VLS252012ET-100M-CA Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The VLS252012ET-100M-CA is a 10 µH shielded drum core wirewound inductor manufactured by TDK Corporation, rated for 590 mA continuous current with a maximum DC resistance of 756 mOhm. This component is packaged in 1008 (2520 Metric) surface mount format and is compliant with RoHS3 and REACH standards.

The part carries a "Not For New Designs" status, indicating it has been superseded in TDK's product portfolio. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary for ongoing production support, maintenance applications, and legacy system repairs where this inductor specification remains functionally required.

Substiute Parts

VLS252012ET-100M-CA

TDK CorporationIn Stock: 894VLS252012ET-100M-CA Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

VLS6045EX-100M-H

TDK CorporationIn Stock: 5961VLS6045EX-100M-H Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

74438323100

Würth ElektronikIn Stock: 1371774438323100 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the VLS252012ET-100M-CA is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Inductance Value: Must be 10 µH with ±20% tolerance
• Inductance Tolerance: ±20% specification
• Core Type & Shielding: Shielded construction required to maintain electromagnetic isolation
• Current Rating: Minimum 590 mA continuous current capability
• DC Resistance: Maximum 756 mOhm to preserve circuit performance
• Package Compatibility: Surface mount format with compatible footprint dimensions
• Compliance: RoHS3 and REACH compliance required

Two substitute parts meet these criteria with varying trade-offs in physical dimensions, core material composition, and thermal operating range.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

VLS6045EX-100M-H (TDK Corporation)

This substitute offers superior electrical performance with significantly lower DC resistance (47 mOhm versus 756 mOhm) and higher current capacity (3.4 A versus 590 mA). The part carries Active product status and AEC-Q200 automotive qualification. However, the nonstandard package dimensions (6.30mm x 6.00mm x 4.50mm height) represent a substantial physical footprint increase compared to the original 1008 package. This substitute is suitable only for applications where PCB layout can accommodate the larger form factor.

74438323100 (Würth Elektronik)

This substitute maintains identical package dimensions and footprint compatibility (1008 / 2520 Metric) with the original part, enabling direct PCB replacement without layout modifications. The current rating (600 mA) and saturation current (1.35 A) exceed the original specifications. DC resistance (843 mOhm Max) is marginally higher than the original (756 mOhm Max). The part uses metal composite core material instead of ferrite and carries Active product status with AEC-Q200 qualification. Extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 125°C) provides additional thermal margin.

For applications requiring form factor compatibility and minimal design changes, 74438323100 is the preferred substitute. For applications where performance optimization and current headroom justify PCB redesign, VLS6045EX-100M-H offers superior electrical characteristics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can VLS6045EX-100M-H be used as a direct replacement on existing PCBs designed for VLS252012ET-100M-CA?

A: No. VLS6045EX-100M-H uses a nonstandard package with dimensions of 6.30mm x 6.00mm x 4.50mm height, compared to the original 1008 package of 2.50mm x 2.00mm x 1.20mm height. PCB footprint and layout modifications are required.

Q: Is 74438323100 a pin-compatible replacement?

A: Yes. 74438323100 maintains the identical 1008 (2520 Metric) package format and footprint dimensions as VLS252012ET-100M-CA, enabling direct PCB replacement without layout changes.

Q: What is the significance of the DC resistance difference between the main part and 74438323100?

A: The main part specifies 756 mOhm Max DCR, while 74438323100 specifies 843 mOhm Max DCR. This 87 mOhm difference represents approximately 11% higher resistance. In low-impedance circuits or high-current applications, this may result in increased power dissipation and heat generation. Circuit analysis is required to determine acceptability for specific applications.

Q: Why does VLS6045EX-100M-H have significantly lower DC resistance?

A: VLS6045EX-100M-H is rated for 3.4 A continuous current, compared to 590 mA for the original part. The larger physical dimensions and higher current capacity enable lower resistance wire construction, resulting in 47 mOhm DCR. This represents a fundamentally different component class designed for higher-power applications.

Q: Are both substitutes RoHS3 and REACH compliant?

A: Yes. Both VLS6045EX-100M-H and 74438323100 are RoHS3 Compliant and REACH Unaffected, matching the compliance profile of the original part.

Q: What is the difference between ferrite and metal composite core materials?

A: The original part uses ferrite core material. 74438323100 uses metal composite core material. Both are shielded constructions suitable for EMI suppression. Metal composite cores typically offer better saturation characteristics and lower core loss at higher frequencies, contributing to the lower DCR specification in 74438323100.

Q: Do both substitutes support the same operating temperature range?

A: No. The original part operates from -40°C to 105°C. Both substitutes extend the upper limit to 125°C, providing 20°C additional thermal margin. This is beneficial for applications in elevated-temperature environments.