RC1608F3241CS Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The RC1608F3241CS is a 3.24 kOhms ±1% thick film chip resistor manufactured by Samsung Electro-Mechanics in 0603 (1608 Metric) package format. This surface mount device is rated for 0.1W (1/10W) power dissipation and operates across the temperature range of -55°C to 155°C. The component features moisture-resistant construction with a temperature coefficient of ±100ppm/°C and is ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating.

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 manufacturers is needed while maintaining identical electrical and mechanical specifications.

Substiute Parts

RC1608F3241CS
Samsung Electro-MechanicsIn Stock: 1141RC1608F3241CS Datasheet
RC1608F3241CS
Current Part
CR0603-FX-3241ELF
Bourns Inc.In Stock: 18411CR0603-FX-3241ELF Datasheet
CR0603-FX-3241ELF
Direct
RC0603FR-073K24L
YAGEOIn Stock: 67518RC0603FR-073K24L Datasheet
RC0603FR-073K24L
Direct
AC0603FR-073K24L
YAGEOIn Stock: 37311AC0603FR-073K24L Datasheet
AC0603FR-073K24L
Similar
CRCW06033K24FKEA
Vishay DaleIn Stock: 160552CRCW06033K24FKEA Datasheet
CRCW06033K24FKEA
Similar
ERJ-3EKF3241V
Panasonic Electronic ComponentsIn Stock: 57516ERJ-3EKF3241V Datasheet
ERJ-3EKF3241V
Similar
RMCF0603FG3K24
Stackpole Electronics IncIn Stock: 10853RMCF0603FG3K24 Datasheet
RMCF0603FG3K24
Similar
RMCF0603FT3K24
Stackpole Electronics IncIn Stock: 485114RMCF0603FT3K24 Datasheet
RMCF0603FT3K24
Similar

Key Parameters

Parameter Value
Resistance 3.24 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
Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 (Unlimited)
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant
Packaging Type Tape & Reel (TR)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the RC1608F3241CS is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Electrical Specifications:

  • Resistance value: 3.24 kOhms (exact match required)
  • Tolerance: ±1% (exact match required)
  • Power rating: 0.1W / 1/10W (exact match required)
  • Temperature coefficient: ±100ppm/°C (exact match required)
  • Operating temperature range: -55°C to 155°C (exact match required)

Mechanical Specifications:

  • Package type: 0603 (1608 Metric) (exact match required)
  • Composition: Thick Film (exact match required)
  • Number of terminations: 2 (exact match required)

Compliance & Environmental:

  • RoHS3 compliance (required)
  • Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 (required)
  • REACH Unaffected status (required)

All substitute parts listed below meet these criteria. Additional features such as automotive AEC-Q200 qualification represent enhanced specifications and do not disqualify a part from substitution; however, they indicate suitability for more demanding applications.

Parameter Comparison

Manufacturer Part Number Manufacturer Resistance Tolerance Power (W) Package Temp Coeff Op. Temp Range Features RoHS MSL Packaging
RC1608F3241CS Samsung Electro-Mechanics 3.24 kΩ ±1% 0.1 0603 ±100ppm/°C -55 to 155°C Moisture Resistant ROHS3 1 TR
CR0603-FX-3241ELF Bourns Inc. 3.24 kΩ ±1% 0.1 0603 ±100ppm/°C -55 to 155°C Moisture Resistant ROHS3 1 TR
RC0603FR-073K24L YAGEO 3.24 kΩ ±1% 0.1 0603 ±100ppm/°C -55 to 155°C Moisture Resistant ROHS3 1 TR
AC0603FR-073K24L YAGEO 3.24 kΩ ±1% 0.1 0603 ±100ppm/°C -55 to 155°C Automotive AEC-Q200, Moisture Resistant ROHS3 1 TR
CRCW06033K24FKEA Vishay Dale 3.24 kΩ ±1% 0.1 0603 ±100ppm/°C -55 to 155°C Automotive AEC-Q200 ROHS3 1 CT & Digi-Reel®
ERJ-3EKF3241V Panasonic Electronic Components 3.24 kΩ ±1% 0.1 0603 ±100ppm/°C -55 to 155°C Automotive AEC-Q200 ROHS3 1 TR
RMCF0603FG3K24 Stackpole Electronics Inc 3.24 kΩ ±1% 0.1 0603 ±100ppm/°C -55 to 155°C Automotive AEC-Q200 ROHS3 1 TR
RMCF0603FT3K24 Stackpole Electronics Inc 3.24 kΩ ±1% 0.1 0603 ±100ppm/°C -55 to 155°C Automotive AEC-Q200 ROHS3 1 TR

