VLS201610CX-3R3M Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The VLS201610CX-3R3M is a 3.3 µH shielded drum core wirewound inductor manufactured by TDK Corporation, rated for 1.2 A continuous current with a maximum DC resistance of 253 mOhm. This component is designed for surface mount applications in a compact 2-SMD package measuring 2.00mm × 1.60mm × 1.00mm (max height).

The VLS201610CX-3R3M carries an obsolete product status. Identifying equivalent substitute parts is necessary to ensure design continuity, maintain supply chain reliability, and support ongoing production or repair requirements for systems utilizing this inductor specification.

Substiute Parts

VLS201610CX-3R3M

TDK CorporationIn Stock: 3187VLS201610CX-3R3M Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

VLS201610CX-3R3M-1

TDK CorporationIn Stock: 38308VLS201610CX-3R3M-1 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the VLS201610CX-3R3M is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Electrical Equivalence Requirements:

• Inductance value: 3.3 µH
• Inductance tolerance: ±20%
• Current rating: 1.2 A minimum
• Saturation current (Isat): 1.01 A minimum
• DC resistance: 253 mOhm maximum
• Core material: Ferrite
• Shielding: Shielded configuration

Mechanical & Environmental Equivalence Requirements:

• Mounting type: Surface Mount
• Physical footprint: 2.00mm × 1.60mm
• Maximum seated height: 1.00mm
• Operating temperature range: -40°C to +105°C minimum
• Moisture sensitivity: MSL 1 or better

Compliance Requirements:

• RoHS3 compliance
• EAR99 export classification

Parts meeting all these criteria are classified as direct electrical and mechanical substitutes. Packaging format differences (tape & reel versus bulk) do not affect functional substitutability in circuit applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The VLS201610CX-3R3M-1 is a direct functional substitute for the obsolete VLS201610CX-3R3M. Both parts are manufactured by TDK Corporation and share identical electrical specifications, mechanical dimensions, and environmental ratings.

Selection Basis:

The primary distinction between these parts is product status and packaging format. The VLS201610CX-3R3M-1 maintains active product status with TDK Corporation, ensuring continued availability and manufacturing support. The substitute part is supplied in tape & reel packaging, which is standard for high-volume production environments and automated assembly processes.

Both parts satisfy ROHS3 compliance requirements and carry identical export classification (EAR99). The MSL 1 moisture sensitivity rating for both parts indicates unlimited shelf life under standard storage conditions, eliminating moisture-related handling constraints.

For applications requiring the VLS201610CX-3R3M specification, the VLS201610CX-3R3M-1 provides equivalent electrical performance, mechanical fit, and environmental reliability without design modification or circuit re-qualification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the VLS201610CX-3R3M-1 be used as a direct replacement for the VLS201610CX-3R3M in existing designs?

A: Yes. The VLS201610CX-3R3M-1 is electrically and mechanically equivalent. All critical parameters—inductance, current rating, DC resistance, core material, shielding, physical dimensions, and operating temperature range—are identical. The substitute part will function identically in the circuit without design changes.

Q: What is the difference between the two part numbers?

A: The primary differences are product status and packaging. The VLS201610CX-3R3M is obsolete and supplied in bulk format. The VLS201610CX-3R3M-1 is an active product supplied in tape & reel packaging, which is standard for automated assembly. Both parts are manufactured by TDK Corporation with identical electrical and mechanical specifications.

Q: Does the tape & reel packaging affect circuit performance?

A: No. Packaging format does not affect component performance. Tape & reel packaging is a supply and assembly convenience format. Once the component is mounted on the PCB, the inductor functions identically regardless of its original packaging format.

Q: Are there any compliance or certification differences between these parts?

A: No. Both parts carry ROHS3 compliance and EAR99 export classification. Both maintain MSL 1 moisture sensitivity rating, indicating unlimited shelf life under standard storage conditions.

Q: What is the saturation current specification, and why is it important?

A: Saturation current (Isat) of 1.01 A indicates the current level at which the inductor's core begins to saturate, causing inductance to degrade. The continuous current rating of 1.2 A exceeds this saturation point, so the inductor operates in a region where inductance is reduced under maximum rated current. Both parts share this specification, ensuring equivalent performance under load.

Q: Can I mix inventory of both part numbers in production?

A: Yes. Since the VLS201610CX-3R3M-1 is electrically and mechanically equivalent, both parts can be used interchangeably in the same design. However, tape & reel and bulk packaging require different handling and assembly processes. Coordinate with procurement and manufacturing to manage packaging format transitions.