RC1608F2940CS Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The RC1608F2940CS is a 294 Ohms ±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 general industrial and consumer applications requiring stable resistive elements across the -55°C to 155°C operating temperature range.

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

Substiute Parts

RC1608F2940CS

Samsung Electro-MechanicsIn Stock: 1138RC1608F2940CS Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

CR0603-FX-2940ELF

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 13911CR0603-FX-2940ELF Datasheet

DirectRFQ

RC0603FR-07294RL

YAGEOIn Stock: 79790RC0603FR-07294RL Datasheet

DirectRFQ

MCR03ERTF2940

Rohm SemiconductorIn Stock: 6833MCR03ERTF2940 Datasheet

UpgradeRFQ

CRCW0603294RFKEA

Vishay DaleIn Stock: 13823CRCW0603294RFKEA Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

ERJ-3EKF2940V

Panasonic Electronic ComponentsIn Stock: 62538ERJ-3EKF2940V Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

RMCF0603FT294R

Stackpole Electronics IncIn Stock: 76557RMCF0603FT294R Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the RC1608F2940CS 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: 294 Ohms
• Tolerance: ±1%
• Power rating: 0.1W (1/10W)
• Package code: 0603 (1608 Metric)
• Composition: Thick Film
• Temperature coefficient: ±100ppm/°C
• Operating temperature range: -55°C to 155°C
• Number of terminations: 2
• RoHS3 compliance status
• MSL rating: 1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Classification:

Direct Equivalents (identical specifications, different manufacturer):

• CR0603-FX-2940ELF (Bourns Inc.)
• RC0603FR-07294RL (YAGEO)

Upgrade Classification (meets all parameters, discontinued status):

• MCR03ERTF2940 (Rohm Semiconductor) — Discontinued at DiGi Electronics

Similar Parts with Enhanced Features (all parameters match, additional automotive qualification):

• CRCW0603294RFKEA (Vishay Dale) — AEC-Q200 automotive rated
• ERJ-3EKF2940V (Panasonic Electronic Components) — AEC-Q200 automotive rated
• RMCF0603FT294R (Stackpole Electronics Inc) — AEC-Q200 automotive rated

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Identical Specifications):

CR0603-FX-2940ELF (Bourns Inc.) and RC0603FR-07294RL (YAGEO) are functionally equivalent to RC1608F2940CS. Both maintain Active product status, identical electrical parameters, and full RoHS3 compliance. Selection between these options depends on supply availability and procurement lead times. Bourns CR0603-FX-2940ELF currently maintains 13,880 units in stock; YAGEO RC0603FR-07294RL maintains 79,779 units in stock.

For Automotive Applications:

CRCW0603294RFKEA (Vishay Dale), ERJ-3EKF2940V (Panasonic Electronic Components), and RMCF0603FT294R (Stackpole Electronics Inc) are qualified to AEC-Q200 automotive standards while maintaining all electrical and mechanical equivalence to the base specification. These parts are suitable for automotive-grade applications requiring enhanced reliability documentation and qualification testing. All three maintain Active product status with substantial inventory availability (13,764 to 76,456 units).

For Discontinued Component Replacement:

MCR03ERTF2940 (Rohm Semiconductor) meets all electrical and mechanical parameters but carries Discontinued at DiGi Electronics status. This part should be selected only when existing inventory is available and long-term supply is not required. Alternative packaging format (Cut Tape and Digi-Reel) may require process adjustment for automated assembly.

Compliance Considerations:

All listed substitute parts maintain RoHS3 compliance, REACH unaffected status, and MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating, ensuring compatibility with current environmental regulations and standard handling procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can CR0603-FX-2940ELF replace RC1608F2940CS in existing designs?

A: Yes. CR0603-FX-2940ELF is a direct equivalent meeting all electrical specifications (294 Ohms ±1%, 0.1W, ±100ppm/°C), mechanical dimensions (0603 package), and compliance requirements (RoHS3, MSL 1). No design modification is required.

Q: What is the difference between the standard RC1608F2940CS and the AEC-Q200 rated alternatives?

A: The RC1608F2940CS contains no automotive qualification. CRCW0603294RFKEA, ERJ-3EKF2940V, and RMCF0603FT294R carry AEC-Q200 automotive qualification, indicating enhanced reliability testing and documentation suitable for automotive applications. All other electrical and mechanical parameters remain identical.

Q: Are there physical dimension differences between substitute parts?

A: Dimensions are substantially equivalent across all parts. RC1608F2940CS, CR0603-FX-2940ELF, and ERJ-3EKF2940V specify 0.063" L x 0.031" W (1.60mm x 0.80mm). CRCW0603294RFKEA and RMCF0603FT294R specify 0.061" L x 0.031" W (1.55mm x 0.80mm) and 0.061" L x 0.031" W (1.55mm x 0.80mm) respectively. Height specifications range from 0.020" to 0.022" (0.50mm to 0.55mm). These minor variations are within standard PCB pad tolerance and do not affect assembly compatibility.

Q: Why is MCR03ERTF2940 listed as discontinued?

A: MCR03ERTF2940 is marked Discontinued at DiGi Electronics, indicating this distributor no longer actively stocks or supports this part. However, the part meets all electrical and mechanical specifications. Selection should be limited to applications where existing inventory is available and future replenishment is not required.

Q: What packaging format differences exist?

A: RC1608F2940CS, CR0603-FX-2940ELF, RC0603FR-07294RL, CRCW0603294RFKEA, ERJ-3EKF2940V, and RMCF0603FT294R are supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) format suitable for automated pick-and-place assembly. MCR03ERTF2940 is supplied in Cut Tape (CT) and Digi-Reel® format, which may require manual handling or alternative feeder compatibility depending on assembly equipment configuration.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts maintain RoHS3 compliance status, ensuring compatibility with current environmental regulations and procurement requirements.

Q: What is MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity?

A: MSL 1 (Unlimited) indicates the component requires no special moisture control during storage or handling. Standard warehouse conditions are acceptable. No baking or desiccant storage is required prior to assembly.

Q: Can I use automotive-rated parts in non-automotive applications?

A: Yes. AEC-Q200 rated parts (CRCW0603294RFKEA, ERJ-3EKF2940V, RMCF0603FT294R) meet or exceed all specifications of the base RC1608F2940CS and are fully compatible with non-automotive applications. Automotive qualification represents additional testing and documentation, not a limitation on use.