RC1608F203CS Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The RC1608F203CS is a 20 kOhms ±1% 0.1W thick film chip resistor in 0603 (1608 Metric) package manufactured by Samsung Electro-Mechanics. This component is classified as Active product status with moisture-resistant construction, operating across -55°C to 155°C temperature range. The part is ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating.

Equivalent and substitute parts are identified based on matching electrical specifications (resistance value, tolerance, power rating), mechanical compatibility (package size, dimensions, termination count), and environmental ratings. Direct substitutes maintain identical performance parameters, while upgrade and similar alternatives offer enhanced features such as automotive AEC-Q200 qualification or anti-sulfur protection.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Resistance	20 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 ~ 155°C
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Number of Terminations	2

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts are classified into three categories based on substitution relationship and feature alignment:

Direct Substitutes maintain all electrical and mechanical parameters identical to the main part. These parts are interchangeable without design modification:

CR0603-FX-2002ELF (Bourns Inc.)
RC0603FR-0720KL (YAGEO)
RCG060320K0FKEA (Vishay Dale)

Upgrade Substitute provides enhanced qualification while maintaining core electrical and mechanical compatibility:

KTR03EZPF2002 (Rohm Semiconductor) — adds Automotive AEC-Q200 and High Voltage features

Similar Substitutes offer equivalent electrical performance with additional environmental or application-specific features:

AC0603FR-0720KL (YAGEO) — Automotive AEC-Q200, Moisture Resistant
AF0603FR-0720KL (YAGEO) — Anti-Sulfur, Automotive AEC-Q200
ERJ-3EKF2002V (Panasonic Electronic Components) — Automotive AEC-Q200
ERJ-S03F2002V (Panasonic Electronic Components) — Anti-Sulfur, Automotive AEC-Q200
RMCF0603FG20K0 (Stackpole Electronics Inc) — Automotive AEC-Q200
RMCF0603FT20K0 (Stackpole Electronics Inc) — Automotive AEC-Q200

Substitution logic is based on the following key parameters: Resistance (20 kOhms), Tolerance (±1%), Power Rating (0.1W), Package (0603), Composition (Thick Film), Temperature Coefficient (±100ppm/°C), Operating Temperature Range (-55°C ~ 155°C), and Termination Count (2).

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Resistance	Tolerance	Power (W)	Package	Temp Coeff	Op Temp Range	Composition	Features	MSL	RoHS
RC1608F203CS	Samsung Electro-Mechanics	20 kΩ	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55~155°C	Thick Film	Moisture Resistant	1	ROHS3
CR0603-FX-2002ELF	Bourns Inc.	20 kΩ	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55~155°C	Thick Film	Moisture Resistant	1	ROHS3
RC0603FR-0720KL	YAGEO	20 kΩ	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55~155°C	Thick Film	Moisture Resistant	1	ROHS3
RCG060320K0FKEA	Vishay Dale	20 kΩ	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55~155°C	Thick Film	—	1	ROHS3
KTR03EZPF2002	Rohm Semiconductor	20 kΩ	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55~155°C	Thick Film	Automotive AEC-Q200, High Voltage	1	ROHS3
AC0603FR-0720KL	YAGEO	20 kΩ	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55~155°C	Thick Film	Automotive AEC-Q200, Moisture Resistant	1	ROHS3
AF0603FR-0720KL	YAGEO	20 kΩ	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55~155°C	Thick Film	Anti-Sulfur, Automotive AEC-Q200	1	ROHS3
ERJ-3EKF2002V	Panasonic Electronic Components	20 kΩ	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55~155°C	Thick Film	Automotive AEC-Q200	1	ROHS3
ERJ-S03F2002V	Panasonic Electronic Components	20 kΩ	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55~155°C	Thick Film	Anti-Sulfur, Automotive AEC-Q200	1	ROHS3
RMCF0603FG20K0	Stackpole Electronics Inc	20 kΩ	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55~155°C	Thick Film	Automotive AEC-Q200	1	ROHS3
RMCF0603FT20K0	Stackpole Electronics Inc	20 kΩ	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55~155°C	Thick Film	Automotive AEC-Q200	1	ROHS3

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Non-Automotive Applications): CR0603-FX-2002ELF, RC0603FR-0720KL, and RCG060320K0FKEA are functionally equivalent to RC1608F203CS. All three maintain identical electrical specifications, package dimensions, and ROHS3 compliance. Selection among these direct substitutes depends on availability and supply chain requirements.

For Automotive Applications: KTR03EZPF2002, AC0603FR-0720KL, AF0603FR-0720KL, ERJ-3EKF2002V, ERJ-S03F2002V, RMCF0603FG20K0, and RMCF0603FT20K0 are qualified to Automotive AEC-Q200 standard. These parts are suitable for automotive-grade circuit designs requiring enhanced reliability and qualification documentation. Selection should be based on specific application requirements and supply availability.

For Corrosive Environments: AF0603FR-0720KL and ERJ-S03F2002V include anti-sulfur protection in addition to automotive AEC-Q200 qualification, providing enhanced resistance to sulfur-containing atmospheres.

All substitute parts listed maintain ROHS3 compliance, MSL 1 rating, and identical operating temperature range (-55°C to 155°C), ensuring compatibility with existing design specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can CR0603-FX-2002ELF be used as a direct replacement for RC1608F203CS? A: Yes. CR0603-FX-2002ELF matches all electrical parameters (20 kΩ, ±1%, 0.1W), package specification (0603), temperature coefficient (±100ppm/°C), operating range (-55°C to 155°C), and compliance ratings (ROHS3, MSL 1). No design modification is required.

Q: What is the difference between direct substitutes and similar substitutes? A: Direct substitutes (CR0603-FX-2002ELF, RC0603FR-0720KL, RCG060320K0FKEA) are electrically and mechanically identical to the main part. Similar substitutes add features such as Automotive AEC-Q200 qualification or anti-sulfur protection while maintaining core electrical compatibility.

Q: Are automotive-qualified parts (AEC-Q200) interchangeable with the standard RC1608F203CS? A: Automotive-qualified parts are electrically and mechanically compatible with RC1608F203CS. However, they include additional qualification testing and documentation. Use automotive-qualified parts only when required by application specifications or design standards.

Q: Does packaging format (Cut Tape vs. Tape & Reel) affect electrical performance? A: No. Packaging format affects only handling, storage, and assembly processes. Electrical and mechanical specifications remain identical regardless of packaging type. Selection should be based on manufacturing equipment compatibility and supply chain requirements.

Q: Can ERJ-S03F2002V replace RC1608F203CS in high-humidity or corrosive environments? A: ERJ-S03F2002V includes anti-sulfur protection and is suitable for corrosive environments. However, both parts maintain identical MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity ratings. Anti-sulfur protection addresses sulfur-containing atmospheric exposure, not moisture sensitivity.

Q: What does ±100ppm/°C temperature coefficient mean for circuit design? A: Temperature coefficient indicates resistance change per degree Celsius. At ±100ppm/°C, a 20 kΩ resistor changes approximately 2 Ω per °C across the -55°C to 155°C operating range. All listed substitutes maintain this specification.

Q: Are there dimensional differences between substitute parts? A: Most substitutes maintain 0603 package dimensions (0.063" L x 0.031" W / 1.60mm x 0.80mm). RCG060320K0FKEA and RMCF series show minor variations (1.55mm length, 0.85mm or 0.80mm width). These variations remain within 0603 package tolerance and do not affect PCB footprint compatibility.

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