TE Connectivity Automotive Connectors: Product Catalog & Part Number Decoding Guide
A comprehensive guide to TE Connectivity automotive connector families, part number systems, and how to decode TE connector specifications for OEM and aftermarket applications.
Introduction: Why Understanding TE Connectivity Part Numbers Matters
TE Connectivity, formerly known as Tyco Electronics (rebranded in 2011, with roots dating back to AMP Incorporated acquired in 1999), is the world's largest manufacturer of automotive connectors, commanding approximately 12% of the global automotive connector market share. For engineers, procurement specialists, and aftermarket suppliers working with TE connectors, understanding the product catalog and part number system is essential for correct selection, replacement, and procurement.
TE's automotive connector portfolio spans over 30 major product families, serving every domain of modern vehicles from 12V body electronics to 800V EV architectures. This article provides a structured guide to TE's product classification and a detailed breakdown of their part number conventions.
TE Connectivity Automotive Connector Product Families
1. Power & Signal Connectors (Low-Voltage)
These are the workhorses of automotive electrical systems, handling currents from 1A to 40A in 12V and 24V applications.
| Series Name | Pin Range | Sealing | Current Rating | Key Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUPERSEAL® | 2–24 pins | IP67 | 5A (16AWG) / 13A (12AWG) | Under-hood, chassis, lighting |
| DT / DTM / DTP | 2–24 pins | DT: unsealed DTM/DTP: IP67 | 7–13A | Body control, HVAC, aftermarket kits |
| MATE-N-LOK® | 2–24 pins | Unsealed (IP00) | 10–15A | Power distribution, BMS |
| Metri-Pack™ | 2–32 pins | IP67 / IP69K | 15–30A | EV battery, high-power sensors |
| ECONOCHIP™ | 2–16 pins | Unsealed | 3–5A | Interior sensors, switches |
2. High-Speed Data Connectors
Designed for automotive Ethernet, camera systems, and infotainment data transmission.
| Series Name | Key Features | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| HSD (High Speed Data) | Supports SerDes, EMI shielding, ≤-20dB return loss to 1GHz | Camera, display, USB, telematics |
| MQS (Micro Quadlock) | Compact 0.64mm / 1.2mm pitch, up to 1.5A per pin | Body sensors, ECU connections |
| EZ-MATE™ | High-density, low-pitch (< 1mm), USCAR-T3V2 compliant | Instrument cluster, ADAS modules |
3. RF & Coaxial Connectors
For antenna, GPS, and high-frequency signal applications.
| Series Name | Key Features | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| FAKRA | 50Ω impedance, 14 color codes (A–Z), up to 6GHz | GPS, satellite radio, V2X antennas |
| FAKRA Gen4 | Next-gen FAKRA, improved EMC performance | Advanced driver assistance systems |
| MMB (Mini Coaxial) | Ultra-compact 1.8mm diameter | 5G automotive, phased array antennas |
4. High-Voltage Connectors (EV & Hybrid)
For electric vehicle battery packs, power distribution, and charging systems.
