ECA-1CM331BJ Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ECA-1CM331BJ is a 330 µF, 16 V aluminum electrolytic capacitor in radial configuration manufactured by Panasonic Electronic Components. This component is rated for 2000 hours at 85°C and is designed for general-purpose applications. The part is currently active in production and ROHS3 compliant.

Equivalent and substitute parts are necessary when the primary part number becomes unavailable, when alternative packaging formats are required, or when enhanced performance specifications are needed for specific application requirements. This reference provides direct equivalents, packaging alternatives, and performance upgrades based on electrical and mechanical compatibility.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Capacitance	330 µF
Voltage Rating	16 V
Tolerance	±20%
Operating Temperature Range	-40°C ~ 85°C
Lifetime @ Temperature	2000 Hrs @ 85°C
Lead Spacing	0.138" (4.60mm)
Case Diameter	0.315" (8.00mm)
Height (Seated Max)	0.492" (12.50mm)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Polarization	Polar
Package Type	Radial, Can
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the ECA-1CM331BJ are classified into three categories based on substitution criteria:

Direct Equivalents (Packaging Variants): Parts with identical electrical specifications (330 µF, 16 V, ±20% tolerance, 2000 Hrs @ 85°C) but different packaging formats. These include ECA-1CM331 (bulk packaging) and ECA-1CM331B (alternative lead spacing of 0.197" vs. 0.138"). Direct equivalents maintain the same thermal performance and operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C).

Cross-Manufacturer Equivalents: Parts from alternative manufacturers (Chemi-Con, Nichicon) that match the core electrical specifications: 330 µF capacitance, 16 V voltage rating, ±20% tolerance, and 2000 Hrs @ 85°C lifetime. These include ESMG160ELL331MHB5D (Chemi-Con SMG series), UFW1C331MPD1TD (Nichicon UFW series), UVR1C331MPD (Nichicon UVR series), and UVR1C331MPD1TD (Nichicon UVR series, cut tape packaging).

Performance Upgrades: Parts with enhanced thermal specifications, rated for 2000 Hrs @ 105°C with extended operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 105°C). These include EEU-FC1C331BJ (Panasonic FC series, automotive-grade with AEC-Q200 rating), UKA1C331MPD1TD (Nichicon UKA series), and UKW1C331MPD1TD (Nichicon UKW series).

Critical Substitution Parameters:

Capacitance: 330 µF (exact match required)
Voltage Rating: 16 V minimum (25 V rated parts are upgrades)
Tolerance: ±20%
Lead Spacing: 0.138" (4.60mm) for standard compatibility; 0.197" (5.00mm) requires PCB redesign
Case Diameter: 0.315" (8.00mm)
Mounting: Through Hole, Radial configuration
Thermal Rating: 2000 Hrs @ 85°C minimum

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Series	Capacitance	Voltage	Tolerance	Lifetime @ Temp	Operating Temp Range	Lead Spacing	Height (Max)	Packaging	Product Status
ECA-1CM331BJ	Panasonic	M-A	330 µF	16 V	±20%	2000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	0.138" (4.60mm)	0.492" (12.50mm)	Tape & Box	Active
ECA-1CM331	Panasonic	M-A	330 µF	16 V	±20%	2000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	0.138" (4.60mm)	0.492" (12.50mm)	Bulk	Active
ECA-1CM331B	Panasonic	M-A	330 µF	16 V	±20%	2000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	0.197" (5.00mm)	0.492" (12.50mm)	Tape & Box	Active
EEU-FC1C331BJ	Panasonic	FC	330 µF	16 V	±20%	2000 Hrs @ 105°C	-55°C ~ 105°C	0.138" (4.60mm)	0.492" (12.50mm)	Cut Tape	Active
ESMG160ELL331MHB5D	Chemi-Con	SMG	330 µF	16 V	±20%	2000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	0.138" (4.60mm)	0.512" (13.00mm)	Bulk	Active
UFW1C331MPD1TD	Nichicon	UFW	330 µF	16 V	±20%	2000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	0.138" (4.60mm)	0.512" (13.00mm)	Cut Tape	Not For New Designs
UVR1C331MPD	Nichicon	UVR	330 µF	16 V	±20%	2000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	0.138" (4.60mm)	0.512" (13.00mm)	Bulk	Not For New Designs
UVR1C331MPD1TD	Nichicon	UVR	330 µF	16 V	±20%	2000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	0.138" (4.60mm)	0.512" (13.00mm)	Cut Tape	Not For New Designs
UKA1C331MPD1TD	Nichicon	UKA	330 µF	16 V	±20%	2000 Hrs @ 105°C	-55°C ~ 105°C	0.138" (4.60mm)	0.512" (13.00mm)	Cut Tape	Not For New Designs
UKA1E331MPD1TD	Nichicon	UKA	330 µF	25 V	±20%	2000 Hrs @ 105°C	-55°C ~ 105°C	0.138" (4.60mm)	0.512" (13.00mm)	Cut Tape	Not For New Designs
UKW1C331MPD1TD	Nichicon	UKW	330 µF	16 V	±20%	2000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	0.138" (4.60mm)	0.492" (12.50mm)	Cut Tape	Not For New Designs

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (No Design Changes): ECA-1CM331 and ECA-1CM331BJ are functionally identical. ECA-1CM331 is available in bulk packaging and maintains active production status. Both are ROHS3 compliant and suitable for general-purpose applications with identical thermal and electrical performance.

