4426-4 Fixed Inductor Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 4426-4 is a 12.5 nH unshielded wirewound surface mount inductor manufactured by API Delevan Inc., rated for 3 A continuous current. This component is classified as Active product status with 941 units currently in stock. The 4426-4 operates across the temperature range of -55°C to 125°C and is designed for high-frequency applications with a self-resonant frequency of 3 GHz.

Substitute parts become necessary when the primary component experiences supply constraints, extended lead times, or when design requirements permit alternative manufacturers meeting equivalent electrical and mechanical specifications. The substitute identified maintains critical electrical parameters including inductance value, tolerance, and frequency characteristics while offering enhanced current rating and improved compliance certifications.

Substiute Parts

4426-4

API Delevan Inc.In Stock: 9964426-4 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

AIAC-1512C-12N5J-T

Abracon LLCIn Stock: 3098AIAC-1512C-12N5J-T Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The AIAC-1512C-12N5J-T from Abracon LLC qualifies as a direct substitute for the 4426-4 based on the following substitution criteria:

Electrical Parameter Equivalence: The substitute maintains identical inductance value of 12.5 nH with matching ±5% tolerance. Both components feature air-core wirewound construction with unshielded configuration. The Q factor at 150 MHz is equivalent at 137, and the self-resonant frequency matches at 3 GHz. These parameters ensure equivalent high-frequency performance characteristics.

Current Rating Compatibility: The AIAC-1512C-12N5J-T provides 4.3 A continuous current rating, which exceeds the 4426-4 requirement of 3 A. This enhanced rating provides design margin and allows substitution in applications requiring the original 3 A specification.

Mechanical and Mounting Compatibility: Both components are surface mount inductors with nonstandard package configurations. Physical dimensions are comparable, with the substitute measuring 0.130" L x 0.098" W (3.30 mm x 2.50 mm) versus the original 0.145" L x 0.120" W (3.68 mm x 3.05 mm). Height specifications are 0.110" (2.80 mm) for the substitute and 0.125" (3.18 mm) for the original. These dimensional differences require PCB layout verification but do not preclude substitution.

Environmental and Compliance Considerations: The substitute operates across -40°C to 125°C, which encompasses the critical upper temperature limit of the original but has a higher minimum temperature specification. Moisture sensitivity level remains at MSL 1 (Unlimited) for both components. The AIAC-1512C-12N5J-T carries RoHS3 compliance certification, whereas the 4426-4 is RoHS non-compliant.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Selection Criteria:

The AIAC-1512C-12N5J-T is electrically and functionally equivalent to the 4426-4 for applications requiring 12.5 nH inductance at 3 A or lower continuous current. Selection between these components should be based on the following factors:

Compliance Requirements: If RoHS3 compliance is mandated by design specifications or regulatory requirements, the AIAC-1512C-12N5J-T is the appropriate selection. The 4426-4 does not meet RoHS3 standards and should not be used in applications with compliance obligations.

Temperature Operating Range: Applications requiring operation below -40°C must use the 4426-4, as the substitute's minimum operating temperature is -40°C. For applications within -40°C to 125°C range, either component is acceptable from a thermal perspective.

Physical Space Constraints: The AIAC-1512C-12N5J-T offers a smaller footprint (3.30 x 2.50 mm versus 3.68 x 3.05 mm) and lower profile (2.80 mm versus 3.18 mm). PCB layouts with space constraints may benefit from the substitute's reduced dimensions. Conversely, existing PCB designs with fixed component placement must verify dimensional compatibility before substitution.

Current Margin: The substitute's 4.3 A rating provides 43% additional current capacity beyond the 3 A requirement. This margin may be advantageous in designs with potential current transients or future design revisions requiring increased current handling.

Supply and Inventory: The substitute maintains higher inventory availability (3062 units versus 941 units), which may reduce procurement lead times and supply risk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the AIAC-1512C-12N5J-T be used as a direct replacement for the 4426-4 in existing designs?

A: Electrical substitution is valid provided the application does not require operation below -40°C. Physical substitution requires PCB layout verification due to dimensional differences. The substitute's smaller footprint and lower profile are compatible with most layouts but must be confirmed against specific PCB design files.

Q: What is the significance of the DC resistance specification in the substitute?

A: The AIAC-1512C-12N5J-T specifies maximum DC resistance of 3 mOhm, whereas the 4426-4 does not provide this specification. In high-current or low-impedance applications, this 3 mOhm specification ensures predictable resistive losses. The original part's unspecified DCR should not be assumed equivalent.

Q: Are there any frequency response differences between these components?

A: Both components exhibit identical Q factor (137 @ 150 MHz) and self-resonant frequency (3 GHz). Frequency response characteristics are equivalent across the specified operating bandwidth.

Q: How do the physical dimension differences affect PCB assembly?

A: The substitute is smaller in all dimensions: 3.30 x 2.50 mm footprint (versus 3.68 x 3.05 mm) and 2.80 mm height (versus 3.18 mm). Existing PCB designs with fixed component placement must verify that the smaller substitute does not create clearance issues with adjacent components or solder mask patterns. The reduced dimensions generally provide layout flexibility rather than constraints.

Q: What is the impact of the narrower operating temperature range on design selection?

A: The substitute's -40°C minimum operating temperature is 15°C higher than the original. Applications requiring operation at -55°C must use the 4426-4. For applications within -40°C to 125°C, the substitute is acceptable. Temperature requirements should be verified against actual system specifications rather than assumed worst-case conditions.

Q: Does RoHS3 compliance of the substitute affect electrical performance?

A: RoHS3 compliance is a material composition and manufacturing process requirement, not an electrical performance specification. The substitute's RoHS3 compliance does not alter its electrical characteristics. Compliance status is a regulatory and procurement consideration, not a technical performance factor.

Q: Can the higher current rating of the substitute cause any issues in the original application?

A: No. The substitute's 4.3 A rating exceeds the 3 A requirement, providing design margin. Higher current rating does not degrade performance in applications requiring lower current. The component will operate within its specified limits at 3 A or below.

Q: Are there any moisture sensitivity or handling differences?

A: Both components carry MSL 1 (Unlimited) classification, indicating no moisture sensitivity restrictions. Handling, storage, and reflow procedures are equivalent for both parts.