| Series Name | Voltage / Current | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| HV Connector System | 400V–800V, up to 500A | Touch protection (IP2XB), HVIL interlock |
| Battery Disconnect Unit (BDU) | Up to 1000V, 400A | Integrated fuse, manual disconnect |
| Charging Inlet (GB/T, CCS) | DC fast charging | Compliant with SAE J1772, IEC 62196 |
Understanding TE Part Number System
TE Connectivity uses a structured part number system that encodes product family, specifications, and manufacturing information. The typical format is:
Format: PREFIX-XXXXXXX-X
Prefix Breakdown
| Prefix | Product Category | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1- | AMP / AMPHELON / Commercial Connectors | 1-1670901-1 (SUPERSEAL housing) |
| 2- | AMP Industrial / Heavy-Duty | 2-1437290-8 (Superseal 26-pos housing) |
| 3- | AMP Power / High-Current | 3-966292-3 (ferrule, 3AWG) |
| 4- | Deutsch / Automotive Severe Environment | 4-2271143-2 (sealed M8/M12) |
| 5- | Measurement & Sensor | Rarely used for automotive connectors |
| 7- | TE Connectivity (newer products) | 7-1438890-7 (FAKRA Gen4 contact) |
| 8- | Automotive Infotainment / HSD | 8-2141962-1 (HSD coding cap) |
| 9- | Terminal & Contact Products | 962885 (MQS contact, 0.20–0.50mm²) |
| 10- | High-Power / Industrial | 10-1438896 (FAKRA contact, 0.14–0.22mm²) |
Decoding Example: 1-1670901-1
Prefix 1: AMP Commercial / Automotive
1670901: Unique component identifier — this number encodes the specific product variant including pin count, pitch, material, and plating
-1: Revision or packaging variant (1 = standard bulk packaging; other suffixes indicate tape/reel, tray, or special packaging)
Key TE Automotive Part Number Ranges
| Part Number Range | Product Family |
|---|---|
| 1-1437290-x to 1-1437300-x | SUPERSEAL® 1.5mm Housings |
| 1-1670900-x to 1-1670999-x | SUPERSEAL® 2.8mm Housings |
| 2-1437290-x series | SUPERSEAL® 3.0mm High-Power |
| DT04-xx / DT06-xx series | Deutsch DT Series (automotive/industrial) |
| 962885 / 962886 series | MQS Contacts (0.20–0.50mm²) |
| 927773 / 927775 series | JPT Contacts (1.50–2.50mm²) |
| 1438890-x / 1438896-x | FAKRA Gen4 Contacts |
| 2324148-x series | HSD Connectors (90° sealed) |
| 1823071-x / 1823271-x | HSD Headers (90° / 180°) |
| 1719261-x / 1719252-x | FAKRA II Contacts & Housings |
How to Identify Genuine TE Connectors
With counterfeit automotive connectors flooding aftermarket channels, verification is critical:
- Check the part number prefix: Genuine TE parts always begin with the standardized prefix (1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, etc.). Avoid listings showing only generic descriptions.
- Verify housing markings: Authentic TE housings are laser-etched or molded with the part number and UL/cUL logos. Look for the "TE" or "TE Connectivity" brand mark near the latch.
- Check contact plating: TE uses consistent plating — tin for standard contacts, gold flash for signal contacts, selective gold for high-reliability applications. Counterfeits often use cheap tin plating that fails corrosion testing.
- Validate packaging: Original TE packaging includes barcoded labels with full part numbers, lot codes, and country of origin. Bulk-purchased connectors without original packaging are high-risk.
- Cross-reference with TE's online catalog: Use TE's official product search at te.com to verify specifications before purchase.
Application Specification Documents
Every TE connector series has corresponding application specifications that define performance requirements:
| Document Type | Format | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Product Specification | 108-XXXXX | 108-94331 (HSD Headers) |
| Application Specification | 114-XXXXX | 114-94058 (HSD 180° Connector) |
| Full Line Catalog | 1308073-x | Complete automotive catalog |
These documents contain critical information including electrical ratings, mechanical specifications, environmental test requirements, and approved wire ranges. They are available through TE's official website or authorized distributors.
Summary
Mastering TE Connectivity's automotive connector product catalog and part number system is essential for anyone working with vehicle electrical systems. From SUPERSEAL power connectors to FAKRA RF and HSD data connectors, TE's product families cover every automotive domain. The part number system, with its structured prefix and component identifiers, provides a reliable way to specify and verify the correct connector for each application.
For aftermarket suppliers and procurement specialists: always cross-reference part numbers with TE's official documentation, verify authenticity through packaging and marking checks, and ensure compatibility with mating connectors before finalizing purchases. When in doubt, consult TE's authorized distributor network for verification.