DME4S15K Film Capacitor Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The DME4S15K is a 0.015 µF film capacitor manufactured by Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE) with a 400V DC voltage rating and ±10% tolerance. This component is classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of active equivalent parts for ongoing procurement and design continuity. The DME4S15K series utilizes polyester metallized dielectric technology in a radial through-hole configuration, suitable for general-purpose applications requiring stable capacitance across the specified operating temperature range of -55°C to 125°C.

Substiute Parts

DME4S15K

Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE)In Stock: 1093DME4S15K Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

DME4S15K-F

Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE)In Stock: 1074DME4S15K-F Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the DME4S15K is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

• Capacitance Value: 0.015 µF (exact match required)
• Tolerance: ±10% (exact match required)
• Voltage Rating (DC): 400V (minimum requirement; higher ratings acceptable)
• Voltage Rating (AC): 200V (minimum requirement; higher ratings acceptable)
• Dielectric Material: Polyester, Metallized (exact match required)
• Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to 125°C (exact match required)
• Mounting Type: Through Hole (exact match required)
• Package Configuration: Radial (exact match required)
• Lead Spacing: 0.295" (7.50mm) (exact match required for PCB compatibility)
• Termination Style: PC Pins (exact match required)

The DME4S15K-F qualifies as a direct equivalent substitute based on identical electrical specifications and mechanical dimensions. The primary distinction between the main part and its substitute is product status and regulatory compliance.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The DME4S15K-F is the direct equivalent substitute for the obsolete DME4S15K. Selection between these parts is determined by regulatory and procurement requirements:

DME4S15K-F Selection Criteria:

• Active product status ensures ongoing availability and manufacturing support
• ROHS3 compliance satisfies current environmental and regulatory requirements for new designs and manufacturing processes
• Identical electrical and mechanical specifications guarantee direct PCB compatibility without design modification
• Bulk packaging option supports production-scale procurement

DME4S15K Retention Criteria:

• Existing inventory of 1016 pieces supports legacy system repairs and maintenance
• Applicable only to non-RoHS-compliant applications or systems with established component qualification

For new designs, production builds, and systems requiring regulatory compliance, the DME4S15K-F is the specified equivalent. For legacy system support where RoHS compliance is not mandated, the original DME4S15K may be utilized from existing inventory.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the DME4S15K-F be used as a direct replacement for the DME4S15K in existing designs?

A: Yes. The DME4S15K-F is electrically and mechanically identical to the DME4S15K. All electrical parameters (capacitance, voltage rating, tolerance, temperature range) and physical dimensions (lead spacing, package configuration, termination style) are equivalent. No circuit design changes or PCB modifications are required.

Q: What is the primary difference between the DME4S15K and DME4S15K-F?

A: The DME4S15K-F is the active production equivalent with ROHS3 compliance. The original DME4S15K is classified as obsolete and is RoHS non-compliant. Both parts are manufactured by Cornell Dubilier Electronics and share identical specifications within the DME series.

Q: Are there any packaging differences between these parts?

A: The DME4S15K-F is supplied in bulk packaging, while the original DME4S15K packaging specification is listed as standard. Both parts maintain identical radial through-hole configuration with 0.295" (7.50mm) lead spacing, ensuring PCB footprint compatibility.

Q: What voltage ratings apply to this capacitor?

A: The DME4S15K and DME4S15K-F are rated for 400V DC and 200V AC. These ratings establish the maximum operating voltage limits for the component. Circuit design must ensure operating voltage does not exceed these specifications.

Q: Is this capacitor suitable for high-temperature applications?

A: The operating temperature range is -55°C to 125°C. Applications requiring operation outside this range require alternative component selection. The polyester metallized dielectric maintains stable capacitance characteristics throughout this specified range.

Q: What is the tolerance specification, and how does it affect circuit design?

A: Both parts carry ±10% tolerance on the 0.015 µF capacitance value. This tolerance range (0.0135 µF to 0.0165 µF) must be considered in circuit calculations where precise capacitance is critical. Applications requiring tighter tolerance specifications require alternative component selection.

Q: Can these radial film capacitors be used in surface-mount applications?

A: No. Both the DME4S15K and DME4S15K-F are through-hole mounted components with PC pin termination. Surface-mount applications require alternative component packages and configurations.