Electronic Component Alternatives
Screened alternatives, presented as options with key parameters for engineering review. No part is substituted without your approval.
How Alternatives Are Screened
An alternative is useful only if it works in your design. We screen alternatives by the parameters that matter for that part, present them as options, and leave the final decision to you and your engineering team. We never substitute a part without your approval.
Parameters We Check First
Electrical ratings, package and footprint, pin layout, temperature range, and lifecycle status are checked first. If any of these do not match, we say so, instead of presenting the part as a direct replacement.
What Needs Your Engineering Review
Even when parameters look close, your engineering team should review the datasheet, footprint, and any software or timing differences before approval. We provide the key parameters to make that review faster, but we do not approve an alternative on your behalf.
Screening Checklist
Use this checklist to prepare your enquiry. The more of these you can confirm, the faster the screening goes, and the clearer the option we present will be.
| Parameter | Why It Matters | What We Confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical ratings | A part that cannot handle the voltage or current will not work in the design. | Ratings from the datasheet, compared with your must keep values. |
| Package and footprint | A different footprint means a different board layout. | Package, pin count, and footprint compatibility. |
| Pin layout | Pin differences can break a drop in replacement, even when the package looks the same. | Pin by pin compatibility, or the differences, stated clearly. |
| Temperature range | Industrial and outdoor use need a wider range than consumer use. | Operating range, compared with your application. |
| Lifecycle status | A part near end of life can create the same shortage again soon. | Active, allocated, or discontinued status at the time of enquiry. |
How an Alternative Enquiry Works
Cost Down Alternatives
A lower cost alternative is presented the same way as any other alternative, with parameters for review and with your approval required. Cost alone does not make a part a suitable alternative. If the parameters do not match, we will not present it as a cost down option for that design.
Traceability
Alternatives are sourced through traceable channels, with documentation available on request, the same as original parts. If you need specific documents for an alternative, tell us in your enquiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will you replace my original part automatically?
No. An alternative is always presented as an option first, and it is shipped only after you approve it.
What if no alternative matches?
We will tell you that no suitable alternative was found on the parameters you gave, and we can widen the search only if you tell us which parameters can change.
Can I ask for an alternative for a full BOM?
Yes. Send the full BOM through BOM Kitting and mark which lines can be considered for an alternative, and which lines must stay as the original part.
What should I send for a faster screening?
Original part number, quantity, and the parameters that must stay the same, plus the parameters that can change. A datasheet link helps, especially for pin layout and footprint.
Full BOM? Use the BOM kitting page. Original part hard to find? Use the obsolete sourcing page.
Related Services
BOM Kitting
A full list with some lines marked for alternative review, and other lines that must stay as the original part.
Go to BOM KittingObsolete Sourcing
An original part that is discontinued or hard to find, before an alternative is considered.
Go to Obsolete SourcingSend an Enquiry
Enquiries sent through this form go to service@potrgo.com. Prefer email? Write directly to service@potrgo.com.