GAA3R501 Trimmer Capacitor: Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The GAA3R501 is a 0.35–3.5 pF air dielectric trimmer capacitor rated for 250 V, designed for top panel mount applications. Manufactured by Sprague-Goodman under the AIRTRIM® GAA series, this component is classified as obsolete. Due to its discontinued status, identification of functionally equivalent substitute parts is necessary for design continuity, repair, and production support in legacy systems and new designs requiring compatible performance characteristics.

Substiute Parts

GAA3R501

Sprague-GoodmanIn Stock: 946GAA3R501 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

5802

Knowles Johanson ManufacturingIn Stock: 8285802 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the GAA3R501 are identified based on strict electrical and mechanical compatibility criteria. The following parameters must align for functional equivalence:

Critical Matching Parameters:

• Capacitance range: 0.35–3.5 pF
• Voltage rating: 250 V
• Dielectric material: Air
• Adjustment type: Top
• Mounting type: Panel Mount
• Operating temperature range: −65°C to +125°C

The substitute part 5802 (Knowles Johanson Manufacturing) meets all critical electrical specifications. Mechanical dimensions show minor variation in diameter (0.160" vs. 0.161") and sealed construction, which are within acceptable tolerance for panel mount applications. The substitute maintains air dielectric construction and identical capacitance and voltage ratings.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The 5802 trimmer capacitor from Knowles Johanson Manufacturing is a direct functional substitute for the obsolete GAA3R501. Both components satisfy identical electrical specifications across capacitance range, voltage rating, dielectric type, and operating temperature. The substitute is currently in active production status, ensuring availability for new designs and ongoing support.

Mechanical compatibility is confirmed: the 0.160" diameter of the 5802 is within acceptable tolerance relative to the GAA3R501's 0.161" diameter for panel mount applications. The sealed construction of the 5802 provides enhanced environmental protection compared to the general-purpose design of the original part.

Both components maintain RoHS compliance. The GAA3R501 carries RoHS Compliant status, while the 5802 meets the more recent ROHS3 standard, indicating compliance with current regulatory requirements.

The Q factor difference (5000 @ 100 MHz for GAA3R501 versus 1000 @ 100 MHz for 5802) reflects manufacturing process variations between manufacturers. Selection should be based on circuit requirements for high-frequency performance; applications with stringent Q requirements should be evaluated against actual circuit specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 5802 directly replace the GAA3R501 in existing designs?

A: Yes. The 5802 meets all critical electrical parameters: identical capacitance range (0.35–3.5 pF), voltage rating (250 V), dielectric material (air), adjustment type (top), and operating temperature range (−65°C to +125°C). Mechanical dimensions are compatible for panel mount applications.

Q: What is the significance of the Q factor difference between these parts?

A: The Q factor (quality factor) indicates the efficiency of the capacitor at a specific frequency. The GAA3R501 exhibits Q of 5000 @ 100 MHz, while the 5802 exhibits Q of 1000 @ 100 MHz. This difference reflects manufacturing variations. Applications requiring high-Q performance at 100 MHz should verify circuit specifications against the 5802's Q value.

Q: Are there packaging differences between these parts?

A: The GAA3R501 is listed with packaging designation "−" (not specified), while the 5802 is supplied in bulk packaging. Both are panel mount components with compatible physical dimensions. Verify packaging requirements for your procurement process.

Q: Why is the GAA3R501 obsolete?

A: The GAA3R501 is classified as obsolete by the original manufacturer, Sprague-Goodman. The 5802 from Knowles Johanson Manufacturing is an active production alternative that fulfills the same functional role.

Q: Are both parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. The GAA3R501 carries RoHS Compliant certification, and the 5802 meets ROHS3 Compliant standards, which represents current regulatory requirements for lead-free and restricted substance compliance.

Q: What is the mechanical tolerance for the diameter difference?

A: The GAA3R501 diameter is 0.161" (4.10 mm), and the 5802 diameter is 0.160" (4.06 mm). This 0.001" difference is within standard mechanical tolerance for panel mount trimmer capacitors and does not affect functional compatibility.