Molex 83421 Series Cable Assemblies:
Part Numbers, Connector Types and Compatible Replacements
A procurement and engineering guide to Molex 834219036 through 834219051, covering the four Commercial Micro-D cable configurations, standard lengths, DB9 and pigtail terminology, wiring verification and Premier Cable replacement options.
What is the Molex 83421 Series?
Molex 83421 is a family of 9-circuit Commercial Micro-D cable assemblies. The series includes Micro-D female to standard DB9 male, Micro-D female to standard DB9 female, Micro-D female to pigtail and Micro-D female to Micro-D female configurations.
Each connector configuration is offered in published standard lengths of 0.46 m, 0.91 m and 1.83 m. Part numbers within the same group are primarily distinguished by length, but connector appearance and cable length alone do not confirm the pinout, communication protocol or complete electrical compatibility.
Key Takeaways
- 834219036–038: Micro-D female to DB9 male; Premier Cable PCM-S-0788.
- 834219039–041: Micro-D female to DB9 female; Premier Cable PCM-S-0590.
- 834219042–044: Micro-D female to pigtail; Premier Cable PCM-S-0666.
- 834219049–051: Micro-D female to Micro-D female; Premier Cable PCM-S-0787.
- Final approval requires wiring verification. Matching connectors and cable length do not confirm the pinout or protocol.
Contents
01 · Molex 83421 Series Overview
The Molex 83421 Series is listed under power and signal cable assemblies and uses a compact 9-circuit Commercial Micro-D, or CMD, connector. Compared with a standard 9-position D-Sub, commonly called DB9 or DE-9, the smaller interface is useful where panel space and cable-routing clearance are limited.
The series is a group of finished passive cable assemblies rather than one universal cable. The opposite end may be a DB9 male connector, DB9 female connector, open-wire pigtail or a second Commercial Micro-D female connector. The published assemblies typically use 28 AWG conductors and standard lengths of 0.46 m, 0.91 m and 1.83 m.
02 · Molex 83421 Series at a Glance
The fastest selection method is to identify the connector at the opposite end of the Micro-D female connector, then select the required standard cable length. The table below maps all twelve reference part numbers to the four Premier Cable product families.
| Connector Configuration | 0.46 m | 0.91 m | 1.83 m | Premier Cable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micro-D Female → DB9 Male | 834219036 | 834219037 | 834219038 | PCM-S-0788 |
| Micro-D Female → DB9 Female | 834219039 | 834219040 | 834219041 | PCM-S-0590 |
| Micro-D Female → Pigtail | 834219042 | 834219043 | 834219044 | PCM-S-0666 |
| Micro-D Female → Micro-D Female | 834219049 | 834219050 | 834219051 | PCM-S-0787 |
Do not select from the length alone. First confirm whether the opposite end is DB9 male, DB9 female, pigtail or a second Micro-D female.
Choose 0.46 m, 0.91 m, 1.83 m or a custom length, then approve the pinout, shield connection and hardware.
03 · How to Read Molex 83421 Part Numbers
The same component may appear in supplier databases with different punctuation or a leading zero. For example, the 0.46-meter Micro-D female to DB9 male assembly may be searched as 834219036, 0834219036 or 83421-9036.
These formatting differences do not replace the product description. A purchasing request should include the full reference number, connector configuration, length and a copy of the drawing or product-page description whenever possible.
04 · Type 1: Micro-D 9-Pin Female to Standard DB9 Male
The first group uses a Commercial Micro-D 9-circuit female connector on one end and a conventional 9-position D-Sub male connector on the opposite end. This configuration is selected when compact equipment must connect to a controller, computer, test fixture or interface with a standard DB9 female port.
Typical applications: compact controllers, embedded systems, test fixtures and instruments that connect a Commercial Micro-D interface to a standard DB9 female port.
05 · Type 2: Micro-D 9-Pin Female to Standard DB9 Female
The second group uses a Commercial Micro-D female connector and a standard DB9 female connector. It is important to identify both the shell style and the socket contacts, because legacy descriptions sometimes use "male" or "female" inconsistently when referring to the shell rather than the contacts.
06 · Type 3: Micro-D 9-Pin Female to Pigtail Open End
The third group is a single-ended Commercial Micro-D assembly. One end has the molded 9-circuit Micro-D female connector, while the opposite end has nine individual pigtail or flying leads without a fixed connector.
