EC10 Trimmer Capacitor Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The EC10 is a 0.8–10pF trimmer capacitor manufactured by Knowles Voltronics, designed for 250V applications with top-adjustment access and PTFE dielectric material. This component is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitutes necessary for ongoing production, maintenance, and repair applications. The EC10 operates across a wide temperature range (-65°C to 125°C) and is suitable for general-purpose trimming applications requiring high Q performance at 100MHz.

Substiute Parts

EC10

Knowles VoltronicsIn Stock: 1041EC10 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

GAA10008

Sprague-GoodmanIn Stock: 1054GAA10008 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the EC10 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Capacitance Range: The substitute must cover or encompass the 0.8–10pF range. The GAA10008 provides 1–10pF, which covers the upper portion of the EC10 range.
• Voltage Rating: Both parts must maintain 250V rated voltage for electrical safety and circuit performance.
• Physical Dimensions: Diameter and height must be compatible with the PCB layout and mechanical constraints (0.300" Dia, 0.500" Max Height).
• Operating Temperature: The substitute must support the full -65°C to 125°C range.
• Q Performance: Both parts deliver Q @ 100MHz = 5000, ensuring equivalent RF performance.
• Mounting Type: Through-hole compatibility is required for board integration.

The GAA10008 (Sprague-Goodman AIRTRIM® GAA series) qualifies as an equivalent substitute based on these parameters, with the exception that its capacitance range begins at 1pF rather than 0.8pF, and it features bottom adjustment rather than top adjustment.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The GAA10008 serves as a direct functional equivalent for the EC10 in applications where the following conditions are met:

• The circuit design can accommodate a minimum capacitance of 1pF (rather than 0.8pF).
• Bottom adjustment access is acceptable for the application, or the adjustment mechanism can be adapted to the PCB layout.
• Air dielectric performance is acceptable in place of PTFE dielectric.
• RoHS compliance is required or preferred for the end application.

Both components are classified as obsolete. The GAA10008 offers the advantage of RoHS compliance, which may be necessary for modern manufacturing and regulatory requirements. The EC10 and GAA10008 share identical electrical performance (Q @ 100MHz = 5000), voltage rating (250V), and thermal operating range (-65°C to 125°C), ensuring equivalent circuit behavior in RF and general-purpose trimming applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the GAA10008 replace the EC10 in all applications?

A: The GAA10008 is functionally equivalent for most applications. However, verify that your circuit does not require capacitance values below 1pF, as the GAA10008 minimum is 1pF versus the EC10's 0.8pF. Additionally, confirm that bottom adjustment access is compatible with your PCB layout.

Q: What is the difference between PTFE and air dielectric in trimmer capacitors?

A: Both dielectrics provide high Q performance and stable capacitance across temperature ranges. Air dielectric (GAA10008) typically offers slightly better temperature stability and lower loss, while PTFE (EC10) provides similar performance with different mechanical properties. For the specified operating range and frequency, both are electrically equivalent.

Q: Does the adjustment type (top vs. bottom) affect electrical performance?

A: No. Adjustment type is a mechanical feature that determines access point for tuning. Electrical performance, capacitance range, voltage rating, and Q factor remain identical. Select based on PCB layout and accessibility requirements.

Q: Is RoHS compliance important for this substitution?

A: RoHS compliance is required for products sold into markets with environmental regulations (EU, China, and others). The GAA10008 is RoHS compliant, while the EC10 status is not specified. If your application requires RoHS certification, the GAA10008 is the appropriate choice.

Q: Are there any inventory or lead-time considerations?

A: Both the EC10 (1011 pcs) and GAA10008 (953 pcs) are listed as new original stock. Verify current availability with your supplier, as obsolete components may have limited stock.