159LMB050M2EH Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 159LMB050M2EH is a 15000 µF, 50 V aluminum electrolytic capacitor manufactured by Cornell Dubilier / Illinois Capacitor in the LMB series. This radial, can-type snap-in capacitor is designed for general-purpose applications requiring high capacitance in a compact through-hole package. The part maintains active product status with 782 units in current inventory. Substitute parts are identified to address application requirements including voltage rating upgrades, extended operational lifetime, and alternative manufacturer sourcing while maintaining core electrical and mechanical compatibility.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Capacitance	15000	µF
Voltage - Rated	50	V
Tolerance	±20%	-
ESR @ 120Hz	38.6835	mOhm
Lifetime @ 105°C	3000	Hrs
Operating Temperature Range	-40 to 105	°C
Ripple Current @ 120 Hz	4.73	A
Ripple Current @ 10 kHz	5.913	A
Lead Spacing	10.00	mm
Diameter	35.00	mm
Height - Seated (Max)	52.00	mm
Mounting Type	Through Hole	-
Package / Case	Radial, Can - Snap-In	-
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	-
Polarization	Polar	-

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the 159LMB050M2EH are classified into two categories based on allowed electrical and mechanical parameters:

Upgrade Substitutes maintain identical capacitance (15000 µF) and mechanical form factor while providing enhanced electrical performance or extended operational ratings:

381LX153M063A052: Voltage rating increased to 63 V with reduced ESR (24 mOhm @ 120Hz) and identical 3000-hour lifetime at 105°C
LGY1H153MELC50: Voltage rating maintained at 50 V with extended lifetime of 5000 hours at 105°C

Parametric Equivalents provide identical electrical specifications (15000 µF, 50 V, ±20% tolerance) with matching mechanical dimensions and through-hole snap-in package configuration:

381LX153M050A052: Cornell Dubilier 381LX series equivalent with 3000-hour lifetime
LGU1H153MELC: Nichicon LGU series equivalent with 3000-hour lifetime

All substitute parts share the following critical parameters with the main part: 15000 µF capacitance, ±20% tolerance, -40°C to 105°C operating temperature range, 10.00 mm lead spacing, 35.00 mm diameter, 52.00 mm maximum seated height, through-hole radial snap-in package configuration, ROHS3 compliance, and REACH unaffected status.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	159LMB050M2EH	381LX153M063A052	LGY1H153MELC50	381LX153M050A052	LGU1H153MELC
Manufacturer	Cornell Dubilier / Illinois Capacitor	Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE)	Nichicon	Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE)	Nichicon
Series	LMB	381LX	LGY	381LX	LGU
Capacitance	15000 µF	15000 µF	15000 µF	15000 µF	15000 µF
Voltage - Rated	50 V	63 V	50 V	50 V	50 V
Tolerance	±20%	±20%	±20%	±20%	±20%
ESR @ 120Hz	38.6835 mOhm	24 mOhm	Not Specified	Not Specified	Not Specified
Lifetime @ 105°C	3000 Hrs	3000 Hrs	5000 Hrs	3000 Hrs	3000 Hrs
Operating Temperature	-40 to 105°C	-40 to 105°C	-40 to 105°C	-40 to 105°C	-40 to 105°C
Ripple Current @ 120 Hz	4.73 A	Not Specified	3.8 A	4.8 A	4.77 A
Lead Spacing	10.00 mm	10.00 mm	10.00 mm	10.00 mm	10.00 mm
Diameter	35.00 mm	35.00 mm	35.00 mm	35.00 mm	35.00 mm
Height - Seated (Max)	52.00 mm	52.00 mm	52.00 mm	52.00 mm	52.00 mm
Package / Case	Radial, Can - Snap-In	Radial, Can - Snap-In	Radial, Can - Snap-In	Radial, Can - Snap-In	Radial, Can - Snap-In
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
REACH Status	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected
Inventory Status	782 Pcs	772 Pcs	273782 Pcs	3762 Pcs	273782 Pcs

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Same Electrical Specifications):

The 381LX153M050A052 and LGU1H153MELC provide parametric equivalence to the 159LMB050M2EH with identical 15000 µF capacitance, 50 V voltage rating, ±20% tolerance, and -40°C to 105°C operating range. Both maintain the same through-hole radial snap-in package with 10.00 mm lead spacing and 35.00 mm diameter. Both are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected. The 381LX153M050A052 offers higher ripple current capability at 120 Hz (4.8 A) compared to the original part (4.73 A). The LGU1H153MELC provides comparable ripple current performance (4.77 A @ 120 Hz).

