LEM2520T1R2J Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The LEM2520T1R2J is a 1.2 µH unshielded wirewound inductor manufactured by Taiyo Yuden, rated for 230 mA continuous current with a maximum DC resistance of 1.2Ohm. The component is packaged in a 1008 (2520 Metric) surface mount form factor and operates across the temperature range of -40°C to 85°C. This part is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of equivalent alternatives for ongoing design requirements and production continuity.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Inductance	1.2	µH
Inductance Tolerance	±5%	-
Current Rating	230	mA
DC Resistance (Max)	1.2	Ohm
Shielding	Unshielded	-
Package / Case	1008 (2520 Metric)	-
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	-
Operating Temperature Range	-40°C ~ 85°C	-
Q @ Frequency	30 @ 7.96 MHz	-
Self Resonant Frequency	180	MHz

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the LEM2520T1R2J is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Matching Criteria:

Inductance value: 1.2 µH with ±5% tolerance
Package / Case: 1008 (2520 Metric) surface mount form factor
Shielding configuration: Unshielded
Mounting type: Surface mount

Secondary Compatibility Criteria:

Current rating: Equal to or greater than 230 mA
DC resistance: Equal to or less than 1.2Ohm (preferred) or within acceptable circuit margin
Operating temperature range: Minimum coverage of -40°C to 85°C
Moisture sensitivity level: MSL 1 (Unlimited)

Substitute parts are classified into two categories: Direct Equivalents (matching all primary and secondary criteria) and Similar Alternatives (matching primary criteria with variations in secondary parameters that require circuit-level evaluation).

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	LEM2520T1R2J (Taiyo Yuden)	NLV25T-1R2J-EF (TDK)	CW252016-1R2J (Bourns)	1008-122J (API Delevan)
Inductance (µH)	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.2
Inductance Tolerance	±5%	±5%	±5%	±5%
Current Rating (mA)	230	230	280	591
DC Resistance Max (Ohm)	1.2	1.2	2.0	0.43
Shielding	Unshielded	Unshielded	Unshielded	Unshielded
Package / Case	1008 (2520 Metric)	1008 (2520 Metric)	1008 (2520 Metric)	Nonstandard
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Surface Mount
Operating Temperature Range	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 105°C	-40°C ~ 125°C	-55°C ~ 125°C
Q @ Frequency	30 @ 7.96 MHz	30 @ 7.96 MHz	25 @ 7.9 MHz	30 @ 7.9 MHz
Self Resonant Frequency (MHz)	180	230	250	100
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active
RoHS Status	-	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	RoHS non-compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Equivalent - Recommended Primary Substitute:

The NLV25T-1R2J-EF (TDK Corporation) is the optimal direct equivalent for the LEM2520T1R2J. This part matches all primary electrical parameters (1.2 µH inductance, 230 mA current rating, 1.2Ohm maximum DC resistance) and maintains identical package geometry (1008 / 2520 Metric). The NLV25T-1R2J-EF is classified as active product status with ROHS3 compliance, ensuring long-term availability and regulatory alignment. The extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 105°C) provides additional thermal margin beyond the original specification. Inventory availability of 2200 pieces supports production requirements.

Secondary Substitute - Higher Current Capability:

The CW252016-1R2J (Bourns Inc.) provides a direct package and inductance match with enhanced current rating (280 mA versus 230 mA). The increased DC resistance specification (2.0Ohm maximum) represents a trade-off that requires circuit-level evaluation for power dissipation and impedance matching. This part is active product status with ROHS3 compliance and extended temperature range (-40°C to 125°C). Selection is appropriate for applications where the higher current margin and lower profile (1.80mm seated height) provide design advantages.

Alternative Substitute - Non-Standard Package:

The 1008-122J (API Delevan Inc.) offers superior current handling (591 mA) and lowest DC resistance (430mOhm maximum) with matching inductance and unshielded configuration. However, this part utilizes a nonstandard package geometry (2.66mm x 2.41mm) that deviates from the 1008 (2520 Metric) standard, requiring PCB layout modification. RoHS non-compliance status may restrict use in regulated applications. Selection is limited to applications where package footprint flexibility exists and regulatory requirements permit non-compliant components.

Product Status Consideration:

The obsolescence of the LEM2520T1R2J necessitates transition to an active product. The NLV25T-1R2J-EF is the preferred path due to direct parameter equivalence and active status. The CW252016-1R2J provides an alternative with enhanced specifications. The 1008-122J is suitable only for applications with specific design flexibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the NLV25T-1R2J-EF be used as a direct drop-in replacement for the LEM2520T1R2J?

A: Yes. The NLV25T-1R2J-EF matches the LEM2520T1R2J across all critical parameters: 1.2 µH inductance, 230 mA current rating, 1.2Ohm maximum DC resistance, 1008 (2520 Metric) package, and unshielded configuration. Physical dimensions and mounting characteristics are identical, enabling direct PCB substitution without layout modification.

Q: What is the impact of the higher DC resistance in the CW252016-1R2J?

A: The CW252016-1R2J specifies 2.0Ohm maximum DC resistance compared to 1.2Ohm in the original part. This 0.8Ohm increase results in higher power dissipation at rated current (approximately 0.184 mW additional loss at 230 mA). Circuit-level analysis is required to confirm acceptable thermal performance and impedance matching in the specific application.

Q: Why is the 1008-122J classified as a similar alternative rather than a direct equivalent?

A: The 1008-122J utilizes a nonstandard package geometry (2.66mm x 2.41mm) that differs from the standard 1008 (2520 Metric) form factor (2.50mm x 2.00mm). This dimensional deviation requires PCB footprint modification and cannot be accommodated by existing component placement patterns. Additionally, RoHS non-compliance restricts use in regulated applications.

Q: Are all substitute parts MSL 1 (Unlimited) rated?

A: Yes. All substitute parts listed (NLV25T-1R2J-EF, CW252016-1R2J, and 1008-122J) carry MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity classification, matching the original LEM2520T1R2J specification. This classification permits unlimited shelf life and floor life without desiccant packaging or baking requirements.

Q: What is the significance of the different self-resonant frequencies among the substitute parts?

A: Self-resonant frequency (SRF) determines the frequency above which the inductor transitions from inductive to capacitive behavior. The NLV25T-1R2J-EF (230 MHz) and CW252016-1R2J (250 MHz) provide higher SRF margins compared to the original LEM2520T1R2J (180 MHz) and the 1008-122J (100 MHz). Higher SRF values extend the usable frequency range and reduce parasitic capacitive effects in high-frequency applications.

Q: Is RoHS compliance a mandatory requirement for part selection?

A: RoHS compliance status depends on application regulatory requirements. The NLV25T-1R2J-EF and CW252016-1R2J are ROHS3 compliant, suitable for applications subject to EU RoHS directives. The 1008-122J is RoHS non-compliant and restricted to applications without RoHS mandates. Regulatory requirements must be confirmed before final part selection.

Q: Can the extended operating temperature ranges of the substitute parts be utilized in the original -40°C to 85°C specification?

A: Yes. The substitute parts with extended temperature ranges (-40°C to 105°C for NLV25T-1R2J-EF and -40°C to 125°C for CW252016-1R2J and 1008-122J) are fully compatible with the original -40°C to 85°C operating window. Extended range specifications provide additional thermal margin and design flexibility without requiring circuit modification.

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