ST5TW203 Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The ST5TW203 is a 20 kOhms 0.25W surface mount trimmer potentiometer with Cermet resistive material, 14-turn top adjustment, and gull wing termination. Manufactured by Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC Components, this part is classified as obsolete. Due to its discontinued status, equivalent substitute parts from active manufacturers are necessary for new designs and ongoing production requirements.

Substiute Parts

ST5TW203

Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC ComponentsIn Stock: 659ST5TW203 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

ST-5ETW203

Nidec Components CorporationIn Stock: 11297ST-5ETW203 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

3269P-1-203LF

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 9973269P-1-203LF Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

3269W-1-203G

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 19273269W-1-203G Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the ST5TW203 are classified based on electrical and mechanical parameter compatibility. The primary substitution criteria are:

• Resistance value: 20 kOhms (exact match required)
• Power rating: 0.25W (exact match required)
• Tolerance: ±10% (exact match required)
• Temperature coefficient: ±100ppm/°C (exact match required)
• Resistive material: Cermet (exact match required)
• Mounting type: Surface Mount (exact match required)
• Termination style: Gull Wing (exact match required)

Acceptable variations within substitution logic:

• Number of turns: 12 to 14 turns (functional equivalence for adjustment resolution)
• Adjustment type: Top or side adjustment (mechanical interface difference)
• Physical dimensions: Minor variations within 6.00-6.35mm x 4.30-4.32mm range (PCB layout compatibility)
• Moisture sensitivity level: MSL 1 or MSL 2 (environmental handling difference)
• RoHS compliance status: Compliant or non-compliant (regulatory requirement dependent on application)

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

ST-5ETW203 (Nidec Components Corporation): This substitute provides the closest electrical and mechanical match to the ST5TW203. It maintains identical resistance, power rating, tolerance, temperature coefficient, number of turns, adjustment type, and physical dimensions. The part is active in production with ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating, making it suitable for applications requiring RoHS compliance and unlimited moisture handling.

3269W-1-203G (Bourns Inc.): This substitute matches all critical electrical parameters and maintains top adjustment functionality. The primary differences are a reduction from 14 to 12 turns and slightly larger physical dimensions (6.35mm x 4.32mm versus 6.00mm x 4.30mm). MSL 2 rating requires controlled storage conditions. RoHS non-compliance aligns with the original part specification. This option is suitable for applications where PCB layout can accommodate the minor dimensional increase.

3269P-1-203LF (Bourns Inc.): This substitute matches all critical electrical parameters but features side adjustment instead of top adjustment, representing a mechanical interface change. The 12-turn specification and larger dimensions (6.35mm x 4.32mm) are consistent with the 3269W variant. MSL 2 rating and ROHS3 compliance apply. Side adjustment may require design modification depending on PCB layout and accessibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can ST-5ETW203 be used as a direct replacement for ST5TW203?

A: Yes. ST-5ETW203 maintains identical electrical specifications (20 kOhms, 0.25W, ±10% tolerance, ±100ppm/°C), identical adjustment type (top), identical number of turns (14), and identical physical dimensions. It is the closest functional equivalent.

Q: What is the difference between top adjustment and side adjustment?

A: Top adjustment allows potentiometer tuning from the top surface of the component, while side adjustment requires access from the side. This affects PCB layout, accessibility, and assembly procedures. The ST5TW203 and ST-5ETW203 use top adjustment; the 3269P-1-203LF uses side adjustment.

Q: Why do the Bourns substitutes have 12 turns instead of 14?

A: The 3269 series trimmers use a 12-turn design. Both 12 and 14 turns provide functional adjustment capability for 20 kOhms resistance. The difference affects adjustment resolution and tuning speed but does not impact electrical performance or final resistance value.

Q: Are there packaging differences between substitutes?

A: Yes. ST-5ETW203 is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) packaging. 3269P-1-203LF is supplied in Tube packaging. 3269W-1-203G is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) packaging. Packaging selection depends on assembly equipment and production volume requirements.

Q: What does MSL 1 versus MSL 2 mean for component handling?

A: MSL 1 (Unlimited) indicates the component has no moisture sensitivity restrictions and can be stored indefinitely without special conditions. MSL 2 (1 Year) requires controlled storage conditions and limits shelf life to one year from the date of manufacture. Components with MSL 2 require more stringent moisture control during storage and handling.

Q: Which substitute should I select for a new RoHS-compliant design?

A: ST-5ETW203 and 3269P-1-203LF both carry ROHS3 compliance certification. ST-5ETW203 is recommended as the primary choice due to identical specifications and MSL 1 rating. 3269P-1-203LF is an alternative if side adjustment is acceptable for your application.

Q: Can I use 3269W-1-203G if my design requires RoHS compliance?

A: No. 3269W-1-203G is RoHS non-compliant. It is suitable only for applications without RoHS requirements or for legacy designs matching the original ST5TW203 non-compliant status.

Q: Are there dimensional compatibility concerns with the Bourns 3269 series?

A: The 3269 series has slightly larger dimensions (6.35mm x 4.32mm) compared to the ST5TW203 (6.00mm x 4.30mm). PCB layout must accommodate this 0.35mm increase in width and 0.02mm increase in height. Verify pad spacing and component clearance before substitution.