686CKH050M Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The 686CKH050M is a 68 µF, 50 V aluminum electrolytic capacitor manufactured by Cornell Dubilier / Illinois Capacitor in the CKH series. This radial, through-hole component is designed for general-purpose applications with a rated lifetime of 2000 hours at 105°C. The part is currently active in production with 828 units in stock.

Substitute parts are necessary when the original component becomes unavailable, when design requirements demand extended operational lifetime, enhanced ripple current handling, or when automotive-grade qualification is required for specific applications.

Substiute Parts

686CKH050M

Cornell Dubilier / Illinois CapacitorIn Stock: 910686CKH050M Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

EKZN630ELL680MHB5D

Chemi-ConIn Stock: 1418EKZN630ELL680MHB5D Datasheet

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ELXY500ELL680MH12D

Chemi-ConIn Stock: 1394ELXY500ELL680MH12D Datasheet

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UPM1H680MPD

NichiconIn Stock: 4262UPM1H680MPD Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 686CKH050M is determined by the following criteria:

Primary Compatibility Parameters:

• Capacitance: 68 µF (exact match required)
• Tolerance: ±20% (exact match required)
• Voltage Rating: 50 V minimum (equal or higher voltage rating is acceptable)
• Polarization: Polar (radial aluminum electrolytic)
• Lead Spacing: 0.138" (3.50 mm) (exact match required for PCB compatibility)
• Case Diameter: 0.315" (8.00 mm) (exact match required for mechanical fit)
• Mounting Type: Through Hole (exact match required)
• Package / Case: Radial, Can (exact match required)

Secondary Evaluation Parameters:

• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to 105°C minimum (equal or wider range acceptable)
• Lifetime @ 105°C: 2000 hours minimum (equal or longer lifetime acceptable)
• RoHS Compliance: ROHS3 Compliant (required)

All three substitute parts meet these criteria and are electrically and mechanically compatible with the 686CKH050M.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

EKZN630ELL680MHB5D (Chemi-Con KZN Series)

This substitute offers the highest operational lifetime at 8000 hours at 105°C, representing a 4× improvement over the 686CKH050M. The rated voltage is increased to 63 V, providing additional voltage margin. Ripple current capability is enhanced to 288 mA at 120 Hz. The part is active in production with 1355 units in stock. This option is suitable for applications requiring extended service life and higher reliability margins.

ELXY500ELL680MH12D (Chemi-Con LXY Series)

This substitute maintains the 50 V voltage rating and provides 3000 hours lifetime at 105°C. It carries AEC-Q200 automotive qualification and operates across an extended temperature range of -55°C to 105°C. The height dimension is 0.531" (13.50 mm), which is 0.019" taller than the original part and must be verified for PCB clearance. This option is appropriate for automotive applications requiring automotive-grade certification.

UPM1H680MPD (Nichicon UPM Series)

This substitute maintains the 50 V voltage rating and provides 3000 hours lifetime at 105°C. It carries AEC-Q200 automotive qualification and operates across an extended temperature range of -55°C to 105°C. The part is marked "Not For New Designs," indicating it is in mature or declining production status. REACH status is listed as "REACH Affected." This option is suitable only for legacy design support or replacement applications where the original part is no longer available.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can EKZN630ELL680MHB5D replace 686CKH050M in any application?

A: Yes. The EKZN630ELL680MHB5D is electrically and mechanically compatible. The 63 V rating exceeds the 50 V requirement, and the 8000-hour lifetime at 105°C exceeds the 2000-hour specification. All mechanical dimensions match the original part. No PCB modifications are required.

Q: What is the height difference between ELXY500ELL680MH12D and the original 686CKH050M?

A: The ELXY500ELL680MH12D has a maximum seated height of 0.531" (13.50 mm) compared to 0.512" (13.00 mm) for the 686CKH050M. This represents a 0.019" (0.50 mm) increase. PCB clearance above the component must be verified before substitution.

Q: Why is UPM1H680MPD marked "Not For New Designs"?

A: This designation indicates the part is in mature production phase and may be subject to discontinuation. While it remains available for existing designs and replacement applications, Nichicon does not recommend its use in new product development. The part should be used only when replacing existing assemblies or supporting legacy equipment.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All three substitute parts—EKZN630ELL680MHB5D, ELXY500ELL680MH12D, and UPM1H680MPD—are ROHS3 Compliant and meet environmental regulatory requirements.

Q: Which substitute offers the best ripple current performance?

A: EKZN630ELL680MHB5D provides the highest ripple current capability at 288 mA at 120 Hz, compared to 165 mA for the original 686CKH050M. UPM1H680MPD offers 260 mA at 120 Hz. ELXY500ELL680MH12D provides 136 mA at 120 Hz.

Q: Do the automotive-rated substitutes require design re-qualification?

A: ELXY500ELL680MH12D and UPM1H680MPD both carry AEC-Q200 certification. However, substitution of any component in a qualified design may require design review and re-testing per your organization's change control procedures. Consult your quality and engineering departments before implementing substitutions in production designs.

Q: What is the inventory status of each substitute?

A: EKZN630ELL680MHB5D: 1355 units in stock. ELXY500ELL680MH12D: 1372 units in stock. UPM1H680MPD: 4238 units in stock. All parts are available as new original stock.