Equivalent & Substitute Parts for Panasonic 12TPC15M

Part Overview

The Panasonic 12TPC15M is a 15 µF molded tantalum polymer capacitor rated at 12.5 V in a 1411 (3528 Metric) surface mount package. This component belongs to the POSCAP™ TPC series and is currently in Last Time Buy status, indicating end-of-life production. Alternative equivalent and substitute parts are available from Panasonic and other manufacturers to support ongoing design requirements and procurement needs.

Substiute Parts

12TPC15M

Panasonic Electronic ComponentsIn Stock: 2186212TPC15M Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

16TQC15M

Panasonic Electronic ComponentsIn Stock: 139916TQC15M Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

T520T156M12RATE080

KEMETIn Stock: 1131T520T156M12RATE080 Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

T55T156M12RC0080

Vishay SpragueIn Stock: 10012T55T156M12RC0080 Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the 12TPC15M is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Parametric Equivalents (Direct Replacements): Parts that match all electrical specifications—15 µF capacitance, 12.5 V rating, 80 mOhm ESR @ 100 kHz, and identical 1411 package dimensions—are classified as parametric equivalents. These parts maintain identical form factor and electrical performance.

Manufacturer Recommended Substitute: The Panasonic 16TQC15M offers the same capacitance and package but with a higher voltage rating (16 V) and slightly elevated ESR (90 mOhm @ 100 kHz). This part is suitable for applications where the higher voltage margin is acceptable and the minor ESR increase does not impact circuit performance.

Allowed Substitution Parameters:

• Capacitance: 15 µF (fixed)
• Package / Case: 1411 (3528 Metric) (fixed)
• Voltage Rating: 12.5 V or higher
• ESR @ 100 kHz: 80 mOhm or lower
• Operating Temperature: -55°C to 105°C minimum
• Tolerance: ±20%
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement: The KEMET T520T156M12RATE080 and Vishay Sprague T55T156M12RC0080 are parametric equivalents to the 12TPC15M. Both parts maintain identical electrical specifications (15 µF, 12.5 V, 80 mOhm ESR) and package dimensions, including the critical seated height of 0.047" (1.20mm). Both manufacturers provide active product status and ROHS3 compliance, ensuring long-term availability and regulatory alignment.

For Higher Voltage Margin: The Panasonic 16TQC15M provides a voltage upgrade to 16 V while retaining the same capacitance and package footprint. The seated height increases to 0.079" (2.00mm), and ESR rises to 90 mOhm @ 100 kHz. This part is suitable for applications where the additional voltage headroom is beneficial and the height and ESR changes do not conflict with circuit constraints. The 16TQC15M is in Active status with 2000 Hrs @ 105°C lifetime rating.

Compliance Considerations: All substitute parts meet ROHS3 compliance requirements. The KEMET and Vishay parts include REACH Unaffected status and MSL 3 (168 Hours) moisture sensitivity ratings, providing additional environmental and handling documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 16TQC15M be used as a direct replacement for the 12TPC15M?

A: The 16TQC15M is electrically compatible but not a direct replacement. While capacitance and package footprint remain identical, the seated height increases from 0.047" to 0.079", and ESR increases from 80 mOhm to 90 mOhm @ 100 kHz. Verify that the additional height does not conflict with PCB clearances and that the higher ESR is acceptable for the application's ripple current and frequency response requirements.

Q: What is the difference between parametric equivalents and manufacturer-recommended substitutes?

A: Parametric equivalents (KEMET T520T156M12RATE080 and Vishay T55T156M12RC0080) match all electrical and mechanical specifications of the original part. Manufacturer-recommended substitutes (Panasonic 16TQC15M) offer variations in one or more parameters—in this case, higher voltage rating, increased ESR, and greater seated height—while maintaining functional compatibility within defined limits.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same packaging format?

A: Yes. All substitute parts are supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) packaging and use the identical 1411 (3528 Metric) surface mount package. PCB footprints are compatible across all parts. However, the 16TQC15M has a different seated height, which may affect automated assembly clearance settings.

Q: What is the significance of the Last Time Buy status for the 12TPC15M?

A: Last Time Buy status indicates that Panasonic has discontinued production of the 12TPC15M. Existing inventory is available but will not be replenished. For new designs or long-term production requirements, selection of an active substitute part (KEMET, Vishay, or Panasonic 16TQC15M) is necessary to ensure supply chain continuity.

Q: Do the substitute parts have the same operating temperature range?

A: Yes. All parts operate across -55°C to 105°C. The KEMET and Panasonic 16TQC15M provide explicit lifetime ratings (2000 Hrs @ 105°C), while the original 12TPC15M and Vishay part do not specify lifetime data in the provided documentation.