RC1608F1960CS Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The RC1608F1960CS is a 196 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 REACH unaffected, suitable for industrial and commercial applications requiring stable resistance values across the -55°C to 155°C operating temperature range.

Equivalent and substitute parts are necessary when the primary part becomes unavailable, when supply chain optimization is required, or when design flexibility across multiple qualified suppliers is needed while maintaining identical electrical and mechanical specifications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Resistance	196 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 ~ 155°C
Number of Terminations	2
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the RC1608F1960CS is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

Resistance value: 196 Ohms
Tolerance: ±1%
Power rating: 0.1W (1/10W)
Package: 0603 (1608 Metric)
Composition: Thick Film
Temperature coefficient: ±100ppm/°C
Operating temperature range: -55°C ~ 155°C
Number of terminations: 2
RoHS compliance: ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture sensitivity level: 1 (Unlimited)

All identified substitute parts meet these mandatory parameters. Substitute parts are categorized by product status and availability:

Direct Substitutes (Active Status): CR0603-FX-1960ELF (Bourns Inc.), RC0603FR-07196RL (YAGEO), CRCW0603196RFKEA (Vishay Dale), ERJ-3EKF1960V (Panasonic Electronic Components), RMCF0603FT196R (Stackpole Electronics Inc.)

Discontinued Substitute (Reference Only): MCR03ERTF1960 (Rohm Semiconductor) - Discontinued at DiGi Electronics

Parameter Comparison

Manufacturer Part Number	Manufacturer	Resistance	Tolerance	Power (W)	Package	Temp Coeff	Op Temp Range	Composition	Product Status	RoHS	MSL
RC1608F1960CS	Samsung Electro-Mechanics	196 Ω	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55~155°C	Thick Film	Active	ROHS3	1
CR0603-FX-1960ELF	Bourns Inc.	196 Ω	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55~155°C	Thick Film	Active	ROHS3	1
RC0603FR-07196RL	YAGEO	196 Ω	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55~155°C	Thick Film	Active	ROHS3	1
MCR03ERTF1960	Rohm Semiconductor	196 Ω	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55~155°C	Thick Film	Discontinued	ROHS3	1
CRCW0603196RFKEA	Vishay Dale	196 Ω	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55~155°C	Thick Film	Active	ROHS3	1
ERJ-3EKF1960V	Panasonic Electronic Components	196 Ω	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55~155°C	Thick Film	Active	ROHS3	1
RMCF0603FT196R	Stackpole Electronics Inc	196 Ω	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55~155°C	Thick Film	Active	ROHS3	1

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (Recommended for New Designs):

RC0603FR-07196RL (YAGEO) and ERJ-3EKF1960V (Panasonic Electronic Components) are preferred substitutes based on active product status, high inventory availability (121,775 and 111,869 units respectively), and full compliance with ROHS3 and REACH requirements. Both parts maintain identical electrical specifications and 0603 package dimensions.

RMCF0603FT196R (Stackpole Electronics Inc) and CRCW0603196RFKEA (Vishay Dale) are qualified alternatives with active status and substantial inventory levels (77,134 and 14,361 units respectively). These parts carry AEC-Q200 automotive qualification, which provides additional quality assurance for applications requiring automotive-grade reliability.

CR0603-FX-1960ELF (Bourns Inc.) is a direct substitute with active status and 24,899 units in stock, suitable for applications requiring Bourns component qualification.

Discontinued Reference:

MCR03ERTF1960 (Rohm Semiconductor) is discontinued at DiGi Electronics and should not be selected for new designs. Existing inventory (1,207 units) may be available through alternative distribution channels for legacy system support only.

All active substitutes are electrically and mechanically interchangeable with the RC1608F1960CS and require no circuit modifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I substitute RC0603FR-07196RL for RC1608F1960CS in my design?

A: Yes. RC0603FR-07196RL meets all mandatory electrical and mechanical parameters: 196 Ohm resistance, ±1% tolerance, 0.1W power rating, 0603 package, ±100ppm/°C temperature coefficient, -55°C to 155°C operating range, ROHS3 compliance, and MSL 1 rating. No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What is the difference between the standard RC1608F1960CS and the AEC-Q200 qualified alternatives?

A: The RC1608F1960CS is a standard industrial-grade thick film resistor. CRCW0603196RFKEA (Vishay Dale), ERJ-3EKF1960V (Panasonic), and RMCF0603FT196R (Stackpole) carry AEC-Q200 automotive qualification, indicating compliance with automotive reliability and quality standards. All parts share identical electrical specifications and 0603 package dimensions. AEC-Q200 parts are suitable for automotive and high-reliability applications.

Q: Are there physical dimension differences between substitute parts?

A: Substitute parts maintain the 0603 (1608 Metric) package standard. Minor dimensional variations exist within tolerance: length ranges from 0.061" to 0.063" (1.55mm to 1.60mm), width from 0.031" to 0.033" (0.80mm to 0.85mm), and height from 0.020" to 0.022" (0.50mm to 0.55mm). These variations are within standard PCB footprint tolerances and do not affect assembly or functionality.

Q: Why is MCR03ERTF1960 listed as discontinued?

A: MCR03ERTF1960 is discontinued at DiGi Electronics, indicating it is no longer actively distributed through primary channels. While existing inventory may be available through secondary sources, new designs should select from active alternatives: RC0603FR-07196RL, ERJ-3EKF1960V, RMCF0603FT196R, CRCW0603196RFKEA, or CR0603-FX-1960ELF.

Q: Do all substitutes have the same moisture sensitivity level?

A: Yes. All substitute parts carry MSL 1 (Unlimited) rating, identical to the RC1608F1960CS. This indicates no moisture sensitivity restrictions and unlimited shelf life under standard storage conditions.

Q: Are all substitutes ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, matching the RC1608F1960CS compliance profile. This ensures compatibility with environmental regulations and procurement requirements.

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