SM4W502 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SM4W502 is a 5 kOhms, 0.25W surface mount trimmer potentiometer manufactured by Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC Components. This component features a cermet resistive element with J lead termination and top adjustment capability, designed for precision tuning applications requiring 12-turn adjustment resolution.

The SM4W502 is classified as obsolete. Identifying equivalent substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure supply chain availability, and support ongoing production or repair requirements for systems utilizing this component.

Substiute Parts

SM4W502

Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC ComponentsIn Stock: 1158SM4W502 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

PVG5A502C03R00

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 2218PVG5A502C03R00 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SM4W502 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

• Resistance value: 5 kOhms (exact match required)
• Power rating: 0.25W, 1/4W (exact match required)
• Tolerance: ±10% (exact match required)
• Adjustment type: Top Adjustment (exact match required)
• Resistive material: Cermet (exact match required)
• Mounting type: Surface Mount (exact match required)
• Termination style: J Lead (exact match required)
• Moisture sensitivity level: 1 (Unlimited) (exact match required)

The PVG5A502C03R00 manufactured by Bourns Inc. meets all mandatory substitution criteria. Minor variations in number of turns (11 vs. 12) and face dimensions (0.189" x 0.138" vs. 0.193" x 0.146") are within acceptable mechanical tolerances for surface mount applications. The temperature coefficient difference (±150ppm/°C vs. ±100ppm/°C) represents a relaxation of the original specification and is acceptable for general tuning applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The PVG5A502C03R00 is the manufacturer-recommended substitute for the SM4W502. Selection of this substitute is supported by the following factors:

• The substitute part maintains active product status with Bourns Inc., ensuring ongoing availability and supply chain stability.
• The substitute achieves ROHS3 compliance, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements, whereas the original SM4W502 is RoHS non-compliant.
• All critical electrical parameters match exactly: resistance, power rating, tolerance, adjustment type, resistive material, mounting type, and termination style.
• Mechanical compatibility is confirmed through minor dimensional variations that remain within acceptable tolerances for surface mount PCB assembly.
• Both parts carry identical HTSUS and ECCN classifications, confirming trade and export compliance equivalence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the PVG5A502C03R00 be used as a direct replacement for the SM4W502 in existing designs?

A: Yes. The substitute part meets all mandatory electrical and mechanical specifications. The 11-turn adjustment versus 12-turn adjustment represents a minor reduction in resolution that does not affect functional compatibility for standard tuning applications. PCB layout and assembly processes require no modification.

Q: What is the significance of the temperature coefficient difference?

A: The SM4W502 specifies ±100ppm/°C, while the PVG5A502C03R00 specifies ±150ppm/°C. This difference indicates the substitute part exhibits slightly greater resistance variation across temperature extremes. For applications requiring strict temperature stability, this parameter should be evaluated against system performance requirements. For general tuning applications, this difference is typically acceptable.

Q: Are there packaging differences between these parts?

A: The SM4W502 packaging information is not specified in available data. The PVG5A502C03R00 is supplied in Cut Tape (CT) and Digi-Reel® packaging formats. Confirm packaging compatibility with your procurement and assembly processes.

Q: What is the impact of the face dimension difference?

A: The SM4W502 face dimension is 0.193" x 0.146" (4.90mm x 3.70mm), while the PVG5A502C03R00 is 0.189" x 0.138" (4.80mm x 4.60mm). The substitute is slightly smaller. For PCB designs with tight component spacing, verify that the reduced footprint does not create assembly or thermal management issues. In most applications, this dimensional reduction is beneficial.

Q: Does the RoHS compliance difference affect substitution?

A: The SM4W502 is RoHS non-compliant, while the PVG5A502C03R00 is ROHS3 compliant. If your application or market requires RoHS compliance, the substitute part satisfies this requirement. If legacy RoHS non-compliant designs are required, the original part must be sourced separately.