SM4ETW502 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SM4ETW502 is a 5 kOhms, 0.25W surface mount trimmer potentiometer manufactured by Nidec Components Corporation. This component features a cermet resistive element with 12-turn top adjustment and J lead termination, designed for precision applications requiring manual resistance tuning. The SM4ETW502 is classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent alternatives essential for ongoing production support and design continuity.

Substiute Parts

SM4ETW502

Nidec Components CorporationIn Stock: 710SM4ETW502 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SM-42TW502

Nidec Components CorporationIn Stock: 2170SM-42TW502 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The SM-42TW502 qualifies as a direct substitute for the SM4ETW502 based on the following critical parameters:

Matching Parameters:

• Resistance value: 5 kOhms
• Power rating: 0.25W (1/4W)
• Tolerance: ±10%
• Temperature coefficient: ±100ppm/°C
• Adjustment type: Top Adjustment
• Resistive material: Cermet
• Mounting type: Surface Mount
• Termination style: J Lead
• RoHS compliance: ROHS3 Compliant
• MSL rating: 1 (Unlimited)

Allowable Variations:

• Number of turns: 11 (substitute) vs. 12 (original) — within acceptable range for trimmer potentiometers where turn count affects adjustment resolution but not functional compatibility
• Face dimension: 0.189" x 0.138" (4.80mm x 4.60mm) vs. 0.193" x 0.146" (4.90mm x 3.70mm) — minor dimensional difference acceptable for surface mount applications with standard PCB footprint tolerances

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The SM-42TW502 is the appropriate substitute for the obsolete SM4ETW502. Both components maintain identical electrical specifications across resistance, power rating, tolerance, and temperature coefficient. The SM-42TW502 offers the advantage of active product status with significantly higher inventory availability (2100 units vs. 637 units), ensuring long-term supply chain continuity.

The minor reduction in turn count from 12 to 11 does not compromise functional compatibility in applications where the trimmer potentiometer is used for circuit tuning or calibration. The dimensional variation of approximately 0.004" (0.1mm) in each axis remains within standard PCB footprint tolerances for surface mount components and does not require PCB redesign.

Both components maintain identical RoHS3 compliance and MSL rating, confirming suitability for equivalent manufacturing and storage conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the SM-42TW502 be used as a direct replacement for the SM4ETW502 without PCB modification?

A: Yes. The SM-42TW502 maintains identical electrical specifications and J lead termination. The dimensional difference of approximately 0.1mm per axis is within standard surface mount tolerances and does not require PCB footprint changes.

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

A: Turn count affects adjustment resolution and the mechanical range of the potentiometer. The 11-turn SM-42TW502 provides slightly finer adjustment steps per mechanical rotation compared to the 12-turn original. Both are suitable for trimmer applications where precise manual tuning is required.

Q: Are there any compliance or certification differences between these parts?

A: No. Both components are ROHS3 compliant with identical MSL rating of 1 (Unlimited). Manufacturing and storage conditions remain equivalent.

Q: Why is the SM4ETW502 listed as obsolete?

A: The SM4ETW502 has been superseded by the SM-42TW502 within Nidec's product portfolio. The SM-42TW502 represents the current active equivalent with improved availability and ongoing manufacturing support.

Q: What packaging options are available for the SM-42TW502?

A: The SM-42TW502 is available in Cut Tape (CT) and Digi-Reel® packaging formats, providing flexibility for both manual assembly and automated pick-and-place operations.