RC1608F150CS Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The RC1608F150CS is a 15 Ohm ±1% thick film chip resistor manufactured by Samsung Electro-Mechanics in 0603 (1608 Metric) package format with 0.1W power rating. This component is classified as Active product status with moisture-resistant construction and unlimited moisture sensitivity level (MSL 1). The part is ROHS3 compliant and suitable for general industrial applications requiring precision resistive elements in compact surface-mount form factors.

Equivalent and substitute parts are necessary when the primary manufacturer part becomes unavailable, when supply chain constraints require alternative sourcing, or when design specifications permit selection from multiple qualified manufacturers meeting identical electrical and mechanical parameters.

Substiute Parts

RC1608F150CS

Samsung Electro-MechanicsIn Stock: 1110RC1608F150CS Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

CR0603-FX-15R0ELF

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 46092CR0603-FX-15R0ELF Datasheet

DirectRFQ

RC0603FR-0715RL

YAGEOIn Stock: 2018RC0603FR-0715RL Datasheet

DirectRFQ

AC0603FR-0715RL

YAGEOIn Stock: 16075AC0603FR-0715RL Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

CRCW060315R0FKEA

Vishay DaleIn Stock: 10422CRCW060315R0FKEA Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

CRCW060315R0FKEB

Vishay DaleIn Stock: 39917CRCW060315R0FKEB Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

CRCW060315R0FKTA

Vishay DaleIn Stock: 6054CRCW060315R0FKTA Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

ERJ-3EKF15R0V

Panasonic Electronic ComponentsIn Stock: 150428ERJ-3EKF15R0V Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

RMCF0603FT15R0

Stackpole Electronics IncIn Stock: 367558RMCF0603FT15R0 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the RC1608F150CS is determined by strict equivalence across all critical electrical and mechanical parameters. The following parameters must match exactly for direct substitution:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

• Resistance value: 15 Ohms
• Tolerance: ±1%
• Power rating: 0.1W (1/10W)
• Package / Case: 0603 (1608 Metric)
• Composition: Thick Film
• Temperature coefficient: ±100ppm/°C
• Operating temperature range: -55°C to +155°C
• Number of terminations: 2

Acceptable Variation Parameters:

• Manufacturer identity (different qualified suppliers)
• Packaging format (Tape & Reel vs. Cut Tape & Digi-Reel)
• Physical dimensions within 0603 tolerance band (length 0.061" to 0.063", width 0.031" to 0.033", height 0.020" to 0.022")
• Product status (Active or Discontinued at specific distributors)
• Compliance certifications (ROHS3, REACH status, AEC-Q200 automotive qualification)

Substitute parts are classified into two categories:

Direct Substitutes: Parts meeting all mandatory parameters with identical electrical performance and interchangeable PCB placement.

Similar Substitutes: Parts meeting all mandatory parameters but with additional certifications (AEC-Q200 automotive qualification) or alternative compliance status that do not prevent substitution in non-restricted applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Direct Substitute (Preferred):

CR0603-FX-15R0ELF (Bourns Inc.) is the primary direct substitute for RC1608F150CS. This part matches all mandatory electrical and mechanical parameters with identical moisture-resistant thick film construction, MSL 1 rating, and ROHS3 compliance. Bourns manufacturing quality and inventory availability (45,995 pcs) support reliable sourcing.

Secondary Direct Substitute:

RC0603FR-0715RL (YAGEO) provides direct substitution with equivalent electrical specifications and moisture-resistant construction. Available in Cut Tape & Digi-Reel packaging format as alternative to Tape & Reel. ROHS3 compliant with active product status. Inventory of 2,000 pcs available.

Automotive-Qualified Alternatives (AEC-Q200):

For applications requiring automotive-grade qualification, the following parts provide equivalent electrical performance with AEC-Q200 certification:

• AC0603FR-0715RL (YAGEO): Active status, ROHS3 compliant, 16,032 pcs inventory
• CRCW060315R0FKEA (Vishay Dale): Active status, ROHS3 compliant, 10,400 pcs inventory
• CRCW060315R0FKTA (Vishay Dale): Active status, RoHS non-compliant, 5,958 pcs inventory
• ERJ-3EKF15R0V (Panasonic): Active status, ROHS3 compliant, 150,351 pcs inventory
• RMCF0603FT15R0 (Stackpole): Active status, ROHS3 compliant, 367,506 pcs inventory

Parts to Avoid:

CRCW060315R0FKEB (Vishay Dale) is discontinued at DiGi Electronics and should not be selected for new designs despite adequate inventory. CRCW060315R0FKTA is RoHS non-compliant and REACH-affected, unsuitable for applications requiring regulatory compliance.

