VLS2012ET-1R5N Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The VLS2012ET-1R5N is a 1.5 µH shielded wirewound inductor manufactured by TDK Corporation, rated for 1.2 A with a maximum DC resistance of 108mOhm. This component is packaged in a nonstandard 2.00mm x 2.00mm surface mount form factor and operates across the temperature range of -40°C to 105°C.

The VLS2012ET-1R5N carries a product status of "Not For New Designs," indicating that TDK has discontinued this model for new applications. Finding equivalent or substitute parts is necessary for ongoing production support, maintenance, and repair of existing systems utilizing this inductor.

Substiute Parts

VLS2012ET-1R5N
TDK CorporationIn Stock: 2161VLS2012ET-1R5N Datasheet
VLS2012ET-1R5N
Current Part
VLS201610CX-1R5M-1
TDK CorporationIn Stock: 3549VLS201610CX-1R5M-1 Datasheet
VLS201610CX-1R5M-1
MFR Recommended

Key Parameters

Parameter Value
Inductance 1.5 µH
Current Rating 1.2 A
DC Resistance (DCR) 108mOhm Max
Shielding Shielded
Mounting Type Surface Mount
Operating Temperature -40°C ~ 105°C
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the VLS2012ET-1R5N is determined by the following critical parameters:

  • Inductance Value: Must be 1.5 µH to maintain circuit functionality
  • Shielding: Must be shielded to prevent electromagnetic interference in the original application
  • Current Rating: Must meet or exceed 1.2 A saturation current requirement
  • DC Resistance: Must not exceed 108mOhm to maintain power efficiency and thermal characteristics
  • Operating Temperature Range: Must support -40°C to 105°C operation
  • Compliance: Must maintain ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating
  • Mounting Type: Must be surface mount compatible

The VLS201610CX-1R5M-1 qualifies as a manufacturer-recommended substitute, meeting all critical electrical parameters while offering improved current handling (1.74 A) and active product status.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter VLS2012ET-1R5N (Main Part) VLS201610CX-1R5M-1 (Substitute)
Inductance 1.5 µH 1.5 µH
Inductance Tolerance ±30% ±20%
Current Rating (Amps) 1.2 A 1.74 A
Current - Saturation (Isat) 1.2 A 1.58 A
DC Resistance (DCR) 108mOhm Max 126mOhm Max
Shielding Shielded Shielded
Type Wirewound Drum Core, Wirewound
Operating Temperature -40°C ~ 105°C -40°C ~ 105°C
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 (Unlimited) 1 (Unlimited)
Product Status Not For New Designs Active
Size / Dimension 0.079" L x 0.079" W (2.00mm x 2.00mm) 0.079" L x 0.063" W (2.00mm x 1.60mm)
Height - Seated (Max) 0.047" (1.20mm) 0.039" (1.00mm)

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The VLS201610CX-1R5M-1 is the manufacturer-recommended substitute for the VLS2012ET-1R5N. Selection of this substitute is supported by the following factors:

  • Active Product Status: The substitute maintains active product status with TDK Corporation, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain continuity
  • Electrical Compatibility: Both parts maintain identical inductance values (1.5 µH) and operating temperature ranges (-40°C to 105°C)
  • Regulatory Compliance: Both components are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 rating, meeting environmental and moisture sensitivity requirements
  • Current Handling: The substitute provides higher current rating (1.74 A) compared to the original part (1.2 A), offering improved thermal margin
  • Tolerance Improvement: The substitute offers tighter inductance tolerance (±20% versus ±30%), providing better circuit performance consistency
  • Physical Compatibility: The substitute features a smaller footprint (2.00mm x 1.60mm versus 2.00mm x 2.00mm) and lower profile (1.00mm versus 1.20mm), enabling space optimization in PCB layouts

The trade-off consideration is the increased DC resistance (126mOhm Max versus 108mOhm Max), which results in marginally higher power dissipation. This increase remains acceptable for applications originally designed for the VLS2012ET-1R5N.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the VLS201610CX-1R5M-1 be used as a direct replacement for the VLS2012ET-1R5N?

A: Yes. Both inductors maintain the same 1.5 µH inductance value, shielding configuration, and operating temperature range. The substitute meets all critical electrical parameters required for functional equivalence.

Q: What is the impact of the higher DC resistance in the substitute part?

A: The VLS201610CX-1R5M-1 has a maximum DC resistance of 126mOhm compared to 108mOhm in the original part. This 18mOhm increase results in proportionally higher resistive losses. For a 1.2 A circuit, this represents approximately 0.26 mW additional power dissipation, which is typically negligible in most applications.

Q: Are there physical compatibility concerns with the smaller footprint of the substitute?

A: The substitute is physically smaller (2.00mm x 1.60mm versus 2.00mm x 2.00mm) and lower profile (1.00mm versus 1.20mm). PCB layouts designed for the original part will accommodate the substitute without modification. The reduced footprint may allow for improved board density in new designs.

Q: Do both parts meet the same compliance and certification requirements?

A: Yes. Both the VLS2012ET-1R5N and VLS201610CX-1R5M-1 are ROHS3 compliant, REACH unaffected, and carry MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity ratings. Both are classified under ECCN EAR99 and HTSUS 8504.50.4000.

Q: Why is the original part marked "Not For New Designs"?

A: The "Not For New Designs" status indicates that TDK has discontinued this model for new applications. The manufacturer-recommended substitute VLS201610CX-1R5M-1 is the active replacement, offering improved specifications and guaranteed long-term availability.

Q: What is the difference between the core materials of these inductors?

A: The VLS2012ET-1R5N uses a standard wirewound construction, while the VLS201610CX-1R5M-1 employs a drum core wirewound design with ferrite material. Both configurations provide shielding and maintain the same inductance value at the specified test frequency of 1 MHz.

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