ST4TA503 Surface Mount Trimmer Potentiometer Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ST4TA503 is a 50 kOhm, 0.25W surface mount trimmer potentiometer manufactured by Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC Components. This component features J Lead termination, Cermet resistive material, and top adjustment capability with a single turn range. The part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity. Active alternatives from Nidec Components Corporation and Bourns Inc. provide direct functional equivalence while offering improved product status and compliance certifications.

Substiute Parts

ST4TA503

Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC ComponentsIn Stock: 946ST4TA503 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

ST-42ETA503

Nidec Components CorporationIn Stock: 1075ST-42ETA503 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

ST-4ETA503

Nidec Components CorporationIn Stock: 7028ST-4ETA503 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

3314J-1-503E

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 41333314J-1-503E Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

3314J-1-503G

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 12593314J-1-503G Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

3314J-2-503E

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 24073314J-2-503E Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

3314J-2-503G

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 12233314J-2-503G Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

3314Z-1-503E

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 9523314Z-1-503E Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

3314Z-1-503G

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 10543314Z-1-503G Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

3314Z-GA4-503E

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 11343314Z-GA4-503E Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the ST4TA503 is determined by strict equivalence across electrical and mechanical parameters. All substitute parts maintain identical resistance value (50 kOhms), power rating (0.25W), tolerance (±20%), temperature coefficient (±100ppm/°C), number of turns (1), resistive material (Cermet), mounting type (Surface Mount), and termination style (J Lead). Moisture sensitivity level remains constant at MSL 1 across all parts.

Substitutes are grouped into two categories based on adjustment type:

Top Adjustment Group: ST-42ETA503, ST-4ETA503 — Direct functional equivalents with identical top adjustment configuration and rectangular face dimensions (5.00mm x 4.50mm).

Side Adjustment Group: 3314Z-GA4-503E, 3314Z-1-503E, 3314Z-1-503G, 3314J-1-503E, 3314J-1-503G, 3314J-2-503E, 3314J-2-503G — Parts with alternative adjustment mechanisms (side adjustment for 3314Z series; top adjustment for 3314J series) and square face dimensions (4.50mm x 4.50mm). These require mechanical design verification for mounting compatibility.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Replacement (No Design Changes Required):

ST-42ETA503 and ST-4ETA503 from Nidec Components Corporation are the preferred substitutes. Both maintain identical electrical specifications, top adjustment configuration, and rectangular face dimensions (5.00mm x 4.50mm) as the ST4TA503. Both parts are active products with ROHS3 compliance, providing long-term availability and regulatory alignment.

Functional Equivalents (Mechanical Design Verification Required):

The Bourns Trimpot® 3314 series (3314J and 3314Z variants) provides full electrical equivalence but introduces mechanical differences. The 3314J series maintains top adjustment but reduces face dimensions to 4.50mm x 4.50mm (square). The 3314Z series offers side adjustment with rectangular dimensions (5.56mm x 5.01mm). Selection from this group requires PCB layout verification to confirm mounting compatibility and adjustment accessibility within the existing design envelope.

All substitute parts maintain MSL 1 rating, identical tolerance and temperature coefficient specifications, and ROHS3 compliance status, supporting both environmental and regulatory requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can ST-42ETA503 or ST-4ETA503 be used as direct drop-in replacements for ST4TA503?

A: Yes. Both Nidec parts maintain identical electrical parameters (50 kOhms, 0.25W, ±20% tolerance, ±100ppm/°C), adjustment type (top), and face dimensions (5.00mm x 4.50mm rectangular). No PCB modifications are required.

Q: What is the difference between the 3314J and 3314Z Bourns series?

A: The 3314J series features top adjustment with square face dimensions (4.50mm x 4.50mm). The 3314Z series features side adjustment with rectangular dimensions (5.56mm x 5.01mm). Both maintain identical electrical specifications. Selection depends on PCB layout constraints and adjustment accessibility requirements.

Q: Are there packaging differences between substitute parts?

A: Yes. ST-42ETA503 and ST-4ETA503 are supplied in Tape & Reel packaging. Bourns 3314J-2-503E is supplied in Cut Tape & Digi-Reel format; all other Bourns variants use Tape & Reel. Verify packaging compatibility with assembly equipment specifications.

Q: Do all substitute parts meet RoHS compliance?

A: Yes. All substitute parts listed are ROHS3 compliant. The original ST4TA503 is RoHS non-compliant, making substitution necessary for designs requiring regulatory compliance.

Q: What is the inventory status of substitute parts?

A: ST-4ETA503 (6991 pcs), 3314J-1-503E (4094 pcs), and 3314J-2-503E (2332 pcs) offer the highest stock levels. ST-42ETA503 (1018 pcs) and 3314Z variants (929–1056 pcs) provide adequate availability for production requirements.

Q: Can I use 3314J or 3314Z parts if my PCB is designed for the rectangular 5.00mm x 4.50mm footprint?

A: The 3314J series (square, 4.50mm x 4.50mm) and 3314Z series (rectangular, 5.56mm x 5.01mm) have different face dimensions than the ST4TA503 (rectangular, 5.00mm x 4.50mm). PCB layout verification is required to confirm mounting compatibility and adjustment tool access.