VLS201610ET-3R3M Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The VLS201610ET-3R3M is a 3.3 µH shielded drum core wirewound inductor manufactured by TDK Corporation, rated for 730 mA continuous current with a maximum DC resistance of 458 mOhm. This component is classified as Not For New Designs, indicating it has been superseded in TDK's product portfolio. The part is housed in a nonstandard 2.00mm × 1.60mm surface mount package with ferrite core construction and operates across the -40°C to 105°C temperature range.

Due to its discontinued status for new designs, equivalent substitute parts from both TDK and alternative manufacturers are necessary for ongoing production support, design revisions, and inventory management.

Substiute Parts

VLS201610ET-3R3M

TDK CorporationIn Stock: 2531VLS201610ET-3R3M Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

VLS201610CX-3R3M-1

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

MFR RecommendedRFQ

BWVC002016103R3M00

Pulse ElectronicsIn Stock: 1118BWVC002016103R3M00 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

BWVC002016103R3T00

Pulse ElectronicsIn Stock: 935BWVC002016103R3T00 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

BWVH002016103R3MH1

Pulse ElectronicsIn Stock: 1051BWVH002016103R3MH1 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

BWVH002016103R3TH1

Pulse ElectronicsIn Stock: 716BWVH002016103R3TH1 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the VLS201610ET-3R3M is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Matching Criteria:

• Inductance value: 3.3 µH (exact match required)
• Inductance tolerance: ±20% or tighter
• Package footprint: 2.00mm × 1.60mm (0806/2016 metric equivalent)
• Shielding: Shielded construction
• Core material: Ferrite
• Mounting type: Surface Mount
• RoHS compliance: ROHS3 Compliant

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

• Current rating: Minimum 730 mA (substitute must meet or exceed original rating)
• DC resistance: Lower or equivalent values preferred for thermal performance
• Operating temperature range: Minimum -40°C ~ 105°C coverage
• Saturation current: Must support circuit peak current requirements

All substitute parts listed maintain identical inductance values, package dimensions, shielding characteristics, and compliance certifications. Variations in current ratings, DC resistance, and saturation current reflect design improvements or alternative manufacturing approaches while preserving core electrical functionality.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

VLS201610CX-3R3M-1 (TDK Corporation - Recommended Primary Substitute)

This part represents the direct TDK successor to the VLS201610ET-3R3M. It maintains identical inductance, tolerance, package footprint, and operating temperature range while offering improved electrical performance through reduced DC resistance (253 mOhm versus 458 mOhm) and higher current rating (1.2 A versus 730 mA). The part is in Active product status with ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating. Selection of this substitute provides design continuity within the TDK VLS product family.

BWVC002016103R3M00 and BWVC002016103R3T00 (Pulse Electronics)

These Pulse Electronics inductors provide cross-manufacturer substitution with identical inductance and package dimensions. Both parts feature improved DC resistance (295 mOhm) and higher current rating (880 mA) compared to the original part. The BWVC002016103R3M00 maintains ±20% tolerance matching the original specification, while BWVC002016103R3T00 offers ±30% tolerance. Both parts support extended operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 125°C) and carry Active product status with full ROHS3 compliance.

BWVH002016103R3MH1 and BWVH002016103R3TH1 (Pulse Electronics)

These Pulse Electronics alternatives provide shielded ferrite construction with identical inductance and package footprint. The BWVH series offers higher saturation current (940 mA) and moderate DC resistance (380 mOhm) with current rating of 800 mA. The BWVH002016103R3MH1 maintains ±20% tolerance, while BWVH002016103R3TH1 provides ±30% tolerance. Both support extended temperature range and carry Active status with ROHS3 compliance.

All substitute parts are in Active product status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain stability compared to the discontinued VLS201610ET-3R3M.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can VLS201610CX-3R3M-1 be used as a direct replacement for VLS201610ET-3R3M?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical inductance (3.3 µH), inductance tolerance (±20%), package dimensions (2.00mm × 1.60mm), shielding, core material, and operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 105°C). The VLS201610CX-3R3M-1 offers superior electrical performance with lower DC resistance and higher current rating, making it a compatible upgrade. Both are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 rating.

Q: What is the difference between BWVC and BWVH series inductors?

A: Both series are manufactured by Pulse Electronics and provide equivalent inductance and package compatibility. The primary differences are DC resistance (BWVC: 295 mOhm, BWVH: 380 mOhm) and saturation current (BWVC: 860 mA, BWVH: 940 mA). Selection depends on circuit thermal requirements and peak current handling needs.

Q: Why do some substitute parts have ±30% tolerance instead of ±20%?

A: Inductance tolerance is a manufacturing specification that reflects the precision of the winding process. Parts designated with ±30% tolerance (BWVC002016103R3T00, BWVH002016103R3TH1) are functionally equivalent but manufactured to a wider tolerance band. Selection should be based on circuit inductance tolerance requirements.

Q: Are all substitute parts compatible with the original PCB layout?

A: Yes. All substitute parts maintain the identical 2.00mm × 1.60mm footprint (0806/2016 metric package). Maximum seated heights vary slightly (0.95mm to 1.02mm), which remains within standard PCB assembly clearance specifications. No layout modifications are required.

Q: What is the advantage of extended operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 125°C)?

A: Pulse Electronics substitutes support a wider operating temperature range compared to the original part (-40°C ~ 105°C). This extended range provides design flexibility for applications requiring operation in extreme thermal environments. If the original temperature range is sufficient for the application, this difference is not a limiting factor.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance certification, matching the original VLS201610ET-3R3M. All parts also maintain MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating, indicating no special storage or handling requirements.

Q: Which substitute part offers the best thermal performance?

A: VLS201610CX-3R3M-1 provides the lowest DC resistance at 253 mOhm maximum, resulting in the lowest resistive heating. BWVC series parts offer 295 mOhm, while BWVH series parts provide 380 mOhm. For thermally constrained applications, VLS201610CX-3R3M-1 is the optimal selection.