SM4ETA203 Trimmer Potentiometer - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SM4ETA203 is a 20 kOhms, 0.25W surface mount trimmer potentiometer manufactured by Nidec Components Corporation. This component features a cermet resistive element with J lead termination and side adjustment capability, designed for precision tuning applications in compact form factors.

The SM4ETA203 is classified as obsolete. Locating equivalent substitute parts is necessary to support ongoing production requirements, field repairs, and design continuity where this component was originally specified.

Substiute Parts

SM4ETA203

Nidec Components CorporationIn Stock: 1005SM4ETA203 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SM-42TA203

Nidec Components CorporationIn Stock: 6805SM-42TA203 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SM4ETA203 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Resistance value: 20 kOhms (exact match required)
• Power rating: 0.25W minimum (equal or greater acceptable)
• Tolerance: ±10% (equal or tighter acceptable)
• Temperature coefficient: ±100ppm/°C (equal or better acceptable)
• Adjustment type: Side Adjustment (functional requirement)
• Resistive material: Cermet (material specification)
• Mounting type: Surface Mount (PCB assembly requirement)
• Termination style: J Lead (solder connection type)
• Face dimensions: Rectangular format within tolerance for PCB footprint compatibility

The SM-42TA203 meets all substitution criteria as an active product from the same manufacturer with identical electrical specifications and compatible mechanical characteristics.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The SM-42TA203 is the qualified substitute for the obsolete SM4ETA203 based on the following factors:

• Both components are manufactured by Nidec Components Corporation, ensuring consistent design and quality standards.
• Electrical specifications are identical across all critical parameters: resistance, power rating, tolerance, and temperature coefficient.
• Both components maintain ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating, satisfying regulatory and environmental requirements.
• The SM-42TA203 is an active product with confirmed inventory availability (6763 pcs), ensuring supply chain continuity.
• Mechanical compatibility is confirmed through J lead termination and surface mount packaging, with face dimensions within acceptable tolerance for existing PCB footprints.
• The minor difference in turn count (11 vs. 12) does not affect functional substitution for applications where the specified resistance and adjustment range are the primary requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the SM-42TA203 be used as a direct replacement for the SM4ETA203 in existing designs?

A: Yes. The SM-42TA203 meets all electrical and mechanical specifications required for substitution. Both components share identical resistance, power rating, tolerance, temperature coefficient, and termination style. The face dimensions are within compatible tolerance for standard PCB footprints.

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

A: Turn count affects the mechanical adjustment range and resolution. The SM-42TA203 has one fewer turn, resulting in slightly different adjustment characteristics. For applications where precise turn-count specification is critical, this difference must be evaluated against functional requirements. For general tuning applications, this difference is typically acceptable.

Q: Are there packaging differences between these parts?

A: The SM4ETA203 packaging is listed as standard, while the SM-42TA203 is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) format. Both are surface mount components suitable for automated assembly. Tape & Reel packaging is standard for high-volume production and does not affect component performance.

Q: Do both parts meet the same compliance standards?

A: Yes. Both the SM4ETA203 and SM-42TA203 are ROHS3 compliant with unlimited moisture sensitivity rating (MSL 1). Both carry the same ECCN (EAR99) and HTSUS classification, ensuring equivalent regulatory status.

Q: Why is the SM4ETA203 listed as obsolete?

A: The SM4ETA203 has been discontinued by the manufacturer. The SM-42TA203 represents the active product line continuation from Nidec Components Corporation with equivalent performance characteristics and improved supply availability.