TFC-121-02-FM-D-A-K SAMTEC Connector (Other) In Stock
SAMTEC TFC-121-02-FM-D-A-K is a 42-position dual-row Tiger Eye cost-effective terminal strip with 0.050-inch pitch and friction mount retention, designed for reliable SMT board-to-board mezzanine stacking. Gold-plated Tiger Eye contacts ensure low contact resistance and consistent performance across hundreds of mating cycles.
- Manufacturer
- SAMTEC
- Package
- Other
- Pin Count
- 42
- Lifecycle
- ACTIVE
- Datasheet
- TFC-121-02-FM-D-A-K Datasheet PDF
- Category
- Connector
- RoHS
- Compliant
- Lead Time
- 3–7 business days
- Shipping
- DHL Express · Worldwide
Key Features
- 42-position dual-row Tiger Eye terminal strip at 0.050" (1.27 mm) pitch for mid-density SMT mezzanine interconnect
- Friction mount (FM) retention feature provides mechanical locking to prevent unintentional unmating during vibration
- Tiger Eye dual-beam contact delivers superior wiping action for contact resistance reliably below 20 mΩ
- Cost-effective construction reduces PCB BOM cost while maintaining Samtec's high-reliability contact standards
Applications
The TFC-121-02-FM-D-A-K is designed for mid-density board-to-board mezzanine stacking in communications equipment, embedded computing modules, and industrial automation controllers. Its 42-position dual-row layout at 0.050-inch pitch provides 21 signal pairs in a compact SMT footprint, and the friction mount feature adds mechanical retention for applications subject to shock and vibration. The Tiger Eye contact design ensures reliable signal connections across repeated mating and unmating operations throughout the product's service life.
Compliance & Regulatory
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes (Pb-Free) |
Alternate & Equivalent Parts
No known alternates. Submit an RFQ and our team can suggest alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the FM designation mean in TFC-121-02-FM-D-A-K, and when is it important?
The FM designation indicates a friction mount retention feature that provides a mechanical snap or interference fit to prevent unintentional unmating. This is critical in applications subject to vibration or mechanical shock, such as industrial motor drives, mobile computing platforms, and transportation electronics. The friction mount on the 42-position TFC-121 maintains board-to-board connection integrity without requiring additional locking hardware or adhesives.
How many signal positions does the TFC-121-02-FM-D-A-K provide, and how does 0.050-inch pitch affect PCB layout?
The TFC-121-02-FM-D-A-K provides 42 positions in a dual-row configuration at 0.050-inch (1.27 mm) pitch, accommodating 21 contacts per row. At this pitch, the connector body is approximately 1.075 inches long, enabling 42 signals in a footprint roughly half the length of a 2.54 mm pitch equivalent. This compact layout is essential for high-density PCB designs with limited board real estate.
Is the TFC-121-02-FM-D-A-K a suitable replacement for standard non-friction-mount Samtec TFC connectors in benign environments?
Yes. In benign environments without significant vibration or shock, the TFC-121-02-FM-D-A-K functions identically to non-friction-mount variants, providing the same 42-position dual-row connectivity at 0.050-inch pitch with gold-plated Tiger Eye contacts achieving contact resistance below 20 mΩ. The added friction mount feature only engages during unmating and does not degrade electrical or mechanical performance in stationary applications.
What mating cycle life can be expected from the Tiger Eye contacts in the TFC-121-02-FM-D-A-K?
Samtec Tiger Eye contacts use a dual-beam wiping geometry that maintains consistent contact force throughout the connector's service life. For gold-plated contacts in the TFC series at 0.050-inch pitch, typical mating cycle life exceeds 500 cycles with contact resistance remaining below 20 mΩ. This makes the TFC-121-02-FM-D-A-K appropriate for applications requiring periodic board removal and reinsertion, such as field-replaceable modules in industrial and communications equipment.
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