RC1608F164CS Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The RC1608F164CS is a 160 kOhms ±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-purpose electronic 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 alternative packaging formats are required, or when design specifications permit selection from qualified alternative manufacturers meeting identical electrical and mechanical parameters.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Specification
Resistance Value	160 kOhms
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
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the RC1608F164CS is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

Resistance Value: 160 kOhms
Tolerance: ±1%
Power Rating: 0.1W
Package / Case: 0603 (1608 Metric)
Composition: Thick Film
Temperature Coefficient: ±100ppm/°C
Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to 155°C
Number of Terminations: 2
RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level: 1 (Unlimited)

Substitute parts are categorized into three groups based on functional equivalence and additional certifications:

Direct Substitutes: Parts meeting all mandatory parameters with identical electrical and mechanical specifications. Packaging format may vary (Cut Tape vs. Tape & Reel).

Upgrade Substitutes: Parts meeting all mandatory parameters with additional automotive-grade certifications (AEC-Q200) or enhanced performance features, suitable for applications requiring higher reliability standards.

Similar Substitutes: Parts meeting all mandatory parameters with automotive-grade certifications (AEC-Q200) and minor dimensional variations within acceptable tolerances for 0603 package class.

Parameter Comparison

Manufacturer Part Number	Manufacturer	Resistance	Tolerance	Power (W)	Package	Temp Coeff	Op Temp Range	Composition	Features	RoHS	MSL	Product Status
RC1608F164CS	Samsung Electro-Mechanics	160 kΩ	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55 to 155°C	Thick Film	Moisture Resistant	ROHS3	1	Active
CR0603-FX-1603ELF	Bourns Inc.	160 kΩ	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55 to 155°C	Thick Film	Moisture Resistant	ROHS3	1	Active
CRG0603F160K	TE Connectivity Passive Product	160 kΩ	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55 to 155°C	Thick Film	—	ROHS3	1	Active
RC0603FR-07160KL	YAGEO	160 kΩ	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55 to 155°C	Thick Film	Moisture Resistant	ROHS3	1	Active
KTR03EZPF1603	Rohm Semiconductor	160 kΩ	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55 to 155°C	Thick Film	Automotive AEC-Q200, High Voltage	ROHS3	1	Active
MCR03ERTF1603	Rohm Semiconductor	160 kΩ	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55 to 155°C	Thick Film	—	ROHS3	1	Discontinued at DiGi Electronics
AC0603FR-07160KL	YAGEO	160 kΩ	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55 to 155°C	Thick Film	Automotive AEC-Q200, Moisture Resistant	ROHS3	1	Active
CRCW0603160KFKEA	Vishay Dale	160 kΩ	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55 to 155°C	Thick Film	Automotive AEC-Q200	ROHS3	1	Active
ERJ-3EKF1603V	Panasonic Electronic Components	160 kΩ	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55 to 155°C	Thick Film	Automotive AEC-Q200	ROHS3	1	Active
RMCF0603FG160K	Stackpole Electronics Inc	160 kΩ	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55 to 155°C	Thick Film	Automotive AEC-Q200	ROHS3	1	Active
RMCF0603FT160K	Stackpole Electronics Inc	160 kΩ	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55 to 155°C	Thick Film	Automotive AEC-Q200	ROHS3	1	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Substitutes (Functionally Equivalent):

CR0603-FX-1603ELF (Bourns Inc.) and RC0603FR-07160KL (YAGEO) are direct functional equivalents to RC1608F164CS. Both parts maintain identical electrical specifications, package dimensions, and moisture-resistant thick film construction. CR0603-FX-1603ELF is supplied in Tape & Reel format with 34,177 units in stock. RC0603FR-07160KL is available in Cut Tape & Digi-Reel format with 79,031 units in stock. CRG0603F160K (TE Connectivity Passive Product) is also functionally equivalent with 940 units available in Tape & Reel format.

Upgrade Substitutes (Enhanced Reliability):

KTR03EZPF1603 (Rohm Semiconductor) and AC0603FR-07160KL (YAGEO) incorporate automotive-grade AEC-Q200 certification with identical core electrical parameters. KTR03EZPF1603 includes high-voltage capability designation. These parts are suitable for applications requiring automotive-qualified components or enhanced reliability standards. KTR03EZPF1603 has 1,699 units in stock; AC0603FR-07160KL has 20,139 units in stock.

