ELC-18B680L Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ELC-18B680L is a 68 µH unshielded drum core wirewound inductor manufactured by Panasonic Electronic Components, rated for 4 A continuous current with 46mOhm DC resistance. This component is classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent alternatives essential for ongoing design support and procurement continuity. The part operates as a through-hole radial inductor suitable for applications requiring fixed inductance filtering, energy storage, or signal conditioning in power conversion and analog circuits.

Substiute Parts

ELC-18B680L

Panasonic Electronic ComponentsIn Stock: 1126ELC-18B680L Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

AIUR-15-680K

Abracon LLCIn Stock: 899AIUR-15-680K Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the ELC-18B680L is determined by strict equivalence across the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Electrical Equivalence Criteria:

• Inductance value: 68 µH (±10% tolerance acceptable)
• Current rating: minimum 3.8 A (acceptable reduction from 4 A for lower-current applications)
• DC resistance: maximum 55mOhm (acceptable increase from 46mOhm within thermal design margins)
• Core material: Ferrite, unshielded drum core construction

Mechanical Equivalence Criteria:

• Mounting type: Through hole radial configuration
• Package / case: Radial, vertical cylinder (open) form factor
• Physical dimensions: compatible with 20mm diameter and 27mm height envelope

The AIUR-15-680K from Abracon LLC meets all substitution criteria while maintaining active product status and current manufacturing availability.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The AIUR-15-680K is the qualified substitute for the obsolete ELC-18B680L based on the following engineering factors:

Electrical Compatibility: Both inductors maintain identical 68 µH inductance with ±10% tolerance. The AIUR-15-680K current rating of 3.8 A represents a 5% reduction from the original 4 A specification; this is acceptable for applications operating at or below 3.8 A continuous current. The increased DC resistance of 55mOhm (versus 46mOhm) results in proportionally higher resistive losses; thermal analysis is required for applications operating at maximum current to confirm acceptable temperature rise.

Regulatory Compliance: Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 (unlimited moisture sensitivity), ensuring compatibility with current manufacturing and environmental standards.

Product Availability: The AIUR-15-680K maintains active product status with current manufacturing support, eliminating obsolescence risk associated with the ELC-18B680L.

Physical Form Factor: Identical through-hole radial mounting and open cylinder package ensure direct mechanical compatibility with existing PCB layouts and assembly processes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the AIUR-15-680K directly replace the ELC-18B680L in all applications?

A: Direct replacement is valid for applications operating at 3.8 A or below. Applications requiring the full 4 A rating must evaluate thermal performance with the increased 55mOhm DCR. Inductance value and tolerance remain identical, ensuring electrical performance equivalence.

Q: What is the impact of the increased DC resistance (55mOhm vs. 46mOhm)?

A: The 9mOhm increase results in proportionally higher I²R losses. At 3.8 A, power dissipation increases from 0.66W to 0.79W. Thermal design review is required for applications operating continuously at maximum current in thermally constrained environments.

Q: Are the physical dimensions compatible with existing PCB layouts?

A: The AIUR-15-680K uses a radial, vertical cylinder (open) package identical to the ELC-18B680L. However, the AIUR-15-680K diameter is 0.709" (18.00mm) versus the ELC-18B680L diameter of 0.787" (20.00mm), and height is 0.787" (20.00mm) versus 1.063" (27.00mm). Physical footprint verification against PCB layout is required before implementation.

Q: What is the operating temperature range for the AIUR-15-680K?

A: The AIUR-15-680K operates across -25°C to 85°C. The ELC-18B680L operating temperature is not specified in available documentation. Confirm that the -25°C to 85°C range is acceptable for the target application environment.

Q: Are both parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. Both the ELC-18B680L and AIUR-15-680K are ROHS3 compliant and carry MSL 1 (unlimited) moisture sensitivity classification, meeting current environmental and manufacturing standards.