TFC-121-02-FM-D-A-K-TR SAMTEC Connector (Other) In Stock
The SAMTEC TFC-121-02-FM-D-A-K-TR is a 42-position Tiger Eye cost-effective terminal strip with 1.27 mm (0.050") pitch dual-row configuration and surface-mount footprint in tape-and-reel packaging. It features polarization post keying, floating mount capability, and fine-pitch contacts for high-density board-to-board signal interfaces. Suitable for embedded computing modules, test system backplanes, and compact industrial controllers requiring reliable fine-pitch SMT connectivity.
- Manufacturer
- SAMTEC
- Package
- Other
- Pin Count
- 42
- Lifecycle
- ACTIVE
- Datasheet
- TFC-121-02-FM-D-A-K-TR Datasheet PDF
- Category
- Connector
- RoHS
- Compliant
- Lead Time
- 3–7 business days
- Shipping
- DHL Express · Worldwide
Key Features
- 42-position dual-row layout on 1.27 mm (0.050 inch) pitch for high-density SMT board-to-board interfaces
- Tiger Eye contact design provides low insertion force with high retention and reliable electrical connection
- Polarization post (-K option) prevents incorrect board orientation during assembly and field swaps
- Tape-and-reel (-TR) packaging supports automated pick-and-place assembly on high-volume SMT production lines
Applications
The TFC-121-02-FM-D-A-K-TR is used in mezzanine card interconnects, FPGA development boards, and compact embedded module stacking applications where 42 signals must be routed across boards at a 1.27 mm pitch in a minimal PCB footprint. The Tiger Eye contact design reduces insertion force requirements compared to standard pin-socket interfaces, simplifying field module replacement. Its cost-effective design makes it a practical choice for mid-volume industrial and test equipment builds.
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 pitch and position count does the TFC-121-02-FM-D-A-K-TR provide, and how does this affect signal routing density on the PCB?
The TFC-121-02-FM-D-A-K-TR has 42 positions on a 1.27 mm (0.050 inch) pitch in a dual-row configuration. This means 21 contacts per row with 1.27 mm row-to-row spacing, occupying a PCB footprint of approximately 26.67 mm x 2.54 mm. This fine pitch enables high-density routing of parallel data buses, GPIO banks, or mixed signal lines within the board outline of a compact mezzanine module.
What does the Tiger Eye contact geometry of the TFC-121-02-FM-D-A-K-TR offer compared to conventional stamped socket contacts?
The Tiger Eye contact uses a machined or formed eye-of-the-needle shaped receptacle that grips the mating pin with multiple contact points. Compared to stamped beams, this geometry provides consistent contact resistance below 20 milliohms across the rated mating cycles, higher retention force relative to insertion force, and reduced susceptibility to contact damage from lateral misalignment during board stacking.
How does the polarization post (-K option) on the TFC-121-02-FM-D-A-K-TR reduce assembly defects in dual-row fine-pitch connectors?
At 1.27 mm pitch on a symmetric dual-row connector, a 180-degree mis-seated board would short adjacent signal pairs and likely destroy ICs on both mating boards. The -K polarization post mates with an asymmetrically placed hole in the plug connector, making incorrect orientation mechanically impossible. This reduces rework costs associated with mis-mating damage, which at 42 positions could affect multiple high-speed signal lines simultaneously.
When should a designer choose the TFC-121-02-FM-D-A-K-TR's floating-mount (-FM) option over a fixed-mount terminal strip?
The floating-mount option allows the connector body to shift laterally by approximately 0.5 mm to 1 mm from its nominal position before mating. This compliance accommodates PCB manufacturing tolerances in multi-board assemblies where two boards must mate simultaneously, such as in a chassis-mounted backplane system with multiple daughtercard connectors. Without float, accumulated positional tolerances across multiple connectors can create misalignment forces exceeding 50 N that stress solder joints.
Related Guides
How to Choose a Digital Potentiometer: AD5204, AD5206, and AD8403 Selection Guide
Compare the AD5204, AD5206, and AD8403 multi-channel SPI digipots by channel count, resistance value, and package to choose the right Analog Devices digital potentiometer for your design.
Jun 21, 2026
AD7745 / AD7746 / AD7747 Capacitance-to-Digital Converter Design Guide
Complete application note for the AD774x CDC family: circuit design, shielding, conversion rate selection, and sourcing guidance for the AD7745, AD7746, and AD7747.
Jun 21, 2026
ECMF02-4CMX8 Common-Mode Filter with ESD Protection: Selection Guide
Compare ECMF02-4CMX8 vs ECMF02-2AMX6, ECMF04-4HSM10, and other ST ECMF filters. Choose the right 4-channel common-mode filter with ESD protection for USB 2.0.
Jun 20, 2026
AD5204 Quad Digital Potentiometer Selection Guide (2026)
How to choose the right AD5204 quad digital potentiometer: compare 10kΩ vs 100kΩ variants, TSSOP vs SOIC packages, and SPI interface options for your design.
Jun 20, 2026
Why Buy from FindMyChip
About SAMTEC
SAMTEC is a leading electronic component manufacturer. FindMyChip sources SAMTEC ICs directly from authorized China distributors, offering competitive pricing and reliable stock.
In Stock · 24h Response · Worldwide Shipping
Response within 24 hours · Worldwide shipping
“Response time is incredible — usually under 4 hours. They understand that production lines can't wait.”