4426-4RC Fixed Inductor Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 4426-4RC is a 12.5 nH unshielded wirewound surface mount inductor manufactured by API Delevan Inc., rated for 3 A continuous current operation. This component is classified as obsolete, making identification of equivalent substitute parts essential for ongoing design support and production continuity. The part operates across the temperature range of -55°C to 125°C and demonstrates a Q factor of 137 at 150 MHz with a self-resonant frequency of 3 GHz.

Due to its obsolete status, sourcing replacement units from the original manufacturer is no longer viable. Equivalent substitute parts must maintain identical electrical specifications while meeting modern compliance requirements and ensuring mechanical compatibility with existing PCB layouts.

Substiute Parts

4426-4RC

API Delevan Inc.In Stock: 9384426-4RC Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

AIAC-1512C-12N5J-T

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

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 4426-4RC is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Matching Criteria:

• Inductance value of 12.5 nH with ±5% tolerance
• Unshielded wirewound construction with air core
• Surface mount nonstandard package configuration
• Current rating equal to or greater than 3 A
• Self-resonant frequency of 3 GHz or higher
• Q factor of 137 at 150 MHz

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

• Operating temperature range must encompass -55°C to 125°C or provide broader coverage
• Mounting footprint dimensions must be compatible with existing PCB layout
• Moisture sensitivity level of 1 (Unlimited) or equivalent

The AIAC-1512C-12N5J-T from Abracon LLC meets all primary matching criteria and qualifies as a direct electrical equivalent. This substitute provides enhanced current rating (4.3 A versus 3 A), improved DC resistance specification (3 mOhm maximum), and active product status with modern compliance certifications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The AIAC-1512C-12N5J-T qualifies as the primary equivalent substitute for the obsolete 4426-4RC based on the following engineering factors:

Electrical Equivalence: Both components maintain identical inductance (12.5 nH), tolerance (±5%), quality factor (137 @ 150 MHz), and self-resonant frequency (3 GHz). The substitute's higher current rating (4.3 A) provides design margin beyond the original 3 A specification.

Compliance Status: The substitute achieves ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, meeting current regulatory requirements. The original part carries RoHS non-compliant designation, making the substitute preferable for new designs and long-term production support.

Product Availability: The substitute is classified as active product with 3062 units in stock, ensuring reliable sourcing. The original part is obsolete with limited remaining inventory (846 units).

Physical Compatibility Consideration: The substitute features a smaller footprint (3.30mm x 2.50mm versus 3.68mm x 3.05mm) and lower profile (2.80mm versus 3.18mm). PCB layout verification is required to confirm that the reduced dimensions do not create mechanical interference or create unintended performance changes due to altered component spacing.

Temperature Range Limitation: The substitute's lower operating temperature limit (-40°C versus -55°C) represents a 15°C reduction. Applications requiring operation below -40°C must retain the original 4426-4RC or identify alternative solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the AIAC-1512C-12N5J-T be used as a direct replacement for the 4426-4RC without PCB modification?

A: Electrical substitution is valid. However, physical footprint differences require verification. The substitute is smaller in length (3.30mm vs 3.68mm), width (2.50mm vs 3.05mm), and height (2.80mm vs 3.18mm). If the PCB layout accommodates these reduced dimensions without creating trace routing conflicts or unintended coupling effects, direct substitution is feasible. If the original PCB was designed with tight spacing around the 4426-4RC, layout review is necessary.

Q: What is the significance of the lower operating temperature limit on the substitute?

A: The AIAC-1512C-12N5J-T operates from -40°C to 125°C, compared to the original -55°C to 125°C. If your application requires operation at temperatures below -40°C, the substitute is not suitable. For applications within the -40°C to 125°C range, the substitute meets all thermal requirements.

Q: Why does the substitute have a specified DC resistance while the original does not?

A: The original 4426-4RC datasheet does not provide DC resistance specification. The substitute specifies 3 mOhm maximum, which represents the resistive losses in the wirewound inductor. This specification provides additional design information for power dissipation calculations and impedance matching applications.

Q: Are there any compliance advantages to using the substitute?

A: Yes. The AIAC-1512C-12N5J-T is ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current environmental and regulatory standards. The original 4426-4RC is RoHS non-compliant. For new product designs or production in regulated markets, the substitute is the preferred choice.

Q: How does the higher current rating of the substitute affect circuit design?

A: The substitute's 4.3 A rating versus the original 3 A rating provides additional design margin. This allows the component to handle transient current spikes or thermal stress without saturation. For circuits designed to the original 3 A specification, the substitute operates with reduced stress, potentially improving reliability and component lifespan.

Q: What packaging format is the substitute supplied in?

A: The AIAC-1512C-12N5J-T is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) format, suitable for automated assembly processes. The original 4426-4RC packaging format is not specified in available documentation.

Q: Are the electrical performance characteristics identical between the two parts?

A: Yes. Both components exhibit identical inductance (12.5 nH), tolerance (±5%), Q factor (137 @ 150 MHz), and self-resonant frequency (3 GHz). Electrical performance in circuit operation is equivalent.