Pigtail, Open End, Flying Leads and Unterminated Cable
These terms are commonly used for the same general structure, but the wire-end preparation can be different. A procurement drawing should state whether the conductors are simply cut, stripped, tinned, crimped with ferrules, labeled individually or terminated with customer-specified contacts.
Define exposed conductor length and tolerance.
State whether bare copper, tinning or crimp ferrules are required.
List pin number, wire color, label and circuit function.
Define drain wire, braid termination and grounding end.
07 · Type 4: Micro-D 9-Pin Female to Micro-D 9-Pin Female
The fourth group uses a Commercial Micro-D 9-circuit female connector at both ends. It creates a compact fully terminated interconnect between two devices with compatible Micro-D male interfaces, without using a standard DB9 adapter or open-wire termination.
Typical applications: compact controller, test-equipment, measurement and embedded-system interconnections using an approved pin map.
08 · Is Cable Length the Only Difference Within Each Group?
Within each published connector group, the three Molex part numbers are primarily distinguished by the standard cable length of 0.46 m, 0.91 m or 1.83 m. This allows one configurable Premier Cable product family to cover the three reference lengths.
Length alone is not sufficient for production approval. Confirm the connector format and contact gender, complete pinout, shielding and grounding, screw hardware, cable construction, overmold and any compliance or documentation requirements against the controlled drawing or an approved sample.
09 · DB9 Protocol and Wiring Verification
DB9 describes the physical 9-position D-Sub connector, not the electrical protocol. A DB9 interface may carry RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, CAN, GPIO, power and signal, test circuits or a proprietary equipment interface.
Two assemblies can therefore use the same connector bodies and cable length while having different circuit maps. The wiring type must be confirmed independently from the connector description.
Straight-Through
Circuits connect according to an approved one-to-one map. Connector numbering views must still be checked.
Crossover
Selected signals route to different positions at the opposite end according to the equipment circuit.
Null Modem
Transmit, receive or handshake signals may be crossed. Different null-modem implementations require different pinouts.
10 · Complete Molex 83421 Cross-Reference Table
This table is designed for part-number search and preliminary replacement identification. "Premier Cable solution" means a configurable cable assembly based on the stated connector format; final approval requires the relevant pinout, hardware and construction.
| Molex PN | End A | End B | Length | Premier Cable | Approval Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 834219036 | Micro-D F | DB9 M | 0.46 m | PCM-S-0788 | Pinout and screws |
| 834219037 | Micro-D F | DB9 M | 0.91 m | PCM-S-0788 | Pinout and screws |
| 834219038 | Micro-D F | DB9 M | 1.83 m | PCM-S-0788 | Pinout and screws |
| 834219039 | Micro-D F | DB9 F | 0.46 m | PCM-S-0590 | Straight or special wiring |
| 834219040 | Micro-D F | DB9 F | 0.91 m | PCM-S-0590 | Straight or special wiring |
| 834219041 | Micro-D F | DB9 F | 1.83 m | PCM-S-0590 | Straight or special wiring |
| 834219042 | Micro-D F | Pigtail | 0.46 m | PCM-S-0666 | Wire color and preparation |
| 834219043 | Micro-D F | Pigtail | 0.91 m | PCM-S-0666 | Wire color and preparation |
| 834219044 | Micro-D F | Pigtail | 1.83 m | PCM-S-0666 | Wire color and preparation |
| 834219049 | Micro-D F | Micro-D F | 0.46 m | PCM-S-0787 | Pin mapping and shield |
| 834219050 | Micro-D F | Micro-D F | 0.91 m | PCM-S-0787 | Pin mapping and shield |
| 834219051 | Micro-D F | Micro-D F | 1.83 m | PCM-S-0787 | Pin mapping and shield |
11 · How to Select and Approve a Molex 83421 Replacement
For a replacement project, begin with the installed interface and the original cable, not with a generic comparison of connector sizes. The following process separates mechanical identification from electrical approval.
Record the Complete Part Number
Use the full nine-digit Molex reference and note any alternate database formatting.
Identify Both Connector Ends
Photograph the mating faces and side profiles. State plug or receptacle shell style and pin or socket contacts.