For Voltage Margin Enhancement:

The 381LX153M063A052 provides a voltage rating upgrade to 63 V while maintaining 15000 µF capacitance and identical mechanical form factor. This part delivers reduced ESR of 24 mOhm @ 120Hz compared to the original 38.6835 mOhm, resulting in lower heat dissipation and improved transient response. The 3000-hour lifetime at 105°C matches the original specification. This upgrade is suitable for applications requiring additional voltage headroom or improved thermal performance.

For Extended Operational Lifetime:

The LGY1H153MELC50 maintains the original 50 V voltage rating and 15000 µF capacitance while extending operational lifetime to 5000 hours at 105°C, compared to the original 3000 hours. This part is suitable for applications requiring extended service intervals or higher reliability margins. Ripple current capability is specified at 3.8 A @ 120 Hz, which is lower than the original part.

All substitute parts maintain active product status and are available in current inventory. Selection should be based on specific application requirements for voltage margin, thermal performance, operational lifetime, and ripple current handling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 381LX153M063A052 be used as a direct replacement for the 159LMB050M2EH?

A: The 381LX153M063A052 is mechanically and electrically compatible for direct replacement. The 63 V rating provides additional voltage margin above the original 50 V specification. The reduced ESR (24 mOhm vs. 38.6835 mOhm) improves thermal performance. Compatibility is confirmed by identical lead spacing (10.00 mm), diameter (35.00 mm), height (52.00 mm), and snap-in package configuration.

Q: What is the difference between the LGY1H153MELC50 and LGU1H153MELC?

A: Both are Nichicon 15000 µF, 50 V aluminum electrolytic capacitors with identical mechanical dimensions and through-hole snap-in package. The LGY1H153MELC50 provides extended lifetime of 5000 hours at 105°C with ripple current of 3.8 A @ 120 Hz. The LGU1H153MELC provides standard 3000-hour lifetime at 105°C with higher ripple current of 4.77 A @ 120 Hz. Selection depends on application requirements for operational lifetime versus ripple current handling.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: All substitute parts listed (381LX153M063A052, LGY1H153MELC50, 381LX153M050A052, LGU1H153MELC) are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, matching the compliance status of the original 159LMB050M2EH.

Q: What is the significance of ESR in capacitor selection?

A: Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) determines the capacitor's ability to handle ripple current and dissipate heat. Lower ESR values result in reduced heat generation and improved transient response. The 381LX153M063A052 provides 24 mOhm ESR compared to the original 38.6835 mOhm, representing a 38% reduction in series resistance.

Q: Can the 159LMB050M2EH be replaced with a higher voltage-rated capacitor in the same package?

A: The 381LX153M063A052 demonstrates that higher voltage ratings are available in the identical mechanical package. The 63 V rating provides voltage margin while maintaining 15000 µF capacitance and snap-in form factor. This substitution is valid for applications where additional voltage headroom is beneficial or required.

Q: What inventory considerations apply to these substitute parts?

A: The LGY1H153MELC50 and LGU1H153MELC (Nichicon parts) show significantly higher inventory levels (273782 units) compared to the original 159LMB050M2EH (782 units) and Cornell Dubilier alternatives (772 and 3762 units). Higher inventory availability may influence lead time and supply chain reliability for production applications.

Q: Are the mechanical dimensions identical across all substitute parts?

A: All substitute parts maintain identical mechanical specifications: 10.00 mm lead spacing, 35.00 mm diameter, and 52.00 mm maximum seated height. All are configured as through-hole radial snap-in capacitors, ensuring direct PCB compatibility without layout modifications.

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