Bourns 3386M-1-203 Trimmer Potentiometer: Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Bourns 3386M-1-203 is a 20 kOhm, 0.5W through-hole trimmer potentiometer with top adjustment, featuring cermet resistive material and PC pin termination. This component is part of the Trimpot® 3386 sealed series and maintains active product status. Substitute parts become necessary due to inventory availability, regional sourcing requirements, packaging preferences, or specific compliance certifications needed for end-application qualification.

Substiute Parts

3386M-1-203

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 7873386M-1-203 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

25PR20KLF

TT Electronics/BIIn Stock: 266225PR20KLF Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

M63P203KB40

Vishay SpectrolIn Stock: 1013M63P203KB40 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 3386M-1-203 is determined by strict equivalence across the following core parameters:

• Resistance value: 20 kOhms (exact match required)
• Power rating: 0.5W / 1/2W (exact match required)
• Tolerance: ±10% (exact match required)
• Temperature coefficient: ±100ppm/°C (exact match required)
• Number of turns: 1 (exact match required)
• Resistive material: Cermet (exact match required)
• Mounting type: Through Hole (exact match required)
• Termination style: PC Pins (exact match required)

Two substitute parts meet these criteria: the TT Electronics/BI 25PR20KLF and the Vishay Spectrol M63P203KB40. Both maintain identical electrical specifications and core mechanical compatibility. Differences exist in physical dimensions, adjustment type, packaging format, and regulatory compliance status, which may influence selection based on application constraints.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

TT Electronics/BI 25PR20KLF is suitable for applications requiring RoHS compliance. This part maintains identical electrical performance and top adjustment configuration. The smaller physical footprint (0.270" x 0.270") may require PCB layout verification to confirm fit within existing mounting holes and clearance zones. Tube packaging aligns with standard component handling practices.

Vishay Spectrol M63P203KB40 is suitable for applications requiring ROHS3 compliance and bulk packaging workflows. This part maintains identical electrical performance but features side adjustment rather than top adjustment. The larger physical footprint (0.395" x 0.395") requires confirmation that PCB layout accommodates the increased dimensions. Side adjustment orientation may necessitate mechanical access verification in the final assembly.

Bourns 3386M-1-203 remains the primary choice for applications with no RoHS requirement or where the sealed Trimpot® 3386 series specification is explicitly mandated. Tube packaging and established inventory support standard procurement workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the TT Electronics/BI 25PR20KLF be used as a direct replacement for the Bourns 3386M-1-203?

A: Electrical substitution is valid. The 25PR20KLF matches all core electrical parameters (20 kOhms, 0.5W, ±10% tolerance, ±100ppm/°C, 1 turn, cermet, through-hole, PC pins). Physical differences include smaller face dimensions (0.270" vs 0.375") and RoHS compliance status. PCB layout must accommodate the smaller footprint.

Q: What is the primary difference between the Vishay Spectrol M63P203KB40 and the Bourns 3386M-1-203?

A: Electrical specifications are identical. The M63P203KB40 differs in adjustment type (side vs. top), physical dimensions (0.395" vs. 0.375" face), packaging format (bulk vs. tube), and regulatory compliance (ROHS3 vs. non-compliant). Side adjustment requires different mechanical access considerations during assembly and field adjustment.

Q: Are there dimensional constraints that would prevent substitution?

A: Yes. The TT Electronics/BI 25PR20KLF is smaller (0.270" x 0.270"), and the Vishay Spectrol M63P203KB40 is larger (0.395" x 0.395") compared to the original 3386M-1-203 (0.375" x 0.375"). PCB mounting hole spacing, clearance zones, and mechanical access paths must be verified before substitution.

Q: Does RoHS compliance affect electrical performance?

A: No. RoHS compliance is a material composition and manufacturing process requirement, not an electrical specification. Both RoHS-compliant substitutes (25PR20KLF and M63P203KB40) deliver identical electrical performance to the non-compliant 3386M-1-203.

Q: Can the side-adjustment M63P203KB40 replace a top-adjustment application?

A: Electrical substitution is valid. Mechanical substitution requires verification that the assembly design accommodates side adjustment access. Top-adjustment designs may have limited side clearance, making field adjustment difficult or impossible with the M63P203KB40.

Q: What packaging differences exist between these parts?

A: The Bourns 3386M-1-203 and TT Electronics/BI 25PR20KLF are supplied in tube packaging, suitable for automated pick-and-place assembly. The Vishay Spectrol M63P203KB40 is supplied in bulk packaging, requiring manual counting and handling for component kitting.