ST-4ETH203 Trimmer Potentiometer Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ST-4ETH203 is a 20 kOhms, 0.25W surface mount trimmer potentiometer manufactured by Nidec Components Corporation. This component features gull wing termination with side adjustment capability and cermet resistive material, designed for precision tuning applications requiring 1.0 turn adjustment resolution. The part is currently in active production status with RoHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating (MSL 1). Substitute parts are identified when equivalent electrical specifications and mechanical compatibility are maintained across the allowed parameter set.

Substiute Parts

ST-4ETH203

Nidec Components CorporationIn Stock: 1094ST-4ETH203 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

23BR20KLFTR

TT Electronics/BIIn Stock: 161723BR20KLFTR Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the ST-4ETH203 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

• Resistance value: 20 kOhms (exact match required)
• Power rating: 0.25W, 1/4W (exact match required)
• Tolerance: ±20% (exact match required)
• Temperature coefficient: ±100ppm/°C (exact match required)
• Number of turns: 1.0 (exact match required)
• Resistive material: Cermet (exact match required)
• Mounting type: Surface Mount (exact match required)
• Termination style: Gull Wing (exact match required)
• Physical dimensions: 5.00mm x 4.50mm face (exact match required)
• Packaging format: Tape & Reel (exact match required)

The identified substitute part 23BR20KLFTR meets all electrical and mechanical equivalence criteria. Adjustment type (side vs. top) represents a functional difference that does not affect electrical performance or physical compatibility in circuit board layout applications where adjustment access is not a constraint.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Both the ST-4ETH203 and 23BR20KLFTR are active production components with full RoHS compliance and REACH unaffected status. Selection between these parts should be based on:

• Adjustment access requirements: The ST-4ETH203 provides side adjustment access, while the 23BR20KLFTR provides top adjustment access. Circuit board layout and tuning accessibility constraints determine which adjustment orientation is suitable.
• Inventory availability: ST-4ETH203 has 1028 units in stock; 23BR20KLFTR has 1590 units in stock.
• Manufacturer preference: Nidec Components Corporation (ST-4ETH203) versus TT Electronics/BI (23BR20KLFTR).

All other electrical and mechanical parameters are identical, ensuring functional equivalence in applications where adjustment orientation does not impose design constraints.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 23BR20KLFTR replace the ST-4ETH203 in my circuit design?

A: Yes, the 23BR20KLFTR is electrically and mechanically equivalent to the ST-4ETH203. Both components share identical resistance, power rating, tolerance, temperature coefficient, number of turns, resistive material, mounting type, termination style, physical dimensions, and packaging format. The primary difference is adjustment type (top vs. side), which affects tuning access but not electrical performance.

Q: What does the difference in adjustment type mean for my application?

A: Adjustment type determines the physical location where tuning access occurs. Side adjustment (ST-4ETH203) allows tuning from the side of the component, while top adjustment (23BR20KLFTR) allows tuning from the top. Select based on your circuit board layout and whether the adjustment point needs to be accessible after assembly.

Q: Are both parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. The ST-4ETH203 is RoHS3 compliant, and the 23BR20KLFTR is RoHS compliant. Both meet environmental regulatory requirements.

Q: Do these parts have the same moisture sensitivity level?

A: Yes. Both the ST-4ETH203 and 23BR20KLFTR have MSL 1 (Unlimited) rating, indicating no moisture sensitivity restrictions for storage or handling.

Q: Can I use these parts interchangeably in production?

A: Yes, provided your circuit board design accommodates the adjustment type difference. If your PCB layout requires side adjustment access, use the ST-4ETH203. If top adjustment access is acceptable or preferred, the 23BR20KLFTR is a direct substitute.