Confirm Cable Length
Select 0.46 m, 0.91 m, 1.83 m or a custom length and define the measurement datum and tolerance.
Verify the Pinout
Use a controlled drawing, equipment diagram, approved original cable or documented continuity test.
Define Mechanical Construction
State screw threads, cable diameter, jacket, overmold, strain relief, labels and available routing space.
Approve Testing and Documents
Define first article, continuity, open, short, miswire, visual inspection, drawing and test-report requirements.
12 · Information Required for a Molex 83421 Cable RFQ
A complete RFQ allows the supplier to select the correct Premier Cable product family, prepare a drawing and define production testing without repeated clarification.
| Required Information | Example | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Original reference | Molex 834219040 | Identifies the published connector group and length. |
| End A | Commercial Micro-D 9-circuit female | Confirms the compact equipment interface. |
| End B | DB9 female, DB9 male, pigtail or Micro-D female | Selects PCM-S-0590, 0788, 0666 or 0787. |
| Cable length | 0.91 m between reference planes | Avoids disagreement over connector-body inclusion. |
| Pinout | Drawing or pin-to-pin table attached | Prevents straight-through, crossover or view-orientation assumptions. |
| Electrical interface | Device-specific control, RS-232 or other defined interface | Confirms signal level and connected equipment. |
| Shielding | Overall foil and drain wire to shell at End A | Defines EMC performance and grounding. |
| Hardware | #2-56 Micro-D and #4-40 DB9 | Ensures the assembly can be secured to the equipment. |
| Pigtail preparation | 30 mm strip, 5 mm tin, wire labels | Defines the usable open-wire end. |
| Testing | 100% open, short and miswire | Establishes the production acceptance criteria. |
| Quantity | 5 prototypes and 500 production pieces | Affects sample planning, tooling and pricing. |
| Documentation | Drawing, first article and test report | Supports approval and traceability. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How are Molex 83421 cable assembly part numbers grouped?
The series contains four connector configurations: 834219036–038 are Micro-D female to DB9 male, 834219039–041 are Micro-D female to DB9 female, 834219042–044 are Micro-D female to pigtail, and 834219049–051 are Micro-D female to Micro-D female. Within each group, the three part numbers correspond to 0.46 m, 0.91 m and 1.83 m standard lengths.
Are Molex 83421 cables always wired straight-through?
Connector descriptions do not prove the complete pinout. The approved Molex drawing, equipment specification, original sample or customer-controlled wiring table should be used before production.
Does a DB9 connector always mean RS-232?
No. DB9 describes the physical connector format. The same connector can carry RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, CAN, GPIO, equipment I/O or another proprietary signal assignment.
Can Premier Cable manufacture the original Molex lengths?
Yes. The four Premier Cable product families can be manufactured in the corresponding 0.46 m, 0.91 m and 1.83 m reference lengths, subject to confirmation of pinout, hardware and construction.
Can I order a custom pinout or cable length?
Yes. Length, pinout, shielding, jacket, screw hardware, labels, overmold and open-end preparation can be customized according to a drawing, sample or approved equipment specification.
What does pigtail or flying lead mean?
It means the opposite end has individual unterminated wires rather than a fixed connector. The wires may be stripped, tinned, labeled, fitted with ferrules or prepared for another termination.
What information is required for a quotation?
Provide the Molex reference part number, connector configuration, cable length, pinout, equipment model, shielding, screw hardware, labels, quantity and required electrical tests.
Conclusion
The Molex 83421 cable range can be understood as four connector configurations, each divided into 0.46 m, 0.91 m and 1.83 m reference lengths. This structure makes the series easier to cross-reference, but it does not remove the need to verify pinout, shielding, hardware and wire-end preparation.
Premier Cable maps the four configurations to PCM-S-0788, PCM-S-0590, PCM-S-0666 and PCM-S-0787. The correct product family can be selected from the connector ends, while the final cable is approved from the project drawing or verified sample.
Technical References
Request a Custom Commercial Micro-D Cable Assembly
Send the Molex reference part number, complete connector photos, required cable length, controlled pinout, shielding, screw hardware, pigtail preparation, labels and quantity. Premier Cable can select PCM-S-0788, PCM-S-0590, PCM-S-0666 or PCM-S-0787 and prepare a drawing for approval.
