Bourns 3303C-1-503E Trimmer Potentiometer: Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Bourns 3303C-1-503E is a 50 kOhms surface mount trimmer potentiometer with 0.15W power rating, designed for applications requiring precision variable resistance adjustment. This component features a cermet resistive element, J lead termination, and top/bottom adjustment capability in a compact rectangular form factor. The 3303C-1-503E is classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent active alternatives necessary for new designs and ongoing production support.

Substiute Parts

3303C-1-503E

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 12093303C-1-503E Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

TC42X-2-503E

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 6182TC42X-2-503E Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 3303C-1-503E is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Resistance value: 50 kOhms (exact match required)
• Resistive material: Cermet (maintains performance characteristics)
• Termination style: J Lead (ensures PCB compatibility)
• Mounting type: Surface Mount (preserves assembly process)
• Temperature coefficient: ±250ppm/°C (maintains thermal stability)
• Tolerance: ±25% (acceptable performance band)

The Bourns TC42X-2-503E qualifies as a substitute based on matching resistance, material composition, termination, and mounting specifications. Differences in power rating (0.1W vs. 0.15W), adjustment type (top only vs. top/bottom), and physical dimensions represent acceptable trade-offs for applications where the lower power rating and reduced adjustment access do not conflict with circuit requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The TC42X-2-503E serves as the active production equivalent for the obsolete 3303C-1-503E. Both components maintain identical electrical specifications for resistance, tolerance, and temperature coefficient, ensuring functional compatibility in circuits designed for 50 kOhm trimmer potentiometers.

Selection of the TC42X-2-503E requires evaluation of two design considerations:

Power rating differential: The TC42X-2-503E operates at 0.1W versus the 3303C-1-503E at 0.15W. Applications dissipating power below 0.1W experience no functional impact. Circuits requiring power dissipation between 0.1W and 0.15W necessitate thermal analysis to confirm the lower-rated component remains within safe operating limits.

Adjustment access: The TC42X-2-503E provides top adjustment only, compared to the 3303C-1-503E top/bottom adjustment capability. Designs requiring bottom-side potentiometer access during operation or maintenance must retain the original part number or identify alternative sources.

Both components carry ROHS3 compliance and MSL-1 ratings, supporting equivalent supply chain and manufacturing requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the TC42X-2-503E directly replace the 3303C-1-503E in existing designs?

A: Direct replacement is possible when circuit power dissipation does not exceed 0.1W and adjustment access is limited to the top surface. PCB layout compatibility requires verification due to dimensional differences (3.75mm x 3.00mm vs. 2.60mm x 2.20mm).

Q: What is the impact of the reduced power rating on circuit performance?

A: Power rating reduction from 0.15W to 0.1W affects thermal stability under sustained high-current conditions. Applications operating below 0.1W dissipation experience no performance degradation. Applications between 0.1W and 0.15W require thermal modeling to confirm component reliability.

Q: Are both parts compatible with the same PCB footprint?

A: No. The TC42X-2-503E is physically smaller (2.60mm x 2.20mm) than the 3303C-1-503E (3.75mm x 3.00mm). PCB redesign or footprint modification is necessary for mechanical fit.

Q: Do both components meet the same compliance standards?

A: Yes. Both the 3303C-1-503E and TC42X-2-503E are ROHS3 compliant with MSL-1 moisture sensitivity ratings, supporting identical supply chain and manufacturing requirements.

Q: Why is the 3303C-1-503E classified as obsolete?

A: The 3303C series has been superseded by the TC42X series in Bourns' active product portfolio. The TC42X-2-503E represents the current production equivalent offering improved availability and ongoing manufacturer support.

Q: Can the adjustment type difference affect circuit tuning?

A: The TC42X-2-503E top-only adjustment limits access compared to the 3303C-1-503E top/bottom capability. Applications requiring bottom-side adjustment during operation or maintenance cannot use the TC42X-2-503E without design modification.