Equivalent & Substitute Parts for 381EL331M160H022

Part Overview

The 381EL331M160H022 is a 330 µF, 160 V aluminum electrolytic capacitor manufactured by Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE) in a radial, can snap-in package. This component is classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of active equivalent and substitute parts for ongoing procurement and design continuity. The part is rated for general-purpose applications with a 7000-hour lifetime at 105°C and operates across a temperature range of -40°C to 105°C.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Capacitance	330	µF
Voltage - Rated	160	V
Tolerance	±20%	-
ESR @ 120 Hz	540	mOhm
Lifetime @ 105°C	7000	Hrs
Operating Temperature Range	-40 to 105	°C
Lead Spacing	10.00	mm
Diameter	22.00	mm
Height - Seated (Max)	30.00	mm
Ripple Current @ 120 Hz	1.2	A
Ripple Current @ 20 kHz	1.68	A
Mounting Type	Through Hole	-
Package / Case	Radial, Can - Snap-In	-
Polarization	Polar	-

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 381EL331M160H022 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Matching Criteria:

Capacitance: 330 µF (exact match required)
Voltage Rating: 160 V (exact match required)
Tolerance: ±20% (exact match required)
Polarization: Polar (exact match required)
Package Type: Radial, Can - Snap-In (exact match required)
Mounting Type: Through Hole (exact match required)
Lead Spacing: 10.00 mm (exact match required)

Secondary Compatibility Criteria:

Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to 105°C (minimum requirement)
RoHS3 Compliance (regulatory requirement)
Moisture Sensitivity Level: 1 (Unlimited)

Acceptable Variation Parameters:

Lifetime @ 105°C: May vary (lower values acceptable for non-critical applications)
ESR: May vary (not specified for all substitutes)
Ripple Current: Minor variations acceptable within application limits
Physical Dimensions: Height may vary within mechanical constraints

The identified substitute parts maintain all primary matching criteria while differing in lifetime specifications and physical dimensions, which are acceptable variations for equivalent functionality.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	381EL331M160H022 (Main)	381LX331M160H022 (Direct)	381LX331M160K202 (Similar)
Capacitance	330 µF	330 µF	330 µF
Voltage - Rated	160 V	160 V	160 V
Tolerance	±20%	±20%	±20%
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 105°C	-40°C ~ 105°C	-40°C ~ 105°C
Lifetime @ 105°C	7000 Hrs	3000 Hrs	3000 Hrs
Lead Spacing	10.00 mm	10.00 mm	10.00 mm
Diameter	22.00 mm	22.00 mm	30.00 mm
Height - Seated (Max)	30.00 mm	32.00 mm	22.00 mm
Ripple Current @ 120 Hz	1.2 A	1.2 A	1.0 A
Ripple Current @ 20 kHz	1.68 A	1.7 A	1.4 A
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Package / Case	Radial, Can - Snap-In	Radial, Can - Snap-In	Radial, Can - Snap-In
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

381LX331M160H022 (Direct Substitute - Recommended Primary Choice)

The 381LX331M160H022 is the direct equivalent replacement for the obsolete 381EL331M160H022. Both parts share identical electrical specifications for capacitance (330 µF), voltage rating (160 V), tolerance (±20%), lead spacing (10.00 mm), and diameter (22.00 mm). The 381LX series is currently in active production status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain continuity.

The primary difference is the reduced lifetime specification (3000 hours at 105°C versus 7000 hours), which is acceptable for applications not requiring extended thermal endurance. The height difference of 2.00 mm (32.00 mm versus 30.00 mm) is within typical mechanical tolerances for snap-in mounting configurations and should not present installation conflicts in standard PCB layouts.

Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and identical moisture sensitivity ratings, ensuring regulatory and environmental compatibility.

381LX331M160K202 (Similar Substitute - Secondary Option)

The 381LX331M160K202 provides an alternative from the same active 381LX series. This part maintains all critical electrical parameters (330 µF, 160 V, ±20% tolerance) and identical lead spacing (10.00 mm). However, it features different physical dimensions: 30.00 mm diameter and 22.00 mm height (inverted proportions compared to the main part).

This configuration is suitable for applications with specific spatial constraints where the reduced height (22.00 mm versus 30.00 mm) is advantageous. The ripple current ratings are slightly lower (1.0 A @ 120 Hz and 1.4 A @ 20 kHz), requiring verification that application demands do not exceed these limits.

Compliance and Regulatory Status

All identified substitutes maintain ROHS3 compliance, REACH unaffected status, and EAR99 export classification, matching the regulatory profile of the original part. Moisture sensitivity level remains at 1 (Unlimited) across all options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 381LX331M160H022 be used as a direct replacement for the 381EL331M160H022?

A: Yes. The 381LX331M160H022 is a direct equivalent. Both parts have identical capacitance (330 µF), voltage rating (160 V), tolerance (±20%), lead spacing (10.00 mm), and diameter (22.00 mm). The primary difference is the reduced lifetime specification (3000 hours versus 7000 hours at 105°C). For applications not requiring extended thermal endurance, this substitution is functionally equivalent.

Q: What is the significance of the height difference between 381LX331M160H022 and 381LX331M160K202?

A: The 381LX331M160H022 has a maximum seated height of 32.00 mm, while the 381LX331M160K202 has a maximum seated height of 22.00 mm. Both maintain the same 22.00 mm diameter. The height difference reflects different internal construction but does not affect electrical performance. Selection depends on available vertical space in the PCB layout. Verify mechanical clearance before substitution.

Q: Are there any ripple current limitations when using the 381LX331M160K202?

A: Yes. The 381LX331M160K202 has lower ripple current ratings: 1.0 A @ 120 Hz and 1.4 A @ 20 kHz, compared to 1.2 A @ 120 Hz and 1.68 A @ 20 kHz for the main part. Confirm that the application's ripple current requirements do not exceed these limits before selecting this substitute.

Q: Do all substitute parts maintain the same regulatory compliance as the original part?

A: Yes. All identified substitutes (381LX331M160H022 and 381LX331M160K202) are ROHS3 compliant, REACH unaffected, and classified as EAR99, matching the regulatory profile of the 381EL331M160H022.

Q: What is the difference between a "Direct Manufacturer Part Number" and a "Similar Manufacturer Part Number"?

A: A direct manufacturer part number (381LX331M160H022) shares all critical electrical and mechanical specifications with the original part, differing only in non-critical parameters such as lifetime. A similar manufacturer part number (381LX331M160K202) maintains all critical electrical specifications but has different physical dimensions, requiring mechanical verification before substitution.

Q: Is the ESR specification important for substitution?

A: The ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) of 540 mOhm @ 120 Hz is specified for the main part but not provided for the substitute parts. For applications sensitive to ESR characteristics (such as high-frequency filtering or low-impedance circuits), contact the manufacturer for ESR specifications of the substitute parts before final selection.

Q: Can the 381LX series parts be used in high-temperature applications?

A: All parts in this comparison operate across the same temperature range (-40°C to 105°C). The 381LX series has a reduced lifetime at 105°C (3000 hours versus 7000 hours), which may impact long-term reliability in continuous high-temperature operation. For applications requiring extended thermal endurance, evaluate whether the reduced lifetime is acceptable for the intended service life.

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