VLS4012ET-6R8M Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The VLS4012ET-6R8M is a 6.8 µH shielded drum core wirewound inductor manufactured by TDK Corporation, rated for 1 A with a maximum DC resistance of 156 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 This component is classified as Not For New Designs, indicating it has been superseded in TDK's product portfolio.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 ensure design continuity, maintain supply chain flexibility, and access components with active product status where applicable.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Inductance	6.8 µH
Inductance Tolerance	±20%
Current Rating	1 A
DC Resistance (DCR)	156 mOhm Max
Shielding	Shielded
Core Material	Ferrite
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Package Size	4.00 mm x 4.00 mm
Height (Seated Max)	1.20 mm
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 105°C
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the VLS4012ET-6R8M is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Matching Criteria:

Inductance value: 6.8 µH (exact match required)
Inductance tolerance: ±20% or tighter
Core material: Ferrite
Shielding: Shielded or Semi-Shielded
Mounting type: Surface Mount
Package footprint: 4.00 mm x 4.00 mm (mechanical compatibility)

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

Current rating: Minimum 1 A (equal or higher acceptable)
DC resistance: 156 mOhm or lower (lower values preferred for reduced losses)
Operating temperature range: Must encompass or exceed -40°C ~ 105°C
RoHS3 compliance: Required for regulatory alignment

The substitute parts listed below meet these criteria with varying degrees of parameter alignment. Differences in current saturation ratings, DC resistance values, and height dimensions are noted where they occur.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	VLS4012ET-6R8M (Main)	VLS3012CX-6R8M-1	BWVS004040126R8M00	BWVS004040126R8T00	NR4018T6R8M	SRN4018-6R8M
Manufacturer	TDK	TDK	Pulse Electronics	Pulse Electronics	Taiyo Yuden	Bourns Inc.
Inductance	6.8 µH	6.8 µH	6.8 µH	6.8 µH	6.8 µH	6.8 µH
Inductance Tolerance	±20%	±20%	±20%	±30%	±20%	±20%
Current Rating (Amps)	1 A	—	940 mA	940 mA	1.06 A	1.5 A
Current - Saturation (Isat)	1 A	—	810 mA	810 mA	1.45 A	1.6 A
DC Resistance (DCR)	156 mOhm Max	—	135 mOhm	135 mOhm	132 mOhm Max	118 mOhm Max
Shielding	Shielded	Shielded	Shielded	Shielded	Shielded	Semi-Shielded
Core Material	Ferrite	Ferrite	Ferrite	Ferrite	Ferrite	Ferrite
Package Size (L x W)	4.00 x 4.00 mm	3.00 x 3.00 mm	4.00 x 4.00 mm	4.00 x 4.00 mm	4.00 x 4.00 mm	4.00 x 4.00 mm
Height - Seated (Max)	1.20 mm	1.20 mm	1.30 mm	1.30 mm	1.80 mm	1.80 mm
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 105°C	-40°C ~ 105°C	-55°C ~ 125°C	-55°C ~ 125°C	-25°C ~ 120°C	-40°C ~ 125°C
Product Status	Not For New Designs	Active	Active	Active	Not For New Designs	Active
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

VLS3012CX-6R8M-1 (TDK): This part maintains TDK manufacturer continuity with Active product status. It matches the main part's inductance, tolerance, temperature range, and shielding specifications. The smaller footprint (3.00 x 3.00 mm) requires PCB layout verification for mechanical compatibility. Current rating data is not provided; applications requiring confirmed current specifications should reference the datasheet.

BWVS004040126R8M00 and BWVS004040126R8T00 (Pulse Electronics): Both parts provide identical inductance and shielding with Active product status. The BWVS004040126R8M00 maintains ±20% tolerance matching the main part, while BWVS004040126R8T00 specifies ±30% tolerance. Both feature lower DC resistance (135 mOhm) and extended operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 125°C). Current rating of 940 mA is below the main part's 1 A specification; applications operating near maximum current should be evaluated against saturation characteristics.

NR4018T6R8M (Taiyo Yuden): This part offers improved current rating (1.06 A) and lower DC resistance (132 mOhm Max) with matching inductance and tolerance. Product status is Not For New Designs. Operating temperature range (-25°C ~ 120°C) does not extend to the lower -40°C limit of the main part; applications requiring full temperature range coverage should verify compatibility.

SRN4018-6R8M (Bourns Inc.): This part provides the highest current rating (1.5 A) and lowest DC resistance (118 mOhm Max) among all substitutes, with Active product status. Shielding is Semi-Shielded rather than fully Shielded; electromagnetic interference characteristics may differ. Height is 1.80 mm compared to the main part's 1.20 mm; PCB clearance verification is required. Operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 125°C) exceeds the main part's specification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can VLS3012CX-6R8M-1 be used as a direct replacement despite the smaller footprint?

A: The VLS3012CX-6R8M-1 has a 3.00 x 3.00 mm footprint versus the main part's 4.00 x 4.00 mm footprint. Mechanical compatibility depends on PCB pad layout and available board space. Electrical parameters are compatible. Physical verification against your PCB design is required before substitution.

Q: Why do BWVS004040126R8M00 and BWVS004040126R8T00 have different tolerances?

A: BWVS004040126R8M00 specifies ±20% inductance tolerance, matching the main part. BWVS004040126R8T00 specifies ±30% tolerance. Both parts are otherwise identical. Selection depends on your circuit's inductance tolerance requirements.

Q: Is the 940 mA current rating of Pulse Electronics parts acceptable for a 1 A application?

A: The BWVS parts are rated for 940 mA continuous current with 810 mA saturation current. The main part is rated for 1 A continuous with 1 A saturation. For applications operating continuously at or near 1 A, the Pulse Electronics parts operate below their rated maximum. Circuit analysis should confirm that peak and average currents remain within the 940 mA specification.

Q: What is the difference between Shielded and Semi-Shielded inductors?

A: Shielded inductors (VLS4012ET-6R8M, VLS3012CX-6R8M-1, BWVS parts, NR4018T6R8M) provide complete magnetic field containment. Semi-Shielded inductors (SRN4018-6R8M) provide partial containment. Semi-Shielded designs typically exhibit lower DC resistance and higher current ratings but may have different electromagnetic interference characteristics. Application-specific EMI requirements determine suitability.

Q: Can NR4018T6R8M be used in applications requiring -40°C operation?

A: NR4018T6R8M specifies an operating temperature range of -25°C ~ 120°C, which does not extend to -40°C. Applications requiring -40°C operation must use parts with lower temperature limits: VLS4012ET-6R8M, VLS3012CX-6R8M-1, BWVS004040126R8M00, BWVS004040126R8T00, or SRN4018-6R8M.

Q: Why is SRN4018-6R8M taller (1.80 mm) than the main part (1.20 mm)?

A: Height differences result from different core designs and winding configurations. The SRN4018-6R8M's increased height accommodates its higher current rating (1.5 A) and lower DC resistance (118 mOhm). PCB layout must verify clearance above the component before substitution.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All parts listed—VLS4012ET-6R8M, VLS3012CX-6R8M-1, BWVS004040126R8M00, BWVS004040126R8T00, NR4018T6R8M, and SRN4018-6R8M—are ROHS3 Compliant and REACH Unaffected, meeting current regulatory requirements.

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