VLS4012ET-3R3M Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The VLS4012ET-3R3M is a 3.3 µH shielded drum core wirewound inductor manufactured by TDK Corporation, rated for 1.4 A maximum current with 102mOhm DC resistance. This component is classified as Not For New Designs, indicating it has been superseded in TDK's product portfolio.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 inventory continuity, and ensure long-term component availability for production and repair applications.

Substiute Parts

VLS4012ET-3R3M

TDK CorporationIn Stock: 3154VLS4012ET-3R3M Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

VLS3012CX-3R3M-1

TDK CorporationIn Stock: 8216VLS3012CX-3R3M-1 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

BWVS004040123R3M00

Pulse ElectronicsIn Stock: 1070BWVS004040123R3M00 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

BWVS004040123R3T00

Pulse ElectronicsIn Stock: 1106BWVS004040123R3T00 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SRN4018-3R3M

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 14149SRN4018-3R3M Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the VLS4012ET-3R3M are qualified based on the following critical parameters:

Primary Matching Criteria:

• Inductance value: 3.3 µH (exact match required)
• Inductance tolerance: ±20% or tighter
• Shielding type: Shielded or Semi-Shielded
• Core material: Ferrite
• Mounting type: Surface Mount
• Operating temperature range: Minimum -40°C ~ 105°C coverage
• RoHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

• Current rating: Minimum 1.4 A saturation current
• DC resistance: Comparable to 102 mOhm (lower DCR preferred for reduced losses)
• Package footprint: 4.00mm x 4.00mm preferred; nonstandard packages acceptable if mechanically compatible
• Height clearance: Maximum 1.20mm to 1.30mm seated height

Four substitute parts meet these criteria and are listed below.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

VLS3012CX-3R3M-1 (TDK Corporation - MFR Recommended)

This is the manufacturer-recommended upgrade from TDK Corporation. It maintains identical inductance, tolerance, operating temperature range, and shielding characteristics. The primary difference is a reduced footprint (3.00mm x 3.00mm versus 4.00mm x 4.00mm), which requires PCB layout verification. This part carries Active product status and is the preferred choice for new production runs requiring TDK sourcing.

BWVS004040123R3M00 and BWVS004040123R3T00 (Pulse Electronics)

Both Pulse Electronics parts maintain the 4.00mm x 4.00mm footprint and shielded ferrite core construction. They offer improved DC resistance (90 mOhm versus 102 mOhm) and extended operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 125°C). The BWVS004040123R3M00 maintains ±20% tolerance matching the original part. The BWVS004040123R3T00 has ±30% tolerance and is suitable where tighter tolerance is not required. Both are Active products with full ROHS3 compliance.

SRN4018-3R3M (Bourns Inc.)

This Bourns part offers the highest current rating (2.2 A) and lowest DC resistance (66 mOhm Max), providing superior thermal performance and current handling capability. It maintains the 4.00mm x 4.00mm footprint but has increased seated height (1.80mm versus 1.20mm), requiring clearance verification. The semi-shielded design differs from the fully shielded original. This part is Active and suitable for applications requiring enhanced current capacity.

All substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance, MSL 1 rating, and ferrite core construction. Selection should be based on specific application requirements for current capacity, thermal performance, footprint constraints, and shielding effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can VLS3012CX-3R3M-1 be used as a direct replacement despite the smaller footprint?

A: The VLS3012CX-3R3M-1 is electrically equivalent but has a reduced footprint (3.00mm x 3.00mm versus 4.00mm x 4.00mm). PCB layout and component placement must be verified to confirm mechanical compatibility. If the original PCB pad pattern accommodates the smaller package, this part is suitable.

Q: What is the difference between BWVS004040123R3M00 and BWVS004040123R3T00?

A: Both parts are identical except for inductance tolerance. The BWVS004040123R3M00 has ±20% tolerance, matching the original VLS4012ET-3R3M. The BWVS004040123R3T00 has ±30% tolerance and is acceptable for applications where tighter tolerance control is not required.

Q: Why does SRN4018-3R3M have a higher seated height?

A: The SRN4018-3R3M is 1.80mm tall compared to 1.20mm for the original part. This increased height results from different core and winding geometry optimized for higher current capacity (2.2 A versus 1.4 A). PCB clearance must be verified before substitution.

Q: Is the semi-shielded design of SRN4018-3R3M acceptable?

A: The SRN4018-3R3M uses semi-shielded construction versus the fully shielded original. Semi-shielded inductors provide reduced EMI containment but lower cost and improved thermal dissipation. Substitution is acceptable only if the application does not require full shielding for EMI compliance or circuit performance.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All four substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance certification and MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating, matching the environmental and regulatory status of the original VLS4012ET-3R3M.

Q: Which substitute part has the lowest DC resistance?

A: The SRN4018-3R3M has the lowest DC resistance at 66 mOhm Max, compared to 102 mOhm Max for the original part and 90 mOhm for the Pulse Electronics parts. Lower DC resistance reduces power dissipation and heat generation.

Q: Can I use these substitutes in applications requiring the original -40°C ~ 105°C temperature range?

A: Yes. All substitute parts support or exceed the original operating temperature range. The Pulse Electronics and Bourns parts extend the upper limit to 125°C, providing additional thermal margin.