Bourns 5900-181 180µH Wirewound Inductor Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Bourns 5900-181 is a 180 µH unshielded drum core wirewound inductor rated for 1.7 A continuous current with a maximum DC resistance of 140 mOhm. This through-hole axial component operates across a temperature range of -55°C to 105°C and is designed for applications requiring fixed inductance filtering and energy storage in power conversion circuits.

The 5900-181 carries an obsolete product status. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to ensure design continuity, maintain supply chain reliability, and support ongoing production or maintenance requirements for legacy systems utilizing this component.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Inductance	180 µH
Inductance Tolerance	±10%
Current Rating	1.7 A
DC Resistance (DCR)	140 mOhm Max
Core Type	Ferrite Drum Core, Unshielded
Mounting Type	Through Hole Axial
Operating Temperature Range	-55°C to 105°C
Package / Case	Axial
Physical Dimensions	0.453" Dia × 0.900" L (11.51mm × 22.86mm)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the Bourns 5900-181 are classified based on electrical and mechanical compatibility within the following criteria:

Direct Equivalent (Same Manufacturer, Active Status): The 5900-181-RC maintains identical electrical specifications: 180 µH inductance, ±10% tolerance, 1.7 A current rating, and 140 mOhm maximum DC resistance. The primary distinction is packaging format (tray versus bulk) and active product status with RoHS3 compliance, making it the preferred direct replacement.

Similar Equivalent (Cross-Manufacturer, Comparable Performance): The API Delevan 4590-184K shares the core inductance value (180 µH) and mounting configuration (through-hole axial). However, it exhibits higher current rating (2.105 A versus 1.7 A), slightly elevated DC resistance (150 mOhm versus 140 mOhm), and extended operating temperature range (-55°C to 125°C versus -55°C to 105°C). These parameters allow functional substitution in applications where the 5900-181 operates below its maximum current specification.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	Bourns 5900-181	Bourns 5900-181-RC	API Delevan 4590-184K
Inductance	180 µH	180 µH	180 µH
Inductance Tolerance	±10%	±10%	±10%
Current Rating (Amps)	1.7 A	1.7 A	2.105 A
DC Resistance (DCR)	140 mOhm Max	140 mOhm Max	150 mOhm Max
Core Type	Ferrite Drum Core, Unshielded	Ferrite Drum Core, Unshielded	Ferrite Drum Core, Unshielded
Mounting Type	Through Hole Axial	Through Hole Axial	Through Hole Axial
Operating Temperature Range	-55°C to 105°C	-55°C to 105°C	-55°C to 125°C
Physical Dimensions	0.453" Dia × 0.900" L	0.453" Dia × 0.900" L	0.455" Dia × 0.900" L
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active
RoHS Status	Non-compliant	RoHS3 Compliant	Non-compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: Bourns 5900-181-RC

The 5900-181-RC is the optimal substitute for the obsolete 5900-181. It provides identical electrical performance and mechanical compatibility while offering active product status and RoHS3 compliance. This part is suitable for new designs and ongoing production support without design modification.

Secondary Recommendation: API Delevan 4590-184K

The 4590-184K serves as a functional alternative when the 5900-181-RC is unavailable. Its higher current rating (2.105 A) and extended temperature range (-55°C to 125°C) provide operational margin in applications where the original 1.7 A specification is not fully utilized. The 10 mOhm increase in maximum DC resistance (150 mOhm versus 140 mOhm) represents a 7% variance and remains acceptable for most filtering and energy storage applications. Physical dimensions are nominally equivalent (0.455" versus 0.453" diameter), permitting PCB footprint compatibility. Note that this part does not carry RoHS3 compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 5900-181-RC be used as a direct drop-in replacement for the 5900-181?

A: Yes. The 5900-181-RC maintains identical inductance (180 µH), tolerance (±10%), current rating (1.7 A), DC resistance (140 mOhm max), and physical dimensions. It is electrically and mechanically compatible without circuit modification.

Q: What are the key differences between the 5900-181-RC and the 4590-184K?

A: Both parts share the same 180 µH inductance and axial through-hole mounting. The 4590-184K offers higher current capacity (2.105 A versus 1.7 A), slightly higher DC resistance (150 mOhm versus 140 mOhm), and wider operating temperature range (-55°C to 125°C versus -55°C to 105°C). The 5900-181-RC is RoHS3 compliant; the 4590-184K is not.

Q: Is the 10 mOhm difference in DC resistance between the 5900-181-RC and 4590-184K significant?

A: The difference represents a 7% increase relative to the 140 mOhm specification. For most filtering and energy storage applications operating below the 1.7 A rating, this variance is within acceptable design margins. Applications with strict power dissipation or thermal constraints should evaluate the impact on their specific circuit.

Q: Can the 4590-184K be used in applications requiring the full 1.7 A rating of the original part?

A: Yes. The 4590-184K is rated for 2.105 A continuous current, exceeding the 1.7 A requirement of the 5900-181. This provides operational headroom and thermal margin.

Q: Are there packaging differences between these parts?

A: The 5900-181 is supplied in bulk packaging, the 5900-181-RC in tray packaging, and the 4590-184K in bulk packaging. These differences affect handling and storage but do not impact electrical or mechanical performance.

Q: Which part should be selected for new designs?

A: The Bourns 5900-181-RC is recommended for new designs. It provides active product status, RoHS3 compliance, and identical electrical specifications to the original part, ensuring long-term supply chain support and regulatory alignment.

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