TC86P-1-501 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TC86P-1-501 is a 500 Ohm, 0.3W through-hole trimmer potentiometer manufactured by Bourns Inc. as part of the Trimpot® TC86 series. This component features cermet resistive material, top adjustment, and PC pin termination for through-hole mounting applications. The product is currently obsolete, making identification of suitable substitute components essential for ongoing maintenance, repair, and legacy system support.

Substiute Parts

TC86P-1-501

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 851TC86P-1-501 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

3306P-1-501

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 27003306P-1-501 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TC86P-1-501 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Resistance value: 500 Ohms (exact match required)
• Adjustment type: Top Adjustment (functional requirement)
• Resistive material: Cermet (performance characteristic)
• Mounting type: Through Hole (mechanical requirement)
• Termination style: PC Pins (board interface requirement)
• Number of turns: 1 (operational characteristic)
• Temperature coefficient: ±250ppm/°C (thermal stability)

The 3306P-1-501 qualifies as a substitute based on matching all critical parameters. Variations in power rating (0.3W vs. 0.2W) and tolerance (±20% vs. ±25%) are within acceptable substitution criteria for this component category, provided circuit design margins accommodate the lower power rating and wider tolerance.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The 3306P-1-501 is an active product from the same manufacturer, providing supply continuity for the obsolete TC86P-1-501. Both components maintain identical compliance certifications (ROHS3, REACH Unaffected) and regulatory classifications (ECCN: EAR99, HTSUS: 8533.40.8050).

The primary design consideration is the power rating differential: the substitute operates at 0.2W versus the original 0.3W. Circuit applications must confirm that the lower power dissipation capacity does not exceed thermal limits under maximum operating conditions. The tolerance widening from ±20% to ±25% requires verification that circuit performance remains within specification across the expanded tolerance band.

Physical dimensions differ slightly (0.319" x 0.268" vs. 0.303" x 0.268"), with the substitute being marginally wider. PCB layout must accommodate this dimensional change to ensure proper fit and clearance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 3306P-1-501 directly replace the TC86P-1-501 in all applications?

A: Direct replacement is possible when circuit design margins accommodate the 0.2W power rating and ±25% tolerance. Applications operating near the original component's power or tolerance limits require design review.

Q: What is the significance of the power rating difference (0.3W vs. 0.2W)?

A: Power rating indicates maximum continuous power dissipation. The substitute's lower rating means it generates less heat but has reduced headroom for power dissipation. Verify that actual circuit power dissipation remains below 0.2W under all operating conditions, including worst-case scenarios.

Q: Are there mechanical compatibility concerns?

A: The substitute is 0.016" (0.4mm) wider than the original. Verify PCB layout provides adequate clearance. Both components use identical PC pin termination and through-hole mounting, so board hole patterns remain compatible.

Q: Do compliance and regulatory certifications match?

A: Yes. Both components are ROHS3 compliant, REACH unaffected, and carry identical ECCN and HTSUS classifications, ensuring regulatory equivalence.

Q: Why is the TC86P-1-501 obsolete?

A: The TC86 series has been superseded by the 3306 series, which offers improved performance characteristics and continued manufacturing support. The 3306P-1-501 represents the active equivalent within Bourns' current product portfolio.