PM20-101K Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The PM20-101K is a 100 µH unshielded molded inductor manufactured by Bourns Inc., rated for 40 mA maximum current with 10Ohm maximum DC resistance in a 1210 (3225 Metric) surface mount package. This component is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement.

Substitute parts are identified based on matching core electrical parameters: 100 µH inductance value, unshielded ferrite core construction, surface mount 1210 package footprint compatibility, and operating temperature range overlap. Mechanical dimensions and DC resistance tolerance variations determine functional interchangeability within system constraints.

Substiute Parts

PM20-101K

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 1274PM20-101K Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

CM322522-101JL

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 955CM322522-101JL Datasheet

DirectRFQ

CM322522-101KL

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 8593CM322522-101KL Datasheet

DirectRFQ

1210-104J

API Delevan Inc.In Stock: 10031210-104J Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts are classified into two categories based on electrical and mechanical compatibility with the PM20-101K:

Direct Substitutes (Bourns CM322522 Series): CM322522-101JL and CM322522-101KL maintain the core 100 µH inductance, 10Ohm maximum DC resistance, unshielded ferrite construction, and identical physical dimensions (0.126" L x 0.098" W, 0.087" max height). Both parts are manufactured by Bourns Inc. and support the same 796 kHz test frequency. These parts exceed the original 40 mA current rating (60 mA), providing enhanced current capacity. Key differentiators include tolerance (±5% for CM322522-101JL, ±10% for CM322522-101KL), operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 125°C vs. -55°C ~ 125°C), and RoHS3 compliance status.

Similar Substitute (API Delevan 1210-104J): The 1210-104J shares the 100 µH inductance, unshielded ferrite core, and 1210 package footprint. This part provides significantly higher current rating (120 mA) and improved Q factor (30 @ 2.5MHz). However, DC resistance is higher at 13Ohm maximum, and physical dimensions vary slightly (0.128" L x 0.095" W, 0.101" max height). Operating temperature range matches the original part (-55°C ~ 125°C).

Substitution logic is based on matching inductance value, core material, shielding configuration, package footprint, and surface mount compatibility. Current rating, DC resistance, and tolerance variations determine application suitability within specific circuit requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For RoHS3 Compliance Requirements: CM322522-101JL and CM322522-101KL are the preferred substitutes, both certified ROHS3 compliant. These parts maintain electrical equivalence to the PM20-101K while meeting modern environmental and regulatory standards. CM322522-101JL offers tighter tolerance (±5%) and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating. CM322522-101KL provides cost-effective substitution with ±10% tolerance matching the original part, though MSL 3 rating requires controlled storage conditions (168 hours maximum).

For Extended Low-Temperature Operation: The PM20-101K and 1210-104J both support -55°C minimum operating temperature, compared to -40°C for the CM322522 series. Select 1210-104J if low-temperature performance is critical and RoHS compliance is not required.

For Higher Current Applications: The 1210-104J provides 120 mA current rating, triple the original 40 mA specification. This part is suitable for circuits requiring increased current capacity within the 100 µH inductance specification. Note the 3Ohm higher DC resistance (13Ohm max) and 0.014" greater height may impact thermal and spatial considerations.

For Procurement Continuity: All substitute parts are active status components with established supply chains. CM322522-101KL offers the highest inventory availability (8559 pcs), ensuring long-term procurement stability for production environments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can CM322522-101JL and CM322522-101KL be used interchangeably with PM20-101K?

A: Both parts are direct electrical substitutes with identical inductance (100 µH), DC resistance (10Ohm max), and physical dimensions. The primary differences are tolerance (±5% vs. ±10%), operating temperature minimum (-40°C vs. -55°C), and moisture sensitivity rating. Selection depends on circuit tolerance requirements and storage conditions. Both are ROHS3 compliant, unlike the original part.

Q: What is the impact of the 3Ohm higher DC resistance in the 1210-104J?

A: The 1210-104J specifies 13Ohm maximum DC resistance compared to 10Ohm for the PM20-101K. This 30% increase affects power dissipation and voltage drop across the inductor. In low-current applications (under 40 mA), this difference is typically negligible. For circuits sensitive to DC resistance, the CM322522 series maintains the original 10Ohm specification.

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

A: CM322522-101JL and CM322522-101KL maintain identical footprint and height (0.126" L x 0.098" W, 0.087" max) as the PM20-101K, ensuring direct PCB compatibility. The 1210-104J has slightly different dimensions (0.128" L x 0.095" W, 0.101" max height). Verify clearance for the 0.014" additional height before PCB redesign.

Q: What does MSL 3 (168 Hours) mean for CM322522-101KL?

A: Moisture Sensitivity Level 3 requires the component to be stored in controlled humidity conditions and used within 168 hours of package opening. This is more restrictive than MSL 1 (unlimited). For high-volume production or extended storage, CM322522-101JL (MSL 1) is recommended.

Q: Can the 1210-104J replace PM20-101K in all applications?

A: The 1210-104J is electrically compatible for 100 µH inductance applications but has higher DC resistance (13Ohm vs. 10Ohm) and lower self-resonant frequency (8MHz vs. 10MHz). It is suitable for general-purpose filtering and coupling applications. Verify circuit performance if DC resistance or high-frequency response is critical.

Q: Which substitute part should be selected for new designs?

A: For new designs, CM322522-101KL is recommended due to active product status, ROHS3 compliance, high inventory availability, and cost-effectiveness. CM322522-101JL is preferred if tighter tolerance (±5%) or unlimited moisture sensitivity is required. The 1210-104J is suitable only if higher current capacity (120 mA) is a design requirement.