ECA-2CM331 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ECA-2CM331 is a 330 µF, 160 V aluminum electrolytic capacitor in radial, can package manufactured by Panasonic Electronic Components. This part operates across -25°C to 85°C with a rated lifetime of 2000 hours at 85°C and is classified as obsolete. Due to its obsolete status, equivalent and substitute parts from active manufacturers are necessary for new designs and ongoing production requirements. Substitutes maintain the same capacitance and voltage rating while offering improved thermal performance, extended lifetime ratings, or higher voltage ratings for enhanced design margin.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Capacitance	330 µF
Voltage Rating	160 V
Tolerance	±20%
Package Type	Radial, Can
Lead Spacing	0.295" (7.50 mm)
Diameter	0.709" (18.00 mm)
Height	1.319" (34.60 mm)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Polarization	Polar
Operating Temperature Range	-25°C to 85°C
Lifetime Rating	2000 Hrs @ 85°C
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the ECA-2CM331 is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria (Direct Equivalents):

Capacitance: 330 µF (exact match required)
Voltage Rating: 160 V minimum (160 V or higher acceptable)
Tolerance: ±20%
Package: Radial, Can
Lead Spacing: 0.295" (7.50 mm)
Diameter: 0.709" (18.00 mm)
Mounting: Through Hole
Polarization: Polar

Secondary Considerations:

Operating temperature range: -25°C minimum to 85°C minimum
Lifetime rating: 2000 hours minimum at rated temperature
Physical height: 1.319" (34.60 mm) or 1.299" (33.00 mm) acceptable within PCB layout constraints

Parts are grouped into three categories: direct equivalents (160 V rating, same thermal performance), direct substitutes with improved thermal performance (160 V rating, extended lifetime or higher operating temperature), and upgrade substitutes (200 V rating for increased design margin, extended lifetime, or active product status).

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Capacitance	Voltage	Tolerance	Lifetime @ Temp	Operating Temp Range	Height (Max)	Product Status	RoHS
ECA-2CM331	Panasonic	330 µF	160 V	±20%	2000 Hrs @ 85°C	-25°C ~ 85°C	1.319"	Obsolete	ROHS3
ECA-2CHG331	Panasonic	330 µF	160 V	±20%	2000 Hrs @ 105°C	-25°C ~ 105°C	1.319"	Obsolete	ROHS3
EEU-EE2C331	Panasonic	330 µF	160 V	±20%	10000 Hrs @ 105°C	-25°C ~ 105°C	1.319"	Obsolete	ROHS3
160PX330MEFC18X31.5	Rubycon	330 µF	160 V	±20%	2000 Hrs @ 105°C	-40°C ~ 105°C	1.319"	Active	ROHS3
UCS2C331MHD	Nichicon	330 µF	160 V	±20%	10000 Hrs @ 105°C	-40°C ~ 105°C	1.299"	Active	ROHS3
160BXC330MEFC18X31.5	Rubycon	330 µF	160 V	±20%	12000 Hrs @ 105°C	-25°C ~ 105°C	1.319"	Active	ROHS3
EKXJ201ELL331MMN3S	Chemi-Con	330 µF	200 V	±20%	12000 Hrs @ 105°C	-40°C ~ 105°C	1.299"	Active	ROHS3
UCY2D331MHD6	Nichicon	330 µF	200 V	±20%	12000 Hrs @ 105°C	-40°C ~ 105°C	1.299"	Active	ROHS3
UPZ2D331MHD6	Nichicon	330 µF	200 V	±20%	2000 Hrs @ 105°C	-25°C ~ 105°C	1.319"	Active	ROHS3
SK331M160ST	Cornell Dubilier	330 µF	160 V	±20%	2000 Hrs @ 85°C	-25°C ~ 85°C	1.732"	Active	ROHS3

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Equivalents (160 V, Same Thermal Class): The ECA-2CHG331 (Panasonic, obsolete) and 160PX330MEFC18X31.5 (Rubycon, active) provide direct electrical equivalence with identical voltage and capacitance ratings. The Rubycon part is preferred for new designs due to active product status and extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 105°C).

Improved Thermal Performance (160 V, Extended Lifetime): The EEU-EE2C331 (Panasonic, obsolete) and UCS2C331MHD (Nichicon, active) offer 10000-hour lifetime ratings at 105°C, providing superior reliability over the original 2000-hour specification. The Nichicon UCS2C331MHD is recommended for active production due to current availability and active product status.

Extended Lifetime with Higher Voltage (200 V Rating): The 160BXC330MEFC18X31.5 (Rubycon), EKXJ201ELL331MMN3S (Chemi-Con), and UCY2D331MHD6 (Nichicon) provide 12000-hour lifetime ratings at 105°C with 200 V voltage ratings. These parts offer maximum design margin and reliability. The UCY2D331MHD6 and EKXJ201ELL331MMN3S are active products suitable for new designs. The Chemi-Con part includes AEC-Q200 automotive qualification.

Alternative with Physical Height Consideration: The SK331M160ST (Cornell Dubilier, active) matches the original electrical specifications but features a taller package (1.732" vs. 1.319"). This part is suitable only where PCB layout permits increased height.

All substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and through-hole radial can packaging compatible with the original footprint.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a 200 V rated capacitor in place of the 160 V ECA-2CM331? A: Yes. A 200 V rated capacitor is electrically compatible and provides increased design margin. The higher voltage rating does not affect circuit operation at 160 V or below. Parts such as UCY2D331MHD6, EKXJ201ELL331MMN3S, and UPZ2D331MHD6 are suitable direct substitutes with this voltage upgrade.

Q: What is the difference between the Panasonic ECA-2CHG331 and EEU-EE2C331? A: Both are Panasonic 330 µF, 160 V radial capacitors, but the EEU-EE2C331 offers extended lifetime (10000 hours at 105°C versus 2000 hours at 105°C). Both are obsolete; active alternatives are recommended for new designs.

Q: Are the Nichicon UCS2C331MHD and UCY2D331MHD6 interchangeable? A: Both are Nichicon 330 µF radial capacitors with identical physical dimensions and lead spacing. The UCS2C331MHD is rated 160 V with 10000-hour lifetime at 105°C. The UCY2D331MHD6 is rated 200 V with 12000-hour lifetime at 105°C. The UCY2D331MHD6 provides superior performance and is preferred for new designs.

Q: Does the Cornell Dubilier SK331M160ST fit the same PCB footprint? A: The SK331M160ST has identical lead spacing (0.295") and diameter (0.709") but is taller (1.732" versus 1.319"). Verify PCB clearance before substitution. This part is suitable only where vertical space permits.

Q: Which substitute part is best for automotive applications? A: The EKXJ201ELL331MMN3S (Chemi-Con) carries AEC-Q200 automotive qualification, 12000-hour lifetime at 105°C, and 200 V rating. This part is specified for automotive-grade reliability requirements.

Q: Can I use parts with extended operating temperature ranges (-40°C to 105°C) in applications rated only to -25°C to 85°C? A: Yes. Extended temperature range capability is backward compatible. Parts rated -40°C to 105°C operate safely within -25°C to 85°C specifications. This provides additional design margin without circuit modification.

Q: What is the significance of the 12000-hour lifetime rating? A: Lifetime rating indicates capacitor reliability at maximum rated temperature. A 12000-hour rating at 105°C provides approximately 6× longer operational life than the original 2000-hour specification, reducing field failure risk in long-life applications.

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