Bourns 5900-221 220µH Wirewound Inductor Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Bourns 5900-221 is a 220 µH unshielded drum core wirewound inductor rated for 1.5 A continuous current with a maximum DC resistance of 185 mOhm. This through-hole axial component operates across -55°C to 105°C and is designed for applications requiring fixed inductance filtering and energy storage in power conversion circuits.

The 5900-221 is classified as obsolete. Equivalent and substitute parts are necessary to maintain design continuity and ensure component availability for new production runs and field replacements. Suitable alternatives maintain the 220 µH inductance specification while accommodating variations in current rating, DC resistance, and compliance certifications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Inductance	220 µH
Tolerance	±10%
Current Rating	1.5 A
DC Resistance (DCR)	185 mOhm Max
Core Type	Ferrite Drum Core
Shielding	Unshielded
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package	Axial
Operating Temperature	-55°C to 105°C
Test Frequency	1 kHz

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility is determined by the following criteria:

Primary Matching Parameters:

Inductance value: 220 µH (exact match required)
Tolerance: ±10% (exact match required)
Core type: Ferrite drum core or wirewound unshielded construction
Mounting type: Through hole axial
Test frequency: 1 kHz

Allowable Variations:

Current rating: May exceed 1.5 A (higher current capability is acceptable)
DC resistance: May be lower than 185 mOhm (lower resistance is acceptable)
Operating temperature: May exceed -55°C to 105°C range (wider range is acceptable)
RoHS compliance: Active product status preferred; obsolete parts acceptable if specifications match
Packaging format: Tray or bulk acceptable for through-hole components

Non-Substitutable Parameters:

Inductance value must remain 220 µH
Unshielded configuration must be maintained
Axial through-hole package must be preserved

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Inductance	Tolerance	Current Rating (A)	DCR (mOhm Max)	Core Type	Operating Temp (°C)	Product Status	RoHS Status
5900-221	Bourns Inc.	220 µH	±10%	1.5	185	Ferrite Drum Core	-55 to 105	Obsolete	Non-compliant
5900-221-RC	Bourns Inc.	220 µH	±10%	1.5	185	Ferrite Drum Core	-55 to 105	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
4590-224K	API Delevan Inc.	220 µH	±10%	2.025	162	Ferrite Drum Core	-55 to 125	Active	Non-compliant
4590R-224K	API Delevan Inc.	220 µH	±10%	2.025	162	Ferrite Drum Core	-55 to 125	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
AIAP-03-221K	Abracon LLC	220 µH	±10%	1.89	162	Wirewound	-55 to 125	Active	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Replacement (Preferred): The 5900-221-RC is the primary substitute for the obsolete 5900-221. Both parts are manufactured by Bourns Inc., share identical electrical specifications (220 µH, ±10%, 1.5 A, 185 mOhm), and maintain the same ferrite drum core construction and axial through-hole package. The 5900-221-RC is active product status and ROHS3 compliant, making it suitable for new designs and production environments requiring RoHS certification.

Alternative Substitutes (Higher Current Rating): The 4590R-224K (API Delevan Inc.) and 4590-224K (API Delevan Inc.) both provide 220 µH inductance with improved electrical performance: 2.025 A current rating and 162 mOhm DCR compared to the original 1.5 A and 185 mOhm. The 4590R-224K is ROHS3 compliant and active product status. The 4590-224K is active but non-RoHS compliant. Both operate across -55°C to 125°C, extending the upper temperature limit by 20°C. These parts are suitable for applications where higher current capacity and lower losses are beneficial.

Cross-Manufacturer Option: The AIAP-03-221K (Abracon LLC) provides 220 µH inductance with 1.89 A current rating and 162 mOhm DCR. This part is ROHS3 compliant, active product status, and operates -55°C to 125°C. The wirewound construction (core material unspecified) maintains unshielded axial through-hole configuration. This option is suitable for designs requiring cross-manufacturer qualification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 5900-221-RC be used as a direct replacement for the 5900-221?

A: Yes. The 5900-221-RC is electrically and mechanically identical to the 5900-221 with matching inductance (220 µH), tolerance (±10%), current rating (1.5 A), and DC resistance (185 mOhm). Both use ferrite drum core construction in axial through-hole packages. The primary difference is product status (active vs. obsolete) and RoHS compliance (ROHS3 vs. non-compliant).

Q: What are the advantages of using 4590R-224K or 4590-224K over the 5900-221-RC?

A: The API Delevan parts offer higher current rating (2.025 A vs. 1.5 A) and lower DC resistance (162 mOhm vs. 185 mOhm), resulting in reduced power dissipation and improved thermal performance. Extended operating temperature range (-55°C to 125°C vs. -55°C to 105°C) provides additional margin for high-temperature applications. These improvements are suitable for designs with higher current demands or stricter thermal constraints.

Q: Are there any compatibility concerns when substituting with parts from different manufacturers?

A: All substitute parts maintain 220 µH inductance, ±10% tolerance, unshielded ferrite or wirewound construction, and axial through-hole mounting. Physical dimensions are equivalent (approximately 0.45" diameter × 0.90" length). Electrical performance differences (current rating, DCR) are improvements over the original specification. No compatibility issues exist for standard through-hole PCB mounting applications.

Q: Which substitute part should be selected for RoHS-compliant designs?

A: The 5900-221-RC, 4590R-224K, and AIAP-03-221K are all ROHS3 compliant. The 5900-221-RC is the closest electrical match to the original 5900-221. The 4590R-224K and AIAP-03-221K offer improved current rating and lower DCR if design margins permit.

Q: What is the difference between 4590-224K and 4590R-224K?

A: Both parts are manufactured by API Delevan Inc. with identical electrical specifications (220 µH, 2.025 A, 162 mOhm). The primary difference is RoHS compliance: 4590R-224K is ROHS3 compliant while 4590-224K is non-compliant. For new designs and regulated environments, 4590R-224K is the preferred selection.

Q: Can the AIAP-03-221K be used in applications originally designed for the 5900-221?

A: Yes. The AIAP-03-221K maintains 220 µH inductance, ±10% tolerance, and unshielded axial through-hole configuration. The 1.89 A current rating exceeds the original 1.5 A specification, and 162 mOhm DCR is lower than 185 mOhm, both representing performance improvements. Cross-manufacturer qualification may be required depending on design documentation and procurement policies.

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