381EL331M250H042 Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor

Part Overview

The Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE) 381EL331M250H042 is a 330 µF, 250 V aluminum electrolytic capacitor with radial, snap-in mounting designed for general purpose applications. This part is currently obsolete with limited inventory (1155 pcs), making identification of active substitute components critical for design continuity and future procurement. Alternative models provide equivalent electrical performance with improved availability and extended product lifecycle status.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Specification
Capacitance	330 µF
Voltage Rating	250 V
Tolerance	±20%
ESR @ 120Hz	450 mOhm
Lifetime @ 105°C	7000 Hrs
Operating Temperature Range	-40°C to 105°C
Ripple Current @ 120 Hz	1.2 A
Ripple Current @ 20 kHz	1.68 A
Lead Spacing	0.394" (10.00 mm)
Case Diameter	0.866" (22.00 mm)
Height	1.575" (40.00 mm)
Mounting Type	Through Hole - Radial, Can - Snap-In
Package Class	Radial, Can - Snap-In
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
MSL Rating	1 (Unlimited)
REACH Status	REACH Unaffected

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the 381EL331M250H042 are grouped based on strict electrical and mechanical compatibility criteria:

Primary Substitution Parameters:

Capacitance: 330 µF (exact match required)
Voltage Rating: 250 V (exact match required)
Tolerance: ±20% (exact match)
Mounting Type: Through Hole - Radial, Can - Snap-In (exact match)
Lead Spacing: 0.394" (10.00 mm) (exact match)
Operating Temperature: -40°C to 105°C (exact match)

Secondary Performance Variations (Allowed within substitution scope):

ESR @ 120Hz: 390-750 mOhm range acceptable
Lifetime @ 105°C: 1000-7000 Hrs range acceptable (affects reliability profile)
Case Diameter: 0.866"-1.181" (22.00-30.00 mm) with corresponding height variations
Ripple Current Ratings: Variations within specified load conditions
Product Status: Both Active and legacy statuses included for continuity

All substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance, MSL 1 rating, and REACH unaffected status, ensuring environmental regulatory equivalence.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	381EL331M250H042 (Main)	381LQ331M250H022	381LR331M250J022	381LX331M250J022	LP331M250E3P3	B43504C2337M000
Manufacturer	CDE	CDE	CDE	CDE	CDE	EPCOS - TDK Electronics
Capacitance	330 µF	330 µF	330 µF	330 µF	330 µF	330 µF
Voltage Rating	250 V	250 V	250 V	250 V	250 V	250 V
Tolerance	±20%	±20%	±20%	±20%	±20%	±20%
ESR @ Frequency	450 mOhm @ 120Hz	502 mOhm @ 120Hz	452 mOhm @ 120Hz	Not specified	750 mOhm @ 120Hz	390 mOhm @ 100Hz
Lifetime @ 105°C	7000 Hrs	2000 Hrs	3000 Hrs	3000 Hrs	1000 Hrs	3000 Hrs
Operating Temperature	-40°C to 105°C	-40°C to 105°C	-40°C to 105°C	-40°C to 105°C	-40°C to 105°C	-40°C to 105°C
Ripple Current @ 120 Hz	1.2 A	1.2 A	1.64 A	1.2 A	914 mA	1.2 A @ 100Hz
Ripple Current @ 20 kHz	1.68 A	1.68 A	2.34 A	1.7 A	1.2796 A @ 100 kHz	Not specified
Lead Spacing	0.394" (10.00 mm)	0.394" (10.00 mm)	0.394" (10.00 mm)	0.394" (10.00 mm)	0.394" (10.00 mm)	0.394" (10.00 mm)
Case Diameter	0.866" (22.00 mm)	0.866" (22.00 mm)	0.984" (25.00 mm)	0.984" (25.00 mm)	1.181" (30.00 mm)	0.984" (25.00 mm)
Height (Seated Max)	1.575" (40.00 mm)	1.260" (32.00 mm)	1.260" (32.00 mm)	1.260" (32.00 mm)	1.181" (30.00 mm)	1.260" (32.00 mm)
Mounting Type	Through Hole - Radial, Can - Snap-In	Through Hole - Radial, Can - Snap-In	Through Hole - Radial, Can - Snap-In	Through Hole - Radial, Can - Snap-In	Through Hole - Radial, Can - Snap-In	Through Hole - Radial, Can - Snap-In
Package / Case	Radial, Can - Snap-In	Radial, Can - Snap-In	Radial, Can - Snap-In	Radial, Can - Snap-In	Radial, Can - Snap-In	Radial, Can - Snap-In
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active	Not For New Designs
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For New Design Implementation: Use 381LQ331M250H022, 381LR331M250J022, or 381LX331M250J022 (all CDE Active status parts). These provide full electrical and mechanical compatibility with the obsolete 381EL331M250H042 while ensuring long-term component availability and supply chain continuity.

