SM4ETA201 Trimmer Potentiometer - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SM4ETA201 is a 200 Ohm, 0.25W (1/4W) surface mount trimmer potentiometer manufactured by Nidec Components Corporation. This cermet-based component features J Lead termination with side adjustment capability and 12-turn resolution. The part is classified as obsolete, making identification of compatible substitutes essential for ongoing production and maintenance applications. Active equivalent models are available from the same manufacturer with comparable electrical and mechanical characteristics.

Substiute Parts

SM4ETA201

Nidec Components CorporationIn Stock: 965SM4ETA201 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SM-42TA201

Nidec Components CorporationIn Stock: 1165SM-42TA201 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the obsolete SM4ETA201 is based on the following critical parameters that must remain constant or compatible:

• Electrical equivalence: Identical resistance value (200 Ohms) and power rating (0.25W)
• Tolerance and temperature stability: Matching ±10% tolerance and ±100ppm/°C temperature coefficient
• Mechanical compatibility: Surface mount J Lead termination with side adjustment capability
• Material specification: Cermet resistive element
• Environmental compliance: ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating

The SM-42TA201 qualifies as a direct substitute based on these parameters. Minor variations in turn count (11 vs. 12 turns) and face dimensions (0.189" x 0.181" vs. 0.193" x 0.177") remain within acceptable mechanical tolerances for PCB layout and adjustment resolution applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The SM-42TA201 is the qualified substitute for the obsolete SM4ETA201 based on electrical and mechanical equivalence. Both components maintain identical resistance, power rating, tolerance, and temperature coefficient specifications. The substitute part is currently in active production status with confirmed inventory availability (1135 pcs), ensuring supply chain continuity.

Both parts meet ROHS3 compliance requirements and carry MSL 1 ratings, confirming equivalent environmental and handling specifications. The minor reduction in turn count (11 vs. 12 turns) and marginal face dimension variance do not impact functional performance in standard potentiometer applications where ±10% tolerance is acceptable.

Selection of the SM-42TA201 is supported by identical termination style (J Lead), mounting type (Surface Mount), and resistive material (Cermet), ensuring direct PCB compatibility without redesign requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SM-42TA201 be used as a direct replacement for SM4ETA201 without PCB modification?

A: Yes. Both components feature identical J Lead termination, surface mount configuration, and face dimensions within acceptable mechanical tolerances. No PCB redesign is required.

Q: What is the significance of the turn count difference (12 vs. 11 turns)?

A: Turn count affects adjustment resolution. The SM-42TA201 provides 11-turn adjustment versus 12-turn on the original part. This represents a minor resolution difference suitable for applications where ±10% tolerance is specified.

Q: Are there compliance differences between the two parts?

A: No. Both SM4ETA201 and SM-42TA201 are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 ratings. Environmental and regulatory compliance is equivalent.

Q: Why is the SM4ETA201 listed as obsolete?

A: The SM4ETA201 has been discontinued by the manufacturer. The SM-42TA201 represents the active production equivalent from Nidec Components Corporation.

Q: What packaging options are available for the substitute part?

A: The SM-42TA201 is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) packaging format.

Q: Are the electrical specifications identical between both parts?

A: Yes. Resistance (200 Ohms), power rating (0.25W), tolerance (±10%), and temperature coefficient (±100ppm/°C) are identical across both components.