PM20-150K Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PM20-150K is a 15 µH unshielded molded inductor manufactured by Bourns Inc., rated for 130 mA with a maximum DC resistance of 3.2Ohm. This component is classified as obsolete, making identification of equivalent and substitute parts essential for ongoing design support and production continuity. The PM20 series has been superseded by active alternatives that maintain core electrical specifications while offering improved compliance and availability.

Substiute Parts

PM20-150K

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 1029PM20-150K Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

CM322522-150JL

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 1167CM322522-150JL Datasheet

DirectRFQ

CM322522-150KL

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 20902CM322522-150KL Datasheet

DirectRFQ

1210-153J

API Delevan Inc.In Stock: 10091210-153J Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the PM20-150K is determined by strict equivalence in the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Inductance value: 15 µH (exact match required)
• Inductance tolerance: ±10% or tighter
• Current rating: minimum 130 mA
• DC resistance: 3.2Ohm maximum
• Operating temperature range: must encompass -55°C ~ 125°C or equivalent
• Mounting type: Surface Mount
• Physical footprint: 1210 (3225 Metric) or compatible dimensions
• Shielding configuration: Unshielded

Direct Substitutes (CM322522-150JL, CM322522-150KL) meet all primary criteria with improved specifications in current rating and DC resistance, while maintaining identical inductance and frequency characteristics.

Similar Substitute (1210-153J) maintains inductance, tolerance, and package specifications with enhanced current rating capability, though with minor dimensional and frequency variations within acceptable engineering margins.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

CM322522-150JL and CM322522-150KL are the primary direct substitutes for the PM20-150K. Both parts are manufactured by Bourns Inc. and maintain identical inductance, tolerance, and frequency characteristics. The CM322522 series offers improved DC resistance (2.8Ohm versus 3.2Ohm maximum) and ROHS3 compliance, addressing regulatory requirements for new designs. The primary trade-off is a reduced current rating (120 mA versus 130 mA) and a narrower operating temperature range (-40°C minimum versus -55°C). CM322522-150KL provides superior inventory availability with 20,817 units in stock compared to 1,060 units for CM322522-150JL.

1210-153J manufactured by API Delevan Inc. is a similar substitute that maintains the 1210 package footprint and full -55°C ~ 125°C operating temperature range. This part offers significantly higher current rating capability (257 mA) and improved DC resistance (2.8Ohm). However, it remains RoHS non-compliant and exhibits minor variations in self-resonant frequency (25MHz versus 30MHz). This option is suitable for applications requiring extended temperature performance and higher current headroom.

For new designs requiring regulatory compliance, CM322522-150KL is recommended. For legacy systems requiring full temperature range operation, 1210-153J provides compatibility with the original thermal specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can CM322522-150JL or CM322522-150KL be used as direct replacements for PM20-150K?

A: Yes, both CM322522 variants are direct substitutes. They maintain the 15 µH inductance, ±10% tolerance (CM322522-150KL) or ±5% tolerance (CM322522-150JL), and identical frequency characteristics. The reduced current rating (120 mA versus 130 mA) requires verification that circuit current does not exceed 120 mA. The narrower operating temperature range (-40°C minimum) must be confirmed acceptable for the application.

Q: What is the difference between CM322522-150JL and CM322522-150KL?

A: Both parts are electrically identical with 15 µH inductance and 2.8Ohm maximum DC resistance. CM322522-150JL features ±5% tolerance and is supplied in Tape & Reel packaging with 1,060 units available. CM322522-150KL features ±10% tolerance, is supplied in Cut Tape & Digi-Reel packaging, and has significantly higher inventory (20,817 units). Selection depends on tolerance requirements and packaging preferences.

Q: Why does 1210-153J show different dimensions than PM20-150K?

A: Both parts use the 1210 (3225 Metric) package designation, but 1210-153J exhibits slightly different seated height (0.101" versus 0.087") due to different core construction (API Delevan versus Bourns design). Physical compatibility should be confirmed for space-constrained applications.

Q: Is the reduced current rating of CM322522 parts a concern?

A: The CM322522 series is rated for 120 mA versus the PM20-150K's 130 mA. This 10 mA reduction requires circuit analysis to confirm that maximum operating current does not exceed 120 mA. If circuit current approaches or exceeds 120 mA, 1210-153J (257 mA rating) is the appropriate alternative.

Q: What are the compliance differences between substitute options?

A: CM322522-150JL and CM322522-150KL are ROHS3 compliant, meeting current regulatory requirements for new designs. PM20-150K and 1210-153J are RoHS non-compliant and suitable only for legacy production or applications where RoHS compliance is not mandated.

Q: Can these parts be used interchangeably in the same PCB layout?

A: Physical footprint compatibility must be confirmed. PM20-150K and 1210-153J both use standard 1210 (3225 Metric) packages with compatible land patterns. CM322522 parts use nonstandard packages and require layout verification before substitution.