The Bourns 3296W-1-503LF is a precision trimmer potentiometer designed for fine-tuning electronic circuits where space constraints and reliability are critical considerations. This sealed cermet trimmer potentiometer belongs to the variable resistors category and specifically falls under trimmer potentiometers, offering engineers a compact solution for circuit calibration and adjustment applications.
This component addresses several key design challenges in modern electronics, including the need for precise resistance adjustment in limited board space, long-term stability in varying environmental conditions, and reliable performance in automated manufacturing processes. The sealed construction of the Trimpot 3296 series provides protection against contamination and moisture, making it suitable for demanding applications where environmental factors could affect performance.
The device features a 50 kOhm resistance value with a ±10% tolerance, providing adequate precision for most calibration requirements while maintaining cost-effectiveness. The 0.5W power rating ensures sufficient power handling capability for typical adjustment applications, while the cermet resistive material delivers excellent stability and low noise characteristics. The 25-turn adjustment mechanism allows for fine resolution tuning, with each turn providing precise incremental changes that enable accurate circuit optimization.
The compact rectangular form factor measuring 0.375" x 0.190" (9.53mm x 4.83mm) makes this trimmer ideal for high-density circuit board layouts where board real estate is at a premium. The through-hole mounting configuration with PC pin termination style ensures reliable mechanical and electrical connections, while the top adjustment design allows for easy access during manufacturing and service procedures without requiring board removal.
Key specifications include a temperature coefficient of ±100ppm/°C, which provides reasonable stability across typical operating temperature ranges, and RoHS3 compliance ensuring environmental responsibility and regulatory compliance. The tube packaging format facilitates automated assembly processes and provides component protection during handling and storage.
Primary advantages of this trimmer potentiometer include its sealed construction that prevents contamination-related drift, the multi-turn design that enables precise adjustments, compact size suitable for miniaturized electronics, and the proven reliability of the Bourns 3296 series. The cermet technology offers superior performance compared to carbon-based alternatives, providing better stability, lower noise, and extended operational life.
This component demonstrates broad compatibility with standard PCB manufacturing processes and automated assembly equipment. The through-hole design ensures compatibility with both wave soldering and selective soldering processes, while the sealed construction maintains performance integrity throughout typical manufacturing thermal cycles.
Primary application areas include precision instrumentation, audio equipment calibration, power supply voltage and current adjustment, RF circuit tuning, sensor calibration systems, test and measurement equipment, medical device calibration, and industrial control systems. The component is particularly valuable in applications requiring periodic recalibration or initial factory setup procedures.
Equivalent and alternative models within the Bourns 3296 series include the 3296W-1-104LF (100 kOhm), 3296W-1-203LF (20 kOhm), 3296W-1-103LF (10 kOhm), and 3296W-1-502LF (5 kOhm), offering the same mechanical and electrical characteristics with different resistance values. Alternative manufacturers providing comparable trimmer potentiometers include Vishay's T93 series, Murata's PV36 series, TT Electronics' P3296 series, and Panasonic's EVM series, though specific electrical and mechanical specifications may vary. When selecting alternatives, engineers should verify compatibility regarding dimensions, power rating, adjustment mechanism, sealing characteristics, and termination style to ensure proper circuit performance and mechanical fit.
3296W-1-503LF Key Technical Attributes
Manufacturer: Bourns, Inc.
Model: 3296W-1-503LF
Main Category: Trimmer Potentiometers
3296W-1-503LF Packing Size
This product is packaged in a robust tube package to ensure safe and secure delivery and storage. Each device features a rectangular face measuring 0.375 inch x 0.190 inch (9.53mm x 4.83mm), which allows for efficient packing and optimized board space integration.
Mounting and Pin Configuration
Designed for through-hole mounting, the 3296W-1-503LF utilizes PC pin terminations that facilitate easy and reliable connections on standard printed circuit boards. The number of turns for resistance adjustment is 25, providing high-resolution tuning.
3296W-1-503LF Application
The Bourns 3296W-1-503LF trimmer potentiometer is widely used in applications demanding precise calibration and trimming, such as voltage dividers, instrumentation, calibration circuits, feedback networks in power supplies, and other analog signal processing circuits.
3296W-1-503LF Features
This trimmer potentiometer offers a resistance value of 50 kOhms with a ±10% tolerance, enabling fine-tuned electrical control. The adjustment is performed from the top, simplifying alignment in densely populated boards. The device supports a power rating of 0.5 watt (1/2W), which suits it for moderate-power applications. Constructed with cermet resistive elements, it delivers superior stability, low noise, and long-term reliability. Its temperature coefficient of ±100ppm/°C aids in maintaining accuracy across varying temperatures. The enclosure is fully sealed to protect against environmental contaminants, improving reliability in harsh settings.
3296W-1-503LF Quality and Safety Features
The 3296W-1-503LF is RoHS3 compliant, meeting current environmental safety standards and ensuring it is free from hazardous substances. Its sealed construction resists moisture and dust, further enhancing operational safety and product lifespan. Quality assurance is maintained through rigorous specification adherence and Bourns’ proven manufacturing processes.
3296W-1-503LF Compatibility
This model is compatible with a wide variety of circuit board layouts due to its standard PC pin spacing and through-hole configuration. It is part of the versatile 3296 series, meaning it can be used interchangeably with other 3296 variants for similar specifications, supporting both new designs and legacy product upgrades.
3296W-1-503LF Datasheet PDF
The most authoritative and up-to-date datasheet for the Bourns 3296W-1-503LF is exclusively available on our website. We strongly recommend downloading this datasheet directly from this page to access comprehensive technical details, application guidelines, and design recommendations.
Quality Distributor
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