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Equivalents (Highest Substitution Priority):

CR0603-FX-3241ELF (Bourns Inc.) and RC0603FR-073K24L (YAGEO) are direct functional equivalents to the RC1608F3241CS. Both parts match all electrical and mechanical specifications without additional qualifications. These parts are suitable for direct substitution in applications where the original Samsung component is unavailable.

Enhanced Specification Alternatives (Automotive-Qualified):

AC0603FR-073K24L, CRCW06033K24FKEA, ERJ-3EKF3241V, RMCF0603FG3K24, and RMCF0603FT3K24 all meet the core electrical and mechanical requirements of the RC1608F3241CS while additionally carrying AEC-Q200 automotive qualification. These parts are suitable for substitution in both general-purpose and automotive applications. The AEC-Q200 rating indicates compliance with automotive reliability standards and does not restrict use in non-automotive designs.

Packaging Consideration:

CRCW06033K24FKEA is supplied in Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel® format rather than standard Tape & Reel. This packaging difference may affect procurement and assembly processes but does not impact electrical or mechanical compatibility.

Product Status:

All listed substitute parts maintain Active product status, ensuring continued availability and manufacturer support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I substitute RC0603FR-073K24L for RC1608F3241CS in my design?

A: Yes. RC0603FR-073K24L meets all electrical specifications (3.24 kΩ ±1%, 0.1W), mechanical specifications (0603 package, thick film composition), and compliance requirements (ROHS3, MSL 1) of the RC1608F3241CS. Direct substitution is permissible.

Q: What is the difference between the standard RC1608F3241CS and the AEC-Q200 qualified alternatives?

A: The RC1608F3241CS is a general-purpose thick film resistor. The AEC-Q200 qualified alternatives (AC0603FR-073K24L, CRCW06033K24FKEA, ERJ-3EKF3241V, RMCF0603FG3K24, RMCF0603FT3K24) meet the same electrical and mechanical specifications but have undergone additional automotive reliability testing and qualification. AEC-Q200 qualification does not restrict use in non-automotive applications.

Q: Are there any dimensional differences between substitute parts?

A: Dimensional variations exist within acceptable tolerances. The RC1608F3241CS, CR0603-FX-3241ELF, RC0603FR-073K24L, AC0603FR-073K24L, ERJ-3EKF3241V, and RMCF series parts specify 0.063" L x 0.031" W (1.60mm x 0.80mm) dimensions. CRCW06033K24FKEA and RMCF series specify 0.061" L x 0.033" W (1.55mm x 0.85mm) or 0.061" L x 0.031" W (1.55mm x 0.80mm). These variations remain within 0603 package specifications and do not affect PCB layout compatibility.

Q: Does the packaging format (Tape & Reel vs. Cut Tape) affect electrical performance?

A: No. Packaging format affects only procurement, storage, and assembly processes. Electrical and mechanical performance is identical regardless of whether the part is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) or Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel® format.

Q: Can I use RMCF0603FT3K24 as a substitute if my application is not automotive?

A: Yes. RMCF0603FT3K24 meets all specifications required for the RC1608F3241CS. AEC-Q200 automotive qualification represents an enhanced specification level and does not restrict the part's use in general-purpose applications. The part is fully compatible with non-automotive designs.

Q: What is MSL 1 (Unlimited) and why is it important?

A: MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level) 1 indicates the component has unlimited shelf life and requires no special moisture control during storage or handling. All listed substitute parts carry MSL 1 rating, ensuring compatibility with standard component storage and assembly procedures.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All substitute parts listed carry ROHS3 compliance certification, matching the environmental compliance status of the RC1608F3241CS.

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