands or contaminated tools; and minimizing exposure time before assembly. If stored for extended periods (>6 months), inspect the connector visually for discoloration or oxidation before use. If contamination is visible, gentle cleaning with isopropyl alcohol and soft brush may restore contact performance, but consult Samtec for guidance. Proper storage extends shelf life and reduces field failures due to poor initial contact resistance.
• Can the MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 be used in conjunction with keying or polarization inserts to prevent incorrect mating or ensure single-orientation assembly? The MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 is an unshrouded, general-purpose header with no built-in keying or polarization features. The connector can be inserted in any orientation, which introduces risk of wiring errors or damage if mated incorrectly. To prevent reversed or incorrect mating, design the PCB layout and mating connector header with mechanical or electrical asymmetries (e.g., different row heights, missing pins at specific positions, or clearly marked orientation indicators). Alternatively, use a shrouded or keyed connector variant if available in the MTSW series. For critical applications, combine mechanical keying with a schematic review and assembly procedure that mandates visual inspection of connector alignment before mating.
• What is the voltage rating of the MTSW-136-13-S-D-945, and are there any limitations on AC, DC, or mixed-signal voltage levels that should be observed? The MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 datasheet does not specify a voltage rating, which is common for general-purpose through-hole headers. The absence of a published voltage specification implies the connector is suitable for low-voltage digital logic and power distribution (typically 0–24V DC or logic-level signals). The connector is not rated for high-voltage power distribution (>48V), AC mains, or high-voltage test equipment use without additional validation. If your application requires voltages above 24V DC or AC operation, contact Samtec for guidance or select a connector specifically rated for high-voltage service. For safety-critical or high-voltage designs, verify that the insulation material (polyester, glass-filled, UL94 V-0) meets your voltage withstand and creepage/clearance requirements per IPC-A-910 or similar standards.
• What post-assembly inspection or testing procedures are recommended to validate the MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 soldering quality and ensure reliable long-term performance? After soldering the MTSW-136-13-S-D-945 to the PCB, inspection should include visual examination for cold solder joints, voids, or bridges between pins; measurement of solder fillet consistency and coverage around the post; and electrical continuity testing to verify all 72 positions establish low-resistance connections. X-ray or cross-sectioning may be required for mission-critical assemblies to detect internal voids. Functional testing should include resistance measurement of representative connections (target <50mΩ for new assemblies) and thermal cycling or accelerated aging if the connector will experience temperature extremes. For high-reliability applications, consider conformance to IPC-A-610 workmanship standards and IPC-B-25 thermal cycling profiles to quantify long-term joint integrity.