For Packaging Format Changes: ECA-1CM331B provides the same electrical specifications as the primary part but with 0.197" (5.00mm) lead spacing instead of 0.138" (4.60mm). This part requires PCB footprint modification and is suitable only when board layout permits the wider spacing.

For Cross-Manufacturer Equivalents: ESMG160ELL331MHB5D (Chemi-Con SMG series) and UFW1C331MPD1TD, UVR1C331MPD, UVR1C331MPD1TD (Nichicon series) provide electrical equivalence with identical 330 µF, 16 V, 2000 Hrs @ 85°C specifications. UFW1C331MPD1TD, UVR1C331MPD, and UVR1C331MPD1TD are marked "Not For New Designs" and should be used only for legacy system maintenance or when primary sources are exhausted. ESMG160ELL331MHB5D maintains active production status.

For Enhanced Thermal Performance: EEU-FC1C331BJ (Panasonic FC series) is rated for 2000 Hrs @ 105°C with extended operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 105°C) and carries AEC-Q200 automotive qualification. This part is suitable for applications requiring higher thermal margins or automotive-grade reliability. It is currently active in production.

UKA1C331MPD1TD and UKW1C331MPD1TD (Nichicon UKA and UKW series) provide 2000 Hrs @ 105°C thermal rating with -55°C ~ 105°C operating range. Both are marked "Not For New Designs" and should be reserved for legacy applications.

For Voltage Upgrade: UKA1E331MPD1TD provides 330 µF at 25 V (versus 16 V) with 2000 Hrs @ 105°C rating and -55°C ~ 105°C operating range. This part is suitable only when higher voltage margin is required and is marked "Not For New Designs."

Compliance Considerations: All listed parts are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected. EEU-FC1C331BJ carries AEC-Q200 automotive rating, making it the preferred choice for automotive applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can ECA-1CM331 be used as a direct replacement for ECA-1CM331BJ? A: Yes. Both parts are identical in electrical specifications (330 µF, 16 V, ±20%, 2000 Hrs @ 85°C) and mechanical dimensions. The difference is packaging format: ECA-1CM331 is supplied in bulk, while ECA-1CM331BJ is supplied in tape and box. No design changes are required.

Q: What is the difference between ECA-1CM331B and ECA-1CM331BJ? A: The primary difference is lead spacing. ECA-1CM331B has 0.197" (5.00mm) lead spacing, while ECA-1CM331BJ has 0.138" (4.60mm) lead spacing. All other electrical and thermal specifications are identical. ECA-1CM331B requires PCB footprint modification and cannot be used as a direct drop-in replacement.

Q: Can I use a cross-manufacturer part like ESMG160ELL331MHB5D instead of the Panasonic part? A: Yes, provided the application does not have manufacturer-specific requirements. ESMG160ELL331MHB5D (Chemi-Con) matches all critical electrical parameters: 330 µF, 16 V, ±20%, 2000 Hrs @ 85°C. The case height is 0.512" (13.00mm) versus 0.492" (12.50mm) for the Panasonic part; verify PCB clearance before substitution.

Q: What is the advantage of using EEU-FC1C331BJ over the standard ECA-1CM331BJ? A: EEU-FC1C331BJ is rated for 2000 Hrs @ 105°C with operating temperature range of -55°C ~ 105°C, compared to 2000 Hrs @ 85°C and -40°C ~ 85°C for the standard part. This provides higher thermal margin and extended low-temperature operation. EEU-FC1C331BJ also carries AEC-Q200 automotive qualification. Use this part when applications require enhanced thermal performance or automotive-grade reliability.

Q: Why are some substitute parts marked "Not For New Designs"? A: Parts marked "Not For New Designs" are legacy components that manufacturers are phasing out. These parts remain available for existing product support and maintenance but should not be selected for new circuit designs. For new designs, choose parts with "Active" product status.

Q: Can UKA1E331MPD1TD (25 V) be used in place of the 16 V rated ECA-1CM331BJ? A: Yes, from an electrical standpoint. A 25 V rated capacitor can operate safely in a 16 V circuit, providing additional voltage margin. However, UKA1E331MPD1TD is marked "Not For New Designs" and should be used only when higher voltage rating is specifically required and no active-status alternatives are available.

Q: What packaging options are available for 330 µF, 16 V equivalents? A: Available packaging formats include tape and box (ECA-1CM331BJ, ECA-1CM331B), bulk (ECA-1CM331, ESMG160ELL331MHB5D, UVR1C331MPD), and cut tape (EEU-FC1C331BJ, UFW1C331MPD1TD, UVR1C331MPD1TD, UKA1C331MPD1TD, UKW1C331MPD1TD). Select packaging based on procurement and assembly requirements.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant? A: Yes. All parts listed in this reference are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements.

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