RC1608F38R3CS Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The RC1608F38R3CS is a 38.3 Ohm ±1% thick film chip resistor manufactured by Samsung Electro-Mechanics, rated at 0.1W (1/10W) power dissipation in a 0603 (1608 Metric) surface mount package. This component is classified as Active product status with moisture-resistant construction and RoHS3 compliance. Substitute parts are identified when original inventory becomes unavailable, when alternative packaging formats are required, or when design specifications permit equivalent electrical and mechanical parameters.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Specification Basis
Resistance	38.3 Ohms	Exact value required for circuit function
Tolerance	±1%	Precision requirement for circuit performance
Power Rating	0.1W (1/10W)	Thermal dissipation capability
Package / Case	0603 (1608 Metric)	Physical footprint and PCB compatibility
Composition	Thick Film	Construction technology and performance characteristics
Temperature Coefficient	±100ppm/°C	Resistance stability across operating range
Operating Temperature Range	-55°C ~ 155°C	Environmental operating limits
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	Regulatory compliance requirement
Moisture Sensitivity Level	MSL 1 (Unlimited)	Handling and storage requirements

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the RC1608F38R3CS are classified based on strict electrical and mechanical parameter equivalence. All identified substitutes maintain identical specifications across the following critical parameters:

Electrical Parameters (Must Match Exactly):

Resistance value: 38.3 Ohms
Tolerance: ±1%
Power rating: 0.1W (1/10W)
Temperature coefficient: ±100ppm/°C
Operating temperature range: -55°C ~ 155°C

Mechanical Parameters (Must Match Exactly):

Package type: 0603 (1608 Metric)
Number of terminations: 2
Composition: Thick Film

Compliance Parameters (Must Match Exactly):

RoHS3 Compliant
MSL 1 (Unlimited)
REACH Unaffected
ECCN: EAR99

Substitutes are differentiated by manufacturer identity, packaging format (Tape & Reel vs. Cut Tape), product status, and optional automotive qualification (AEC-Q200). Physical dimensions show minor variations within acceptable tolerances for 0603 package class components.

Parameter Comparison

Manufacturer Part Number	Manufacturer	Resistance	Tolerance	Power (W)	Package	Temp Coeff	Op Temp Range	Packaging Format	Product Status	AEC-Q200
RC1608F38R3CS	Samsung Electro-Mechanics	38.3 Ω	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55 ~ 155°C	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	No
RC0603FR-0738R3L	YAGEO	38.3 Ω	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55 ~ 155°C	Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel®	Active	No
MCR03ERTF38R3	Rohm Semiconductor	38.3 Ω	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55 ~ 155°C	Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel®	Discontinued at DiGi Electronics	No
CRCW060338R3FKEA	Vishay Dale	38.3 Ω	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55 ~ 155°C	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Yes
ERJ-3EKF38R3V	Panasonic Electronic Components	38.3 Ω	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55 ~ 155°C	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Yes
RMCF0603FT38R3	Stackpole Electronics Inc	38.3 Ω	±1%	0.1	0603	±100ppm/°C	-55 ~ 155°C	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Yes

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitute (Direct Replacement): RC0603FR-0738R3L (YAGEO) is the recommended direct substitute when RC1608F38R3CS inventory is unavailable. This part maintains identical electrical and mechanical specifications with Active product status. The alternative packaging format (Cut Tape & Digi-Reel® versus Tape & Reel) does not affect circuit performance and may offer procurement advantages due to higher available inventory (178,887 pieces).

Automotive-Qualified Alternatives: For applications requiring AEC-Q200 automotive qualification, three substitutes are available:

CRCW060338R3FKEA (Vishay Dale) with 41,746 pieces in stock
ERJ-3EKF38R3V (Panasonic Electronic Components) with 45,494 pieces in stock
RMCF0603FT38R3 (Stackpole Electronics Inc) with 12,697 pieces in stock

All three maintain identical electrical specifications and Active product status. Selection among these three should be based on procurement lead time, cost, and existing supply chain relationships.

Discontinued Part: MCR03ERTF38R3 (Rohm Semiconductor) is listed as Discontinued at DiGi Electronics. While 4,461 pieces remain in stock, this part should not be selected for new designs or long-term production requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can RC0603FR-0738R3L replace RC1608F38R3CS directly on the PCB? A: Yes. Both parts share identical 0603 (1608 Metric) package dimensions, footprint, and electrical specifications. The difference in packaging format (Cut Tape & Digi-Reel® versus Tape & Reel) affects only the supply chain and assembly process, not circuit performance.

Q: What is the difference between the standard and AEC-Q200 qualified versions? A: AEC-Q200 qualification indicates the part meets automotive industry reliability and quality standards. Electrically and mechanically, CRCW060338R3FKEA, ERJ-3EKF38R3V, and RMCF0603FT38R3 are equivalent to RC1608F38R3CS. AEC-Q200 qualification is required only for automotive applications; general industrial and consumer applications do not require this certification.

Q: Are there physical dimension differences between substitutes? A: Minor variations exist within the 0603 package class tolerance. RC1608F38R3CS and ERJ-3EKF38R3V measure 0.063" L x 0.031" W (1.60mm x 0.80mm). CRCW060338R3FKEA and RMCF0603FT38R3 measure 0.061" L x 0.033" W and 0.061" L x 0.031" W respectively. These variations remain within standard 0603 package specifications and do not affect PCB layout or assembly.

Q: Why is MCR03ERTF38R3 listed if it is discontinued? A: MCR03ERTF38R3 is included in the reference for historical traceability and for applications where existing inventory may still be available. For new designs and ongoing production, Active status parts (RC0603FR-0738R3L, CRCW060338R3FKEA, ERJ-3EKF38R3V, RMCF0603FT38R3) should be specified.

Q: Do all substitutes have the same moisture sensitivity level? A: Yes. All listed parts, including the main part RC1608F38R3CS, are classified as MSL 1 (Unlimited). This indicates no moisture sensitivity restrictions for storage or handling.

Q: Which substitute offers the best inventory availability? A: RC0603FR-0738R3L (YAGEO) provides the highest inventory level at 178,887 pieces. For automotive-qualified alternatives, ERJ-3EKF38R3V (Panasonic) offers 45,494 pieces and CRCW060338R3FKEA (Vishay Dale) offers 41,746 pieces.

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