RPM873-E2 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The RPM873-E2 is a 115.2kbps (SIR) IrDA transceiver module manufactured by Rohm Semiconductor in a side-view orientation. This component is classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent alternatives essential for ongoing system support and new design implementations. The module operates across a 2V to 3.6V supply range with minimal idle current consumption of 75µA typical at 25°C, suitable for battery-powered infrared communication applications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	RPM873-E2
Manufacturer	Rohm Semiconductor
Data Rate	115.2kbps (SIR)
Voltage Supply Range	2V ~ 3.6V
Idle Current (Typ @ 25°C)	75µA
Orientation	Side View
Operating Temperature	-20°C ~ 85°C
Package Size	7.60mm x 2.72mm x 2.00mm
Standards Compliance	IrDA 1.2
Product Status	Obsolete
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level	3 (168 Hours)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the RPM873-E2 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Data rate compatibility: 115.2kbps (SIR) operation
Supply voltage overlap: Minimum 2V to 3.6V range
Idle current performance: 75µA typical at 25°C
Orientation: Side-view transceiver configuration
Standards compliance: IrDA or IrPHY protocol support
Package form factor: Surface-mount device (SMD) with comparable dimensions
Environmental ratings: Operating temperature range and moisture sensitivity

The TFBS4650-TR1 from Vishay Semiconductor Opto Division meets these substitution criteria through equivalent data rate, overlapping supply voltage specifications, matching idle current characteristics, identical side-view orientation, and compatible IrPHY 1.4 standards compliance.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	RPM873-E2 (Rohm)	TFBS4650-TR1 (Vishay)	Compatibility
Data Rate	115.2kbps (SIR)	115.2kbps (SIR)	Equivalent
Voltage Supply Range	2V ~ 3.6V	2.4V ~ 3.6V	Overlapping (2.4V ~ 3.6V)
Idle Current (Typ @ 25°C)	75µA	75µA	Equivalent
Orientation	Side View	Side View	Equivalent
Operating Temperature	-20°C ~ 85°C	-25°C ~ 85°C	Compatible (wider range)
Package Size	7.60mm x 2.72mm x 2.00mm	6.8mm x 2.8mm x 1.6mm	Similar footprint
Standards	IrDA 1.2	IrPHY 1.4	Compatible protocols
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	Equivalent
Moisture Sensitivity Level	3 (168 Hours)	4 (72 Hours)	Different MSL rating
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active alternative available

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The TFBS4650-TR1 serves as a direct functional substitute for the obsolete RPM873-E2 based on the following engineering factors:

Electrical Compatibility: Both components operate at 115.2kbps data rate with identical idle current consumption of 75µA. The TFBS4650-TR1 supply voltage range (2.4V ~ 3.6V) overlaps the RPM873-E2 specification (2V ~ 3.6V) across the standard 3.3V and 3.6V operating points used in most applications.

Physical and Functional Equivalence: Both devices employ side-view transceiver orientation and are packaged as surface-mount components with comparable form factors. The TFBS4650-TR1 package dimensions (6.8mm x 2.8mm x 1.6mm) are slightly smaller than the RPM873-E2 (7.60mm x 2.72mm x 2.00mm), permitting direct board-level substitution with potential layout optimization.

Standards and Compliance: The TFBS4650-TR1 implements IrPHY 1.4 protocol, which maintains compatibility with IrDA 1.2 systems. Both components carry ROHS3 compliance and EAR99 export classification, ensuring regulatory alignment.

Product Availability: The TFBS4650-TR1 maintains active product status with 1715 units in stock, providing reliable supply continuity for the obsolete RPM873-E2.

Operational Considerations: The TFBS4650-TR1 extends the operating temperature range to -25°C (versus -20°C minimum for RPM873-E2), offering improved low-temperature performance. The MSL rating difference (MSL 4 versus MSL 3) reflects standard industry variations and does not impact substitution suitability for typical applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the TFBS4650-TR1 directly replace the RPM873-E2 in existing designs?

A: Yes. Both components operate at 115.2kbps with identical idle current and side-view orientation. The overlapping supply voltage range (2.4V ~ 3.6V) and compatible IrDA/IrPHY protocols ensure functional equivalence. Physical dimensions are similar, permitting direct board substitution.

Q: What is the voltage compatibility between these two parts?

A: The RPM873-E2 operates from 2V to 3.6V, while the TFBS4650-TR1 operates from 2.4V to 3.6V. Systems designed for 2.4V or higher supply voltages are fully compatible. Applications requiring operation below 2.4V would require design modification.

Q: Are there differences in packaging or handling requirements?

A: Both components are surface-mount devices (SMD) with comparable form factors. The TFBS4650-TR1 is supplied in Cut Tape (CT) and Digi-Reel packaging. The MSL rating differs (MSL 3 for RPM873-E2 versus MSL 4 for TFBS4650-TR1), indicating different moisture sensitivity thresholds during storage and handling. Standard moisture control practices apply to both.

Q: What standards do these components support?

A: The RPM873-E2 supports IrDA 1.2, while the TFBS4650-TR1 supports IrPHY 1.4. Both standards are compatible within infrared communication systems, ensuring protocol-level interoperability.

Q: Why is the RPM873-E2 listed as obsolete?

A: Obsolete status indicates the manufacturer has discontinued production. The TFBS4650-TR1 provides an active alternative with equivalent electrical and functional characteristics, ensuring continued system support and new design implementation.

Q: Are there any thermal or performance differences?

A: Both components maintain 75µA idle current at 25°C. The TFBS4650-TR1 extends the operating temperature range to -25°C (lower limit), providing improved performance in cold environments compared to the RPM873-E2 (-20°C lower limit).

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