Similar Substitutes (Automotive-Qualified):

CRCW0603160KFKEA (Vishay Dale), ERJ-3EKF1603V (Panasonic Electronic Components), RMCF0603FG160K, and RMCF0603FT160K (Stackpole Electronics Inc) all carry AEC-Q200 automotive qualification. These parts meet all mandatory electrical and thermal specifications with minor dimensional variations within 0603 package tolerance class. ERJ-3EKF1603V offers the highest inventory availability at 212,553 units. RMCF0603FT160K has 74,437 units in stock.

Discontinued Part:

MCR03ERTF1603 (Rohm Semiconductor) is discontinued at DiGi Electronics and should not be selected for new designs despite meeting all electrical specifications.

Selection Criteria:

For general-purpose applications: Select from direct substitutes based on packaging preference and inventory availability.
For automotive applications: Select from upgrade or similar substitute categories with AEC-Q200 certification.
For moisture-sensitive environments: Prioritize parts explicitly marked with moisture-resistant features (CR0603-FX-1603ELF, RC0603FR-07160KL, AC0603FR-07160KL).
For high-volume production: Consider parts with highest inventory levels (ERJ-3EKF1603V, RMCF0603FT160K, RC0603FR-07160KL).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can RC0603FR-07160KL replace RC1608F164CS directly in my circuit?

A: Yes. RC0603FR-07160KL meets all mandatory electrical parameters: 160 kOhms ±1% resistance, 0.1W power rating, ±100ppm/°C temperature coefficient, -55°C to 155°C operating range, and 0603 package format. Both parts are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 rating. The primary difference is packaging format (Cut Tape & Digi-Reel vs. Cut Tape) and manufacturer (YAGEO vs. Samsung Electro-Mechanics).

Q: What is the difference between direct substitutes and upgrade substitutes?

A: Direct substitutes (CR0603-FX-1603ELF, RC0603FR-07160KL, CRG0603F160K) match all electrical and mechanical specifications of the RC1608F164CS without additional certifications. Upgrade substitutes (KTR03EZPF1603, AC0603FR-07160KL) include automotive AEC-Q200 qualification, indicating compliance with automotive industry reliability standards. Upgrade substitutes are suitable for automotive applications or designs requiring enhanced reliability assurance.

Q: Are there dimensional differences between substitute parts?

A: All parts conform to 0603 (1608 Metric) package specification. Minor dimensional variations exist within package tolerance class: most parts measure 0.063" L × 0.031" W (1.60mm × 0.80mm), while CRCW0603160KFKEA and RMCF0603FG160K measure 0.061" L × 0.033" W (1.55mm × 0.85mm) and 0.061" L × 0.031" W (1.55mm × 0.80mm) respectively. These variations remain within 0603 package tolerance and do not affect PCB footprint compatibility.

Q: Which substitute has the best inventory availability?

A: ERJ-3EKF1603V (Panasonic Electronic Components) offers the highest inventory with 212,553 units in stock. RMCF0603FT160K (Stackpole Electronics Inc) has 74,437 units, and RC0603FR-07160KL (YAGEO) has 79,031 units. RC1608F164CS (Samsung Electro-Mechanics) has 926 units in stock.

Q: Can I use an AEC-Q200 automotive-qualified part in a non-automotive application?

A: Yes. Automotive-qualified parts (KTR03EZPF1603, AC0603FR-07160KL, CRCW0603160KFKEA, ERJ-3EKF1603V, RMCF0603FG160K, RMCF0603FT160K) meet or exceed specifications required for general-purpose applications. AEC-Q200 certification indicates enhanced reliability testing and quality assurance, making these parts suitable for any application requiring the specified 160 kOhms ±1% 0.1W 0603 resistor.

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

A: MSL 1 indicates unlimited shelf life without moisture absorption concerns. The component does not require special moisture-control storage conditions or baking procedures before soldering. All listed substitute parts carry MSL 1 rating, ensuring compatibility with standard manufacturing and storage practices.

Q: Is the temperature coefficient ±100ppm/°C critical for my application?

A: Temperature coefficient determines resistance value drift across the operating temperature range. At ±100ppm/°C, a 160 kOhms resistor will drift approximately 0.16 kOhms per degree Celsius. All listed parts share this specification. If tighter temperature stability is required, these parts are not suitable; alternative resistor types with lower temperature coefficients must be selected.

Q: Why is MCR03ERTF1603 listed as discontinued?

A: MCR03ERTF1603 (Rohm Semiconductor) is discontinued at DiGi Electronics, indicating it is no longer actively distributed through this channel. While the part meets all electrical specifications, it should not be selected for new designs due to uncertain future availability. Direct substitutes with active product status should be used instead.

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