Selection Criteria Summary:

1. For non-automotive applications requiring moisture resistance: CR0603-FX-15R0ELF or RC0603FR-0715RL
2. For automotive applications: ERJ-3EKF15R0V (highest inventory), RMCF0603FT15R0 (highest inventory), or AC0603FR-0715RL
3. For RoHS3 compliance requirement: All parts except CRCW060315R0FKTA
4. For active product status: All parts except CRCW060315R0FKEB

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I substitute RC1608F150CS with any 15 Ohm 1% resistor in 0603 package?

A: No. Substitution requires exact matching of all mandatory parameters: 15 Ohm resistance, ±1% tolerance, 0.1W power rating, thick film composition, ±100ppm/°C temperature coefficient, -55°C to +155°C operating range, and 2 terminations. Physical dimensions must fall within 0603 tolerance band. Moisture-resistant construction is required for direct equivalence to RC1608F150CS.

Q: What is the difference between "Direct Substitute" and "Similar Substitute" classifications?

A: Direct substitutes meet all electrical and mechanical parameters identically to RC1608F150CS without additional certifications. Similar substitutes meet all mandatory parameters but include additional qualifications such as AEC-Q200 automotive certification. Similar substitutes are compatible in non-restricted applications but should be selected only when automotive qualification is required or when supply constraints necessitate their use.

Q: Are AEC-Q200 qualified parts (AC0603FR-0715RL, CRCW060315R0FKEA, ERJ-3EKF15R0V, RMCF0603FT15R0) suitable for non-automotive applications?

A: Yes. AEC-Q200 qualification represents additional testing and quality assurance beyond standard industrial requirements. Parts meeting AEC-Q200 are fully compatible with non-automotive applications and provide equivalent electrical performance to RC1608F150CS. Selection of AEC-Q200 parts for non-automotive use is acceptable when supply or inventory considerations favor these alternatives.

Q: What does MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity level mean for handling?

A: MSL 1 indicates unlimited shelf life without moisture bake-out requirements. Components with MSL 1 rating do not require special moisture-controlled storage or pre-reflow baking procedures. All listed substitute parts carry MSL 1 rating, matching RC1608F150CS handling requirements.

Q: Why is CRCW060315R0FKTA listed as RoHS non-compliant when other Vishay parts are ROHS3 compliant?

A: CRCW060315R0FKTA is manufactured under a different process or material specification than CRCW060315R0FKEA and CRCW060315R0FKEB. RoHS non-compliance indicates this variant contains restricted substances and is unsuitable for applications requiring regulatory compliance with RoHS directives. CRCW060315R0FKEA or CRCW060315R0FKEB should be selected for RoHS-restricted applications.

Q: Can I use Cut Tape & Digi-Reel packaging (RC0603FR-0715RL) instead of Tape & Reel (RC1608F150CS)?

A: Yes. Cut Tape & Digi-Reel and Tape & Reel are alternative packaging formats for the same component. Both formats contain identical parts with identical electrical specifications. Packaging selection depends on assembly equipment compatibility and inventory management preferences. Electrical and mechanical performance are identical.

Q: What inventory levels should I consider when selecting a substitute?

A: Inventory levels provided (ranging from 2,000 to 367,506 pcs) reflect current stock availability. RMCF0603FT15R0 (Stackpole) offers highest inventory at 367,506 pcs, followed by ERJ-3EKF15R0V (Panasonic) at 150,351 pcs. For long-term supply security, parts with higher inventory levels reduce future sourcing risk. However, inventory levels fluctuate and should be verified at time of procurement.

Q: Are there any physical dimension differences between substitute parts that affect PCB layout?

A: All parts conform to 0603 (1608 Metric) package specification. Dimensional variations exist within tolerance: length 0.061" to 0.063" (1.55mm to 1.60mm), width 0.031" to 0.033" (0.80mm to 0.85mm), height 0.020" to 0.022" (0.50mm to 0.55mm). These variations are within standard 0603 PCB footprint tolerance and do not require layout modifications. All substitute parts are mechanically interchangeable on standard 0603 footprints.