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

Part Overview

The Bourns 3386T-1-203 is a 20 kOhm, 0.5W through-hole trimmer potentiometer with top adjustment, designed for PC pin termination in sealed applications. This component is classified as Active product status and is widely used in precision circuit tuning and calibration applications. Substitute parts are necessary to address supply chain flexibility, packaging preferences, compliance requirements, or dimensional constraints in specific board layouts.

Substiute Parts

3386T-1-203

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 9133386T-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 3386T-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 electrical equivalence while differing in adjustment type, physical dimensions, packaging format, and compliance certifications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All three parts maintain electrical equivalence and are classified as Active products. Selection between them depends on specific application constraints:

The TT Electronics/BI 25PR20KLF offers RoHS compliance and a smaller footprint (6.86mm face), making it suitable for space-constrained designs requiring environmental compliance. Its top adjustment mechanism matches the original 3386T-1-203.

The Vishay Spectrol M63P203KB40 provides ROHS3 compliance and a slightly larger footprint (10.03mm face). Its side adjustment mechanism differs from the original top adjustment design, requiring board layout reconsideration. This part is supplied in bulk packaging rather than tube format.

The original Bourns 3386T-1-203 remains the reference specification and is available in sealed series packaging with tube format delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

A: Electrically, yes. Both parts share identical resistance, power rating, tolerance, temperature coefficient, number of turns, resistive material, mounting type, and termination style. The primary difference is physical size: the 25PR20KLF has a smaller face dimension (6.86mm vs. 9.53mm). Board layout compatibility must be confirmed before substitution.

Q: What is the significance of the adjustment type difference between the 3386T-1-203 and the M63P203KB40?

A: The 3386T-1-203 features top adjustment, while the M63P203KB40 features side adjustment. This affects the physical orientation and accessibility of the adjustment screw on the assembled board. Top adjustment allows vertical access; side adjustment requires horizontal access. Board design and assembly procedures must accommodate this difference.

Q: Are there RoHS compliance implications when substituting parts?

A: The original Bourns 3386T-1-203 is RoHS non-compliant. The TT Electronics/BI 25PR20KLF is RoHS Compliant, and the Vishay Spectrol M63P203KB40 is ROHS3 Compliant. If your application or market requires RoHS compliance, either substitute part is suitable. If legacy non-compliant status is required, the original part must be retained.

Q: Does packaging format affect component selection?

A: The Bourns 3386T-1-203 and TT Electronics/BI 25PR20KLF are supplied in tube packaging, while the Vishay Spectrol M63P203KB40 is supplied in bulk packaging. Tube packaging is typically preferred for automated assembly processes. Bulk packaging may require manual handling or reel conversion, affecting procurement and assembly workflows.

Q: Can physical size differences impact circuit performance?

A: Physical size differences do not affect electrical performance. However, they impact board layout compatibility. The smaller 25PR20KLF (6.86mm) may fit in space-constrained areas where the larger 3386T-1-203 (9.53mm) or M63P203KB40 (10.03mm) cannot. Conversely, the larger parts may be required if minimum spacing or thermal considerations demand additional board area.