VLS3015ET-330M Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The VLS3015ET-330M is a 33 µH shielded drum core, wirewound inductor manufactured by TDK Corporation, rated for 390 mA with a maximum DC resistance of 984 mOhm. This component is classified as not for new designs, indicating it has been superseded in TDK's product portfolio. Finding equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to support existing designs, maintain production continuity, or transition to active product lines with comparable electrical and mechanical characteristics.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Inductance	33 µH
Inductance Tolerance	±20%
Current Rating	390 mA
Current - Saturation (Isat)	390 mA
DC Resistance (DCR)	984 mOhm Max
Shielding	Shielded
Core Material	Ferrite
Operating Temperature Range	-40°C ~ 105°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Size / Dimension	0.118" L x 0.118" W (3.00mm x 3.00mm)
Height - Seated (Max)	0.059" (1.50mm)
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the VLS3015ET-330M are qualified based on the following critical parameters:

Primary Matching Criteria:

Inductance value: 33 µH (exact match required)
Inductance tolerance: ±20% or tighter
Core material: Ferrite
Shielding: Shielded or semi-shielded configuration
Mounting type: Surface Mount
Physical footprint: 3.00mm x 3.00mm base dimensions
RoHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

Current rating: Minimum 390 mA (higher ratings acceptable)
DC resistance: Maximum 984 mOhm (lower values acceptable)
Operating temperature: Minimum -40°C to 105°C range coverage
Inductance test frequency: 1 MHz (standard reference)

Substitutes are grouped into two categories: direct TDK alternatives within the same series, and cross-manufacturer equivalents from Pulse Electronics, Bourns Inc., and Laird-Signal Integrity Products that meet or exceed the electrical and mechanical specifications.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Inductance	Tolerance	Current Rating (mA)	Isat (mA)	DCR (mOhm)	Shielding	Temp Range	Height (mm)	Status
VLS3015ET-330M	TDK Corporation	33 µH	±20%	390	390	984 Max	Shielded	-40 to 105°C	1.50	Not For New Designs
VLS3012CX-330M-1	TDK Corporation	33 µH	±20%	—	—	—	Shielded	-40 to 105°C	1.20	Active
BWVF00303015330M00	Pulse Electronics	33 µH	±20%	540	580	930	Shielded	-55 to 125°C	1.50	Active
BWVF00303015330T00	Pulse Electronics	33 µH	±30%	540	580	930	Shielded	-55 to 125°C	1.50	Active
SRN3015-330M	Bourns Inc.	33 µH	±20%	500	460	959 Max	Semi-Shielded	-40 to 125°C	1.50	Active
TYS3012330M-10	Laird-Signal Integrity Products	33 µH	±20%	460	360	1138 Max	Shielded	-40 to 125°C	1.40	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

VLS3012CX-330M-1 (TDK Corporation): This is the recommended direct replacement within TDK's active product line. It maintains identical inductance, tolerance, and operating temperature range as the VLS3015ET-330M. The reduced height (1.20mm vs. 1.50mm) provides a space advantage in compact designs. Both parts are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 rating. Electrical parameters are not specified for this part; verification with TDK technical documentation is advised for applications with strict current or DCR requirements.

BWVF00303015330M00 (Pulse Electronics): This substitute offers superior current handling (540 mA vs. 390 mA) and lower DC resistance (930 mOhm vs. 984 mOhm), making it suitable for applications requiring higher current capacity. The extended operating temperature range (-55°C to 125°C) provides broader environmental coverage. ROHS3 and MSL 1 compliance are maintained. Package designation is 1212 (3030 Metric) with identical base footprint dimensions.

BWVF00303015330T00 (Pulse Electronics): Functionally equivalent to BWVF00303015330M00 with relaxed inductance tolerance (±30% vs. ±20%). Selection of this part is appropriate only when the wider tolerance band is acceptable for the application. All other electrical and compliance characteristics remain identical.

SRN3015-330M (Bourns Inc.): This substitute provides active product status with enhanced current rating (500 mA) and extended temperature range (-40°C to 125°C). The semi-shielded configuration differs from the fully shielded VLS3015ET-330M; this distinction may affect EMI performance in sensitive applications. DC resistance (959 mOhm) is comparable to the original part. ROHS3 and MSL 1 compliance are maintained.

TYS3012330M-10 (Laird-Signal Integrity Products): This substitute meets the 33 µH inductance and ±20% tolerance requirements with active product status. Current rating (460 mA) exceeds the original specification. However, the DC resistance (1138 mOhm) is higher than the VLS3015ET-330M (984 mOhm), which may impact thermal performance in power-sensitive applications. Height is reduced to 1.40mm. ROHS3 and MSL 1 compliance are maintained.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use VLS3012CX-330M-1 as a direct replacement for VLS3015ET-330M?

A: VLS3012CX-330M-1 is a TDK direct equivalent with matching inductance (33 µH), tolerance (±20%), and operating temperature range (-40°C to 105°C). The primary difference is reduced height (1.20mm vs. 1.50mm), which is advantageous for space-constrained designs. Both parts are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 rating. Electrical parameters (current rating, DCR) are not specified for VLS3012CX-330M-1; contact TDK for detailed specifications if these parameters are critical to your application.

Q: What is the difference between BWVF00303015330M00 and BWVF00303015330T00?

A: Both Pulse Electronics parts are electrically and mechanically identical except for inductance tolerance. BWVF00303015330M00 specifies ±20% tolerance, matching the original VLS3015ET-330M. BWVF00303015330T00 specifies ±30% tolerance. Select BWVF00303015330M00 for applications requiring tighter inductance control; BWVF00303015330T00 is suitable when wider tolerance is acceptable and cost optimization is a priority.

Q: Why is SRN3015-330M semi-shielded instead of fully shielded?

A: SRN3015-330M uses a semi-shielded drum core configuration, which differs from the fully shielded design of VLS3015ET-330M. Semi-shielded inductors provide reduced EMI containment compared to fully shielded designs. This distinction may affect performance in applications with strict electromagnetic compatibility requirements. Evaluate EMI performance in your specific circuit before substitution.

Q: Does the higher DC resistance of TYS3012330M-10 affect performance?

A: TYS3012330M-10 has a maximum DC resistance of 1138 mOhm, compared to 984 mOhm for VLS3015ET-330M. This 15.7% increase in resistance results in higher power dissipation (I²R losses) at rated current. For applications operating at or near the 390 mA specification, this may introduce additional thermal stress. Verify thermal performance in your circuit design before substitution.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant and MSL 1 rated?

A: Yes. All substitute parts listed—VLS3012CX-330M-1, BWVF00303015330M00, BWVF00303015330T00, SRN3015-330M, and TYS3012330M-10—are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating, matching the compliance profile of VLS3015ET-330M.

Q: Can I use a substitute with higher current rating than 390 mA?

A: Yes. Substitutes with higher current ratings (BWVF series at 540 mA, SRN3015-330M at 500 mA, TYS3012330M-10 at 460 mA) are backward compatible with applications designed for 390 mA operation. Higher current ratings provide design margin and do not degrade performance in lower-current applications. Verify that the substitute's physical dimensions and height accommodate your PCB layout.

Q: What is the significance of the 3.00mm x 3.00mm footprint?

A: All substitute parts maintain the 3.00mm x 3.00mm base footprint, ensuring PCB layout compatibility with the original VLS3015ET-330M. However, height variations (ranging from 1.20mm to 1.50mm) may affect clearance in space-constrained designs. Verify component height against your mechanical design constraints before final substitution.

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