Product Status Considerations:

381LQ331M250H022, 381LR331M250J022, and 381LX331M250J022: Active status supports sustained procurement
B43504C2337M000 (EPCOS - TDK): Not For New Designs status limits suitability for new development but remains compatible for legacy system repair

Space-Constrained Designs: The 381LQ331M250H022 offers the lowest profile height (1.260" / 32.00 mm) while maintaining smallest case diameter (0.866" / 22.00 mm), identical to the original part, making it optimal for PCBs with limited clearance.

Reliability Profile Trade-offs:

Original 381EL331M250H042: 7000 Hrs @ 105°C lifetime
381LR331M250J022: 3000 Hrs @ 105°C with superior ripple current handling (1.64 A @ 120 Hz vs 1.2 A)
381LQ331M250H022: 2000 Hrs @ 105°C (shorter operational life)
B43504C2337M000: 3000 Hrs @ 105°C with lowest ESR (390 mOhm @ 100Hz)

All substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, meeting environmental regulatory requirements equivalent to the original component.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can 381LQ331M250H022 directly replace 381EL331M250H042 on existing PCBs? A: Yes. Lead spacing (0.394" / 10.00 mm) and case diameter (0.866" / 22.00 mm) are identical. The 381LQ has reduced height (1.260" vs 1.575"), allowing improved PCB clearance without mechanical interference.

Q: Why does 381LR331M250J022 have higher ripple current ratings? A: The 381LR has a larger case diameter (0.984" / 25.00 mm) than the original 381EL (0.866" / 22.00 mm), increasing internal surface area and thermal dissipation capability, enabling higher ripple current handling (1.64 A @ 120 Hz vs 1.2 A).

Q: Is B43504C2337M000 from EPCOS suitable for long-term new production? A: B43504C2337M000 carries Not For New Designs status, limiting its application to repair or legacy system maintenance. For new product development, select Active status parts: 381LQ331M250H022, 381LR331M250J022, or 381LX331M250J022.

Q: What is the difference between 381LX331M250J022 and 381LQ331M250H022? A: Both are Active CDE products with identical lead spacing, voltage, and capacitance. The 381LX has larger case diameter (0.984" / 25.00 mm vs 0.866" / 22.00 mm) and matching height (1.260" / 32.00 mm). The 381LX provides 3000 Hrs @ 105°C lifetime versus 381LQ's 2000 Hrs, at the cost of increased PCB footprint.

Q: Does ESR variation affect circuit performance in power supply applications? A: ESR values range from 390 mOhm (B43504C2337M000) to 750 mOhm (LP331M250E3P3) across substitutes. In filtering applications, lower ESR reduces voltage ripple. In current-limited designs, verify ripple current specifications match application requirements before selecting a substitute.

Q: Are all substitutes environmentally compliant? A: Yes. All listed substitutes are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, matching the original 381EL331M250H042 environmental regulatory status.

Q: What is MSL 1 rating and why is it important? A: MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level) 1 indicates Unlimited shelf life with no baking requirement prior to soldering. All listed parts maintain MSL 1 rating, eliminating moisture management procedures during assembly.

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