ECE-S2EU681U 680µF 250V Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Panasonic ECE-S2EU681U is a 680µF 250V aluminum electrolytic capacitor in radial, can snap-in package configuration. This component is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity. The part operates across a temperature range of -40°C to 85°C with a rated lifetime of 2000 hours at 85°C, suitable for general-purpose applications requiring stable capacitance and ripple current handling.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Capacitance	680 µF
Voltage Rating	250 V
Tolerance	±20%
Package Type	Radial, Can - Snap-In
Lead Spacing	0.394" (10.00mm)
Diameter	1.181" (30.00mm)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Operating Temperature Range	-40°C ~ 85°C
Polarization	Polar
Applications	General Purpose

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the ECE-S2EU681U is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Critical Parameters (Must Match Exactly):

Capacitance: 680 µF
Voltage Rating: 250 V
Tolerance: ±20%
Lead Spacing: 0.394" (10.00mm)
Diameter: 1.181" (30.00mm)
Package Type: Radial, Can - Snap-In
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Operating Temperature Range: -40°C ~ 85°C
Polarization: Polar

Allowable Variations:

Height (Seated Max): Variation permitted within physical envelope constraints
Lifetime @ 85°C: Extended lifetime acceptable; reduced lifetime not acceptable
Ripple Current: Higher values acceptable; lower values require evaluation
ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance): Lower values acceptable; higher values require evaluation
Product Status: Active status preferred over obsolete
RoHS Compliance: ROHS3 compliance preferred; non-compliance acceptable for legacy designs

All substitute parts listed maintain identical electrical specifications for capacitance, voltage, and tolerance while offering improved or equivalent performance characteristics in lifetime, ripple current capacity, and regulatory compliance.

Parameter Comparison

Manufacturer	Part Number	Capacitance	Voltage	Tolerance	Height (Max)	Lifetime @ 85°C	Ripple Current @ 120Hz	Product Status	RoHS Status
Panasonic	ECE-S2EU681U	680 µF	250 V	±20%	1.969" (50.00mm)	2000 Hrs	1.5 A	Obsolete	Non-compliant
Rubycon	250USG680MEFC30X30	680 µF	250 V	±20%	1.260" (32.00mm)	3000 Hrs	2.5 A	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
Cornell Dubilier Electronics	380LQ681M250K022	680 µF	250 V	±20%	1.260" (32.00mm)	2000 Hrs	2.5 A	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
KEMET	ALC70A681CD250	680 µF	250 V	±20%	1.654" (42.00mm)	13000 Hrs	2.37 A	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
KEMET	ALC70D681CD250	680 µF	250 V	±20%	1.654" (42.00mm)	13000 Hrs	2.37 A	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
EPCOS - TDK Electronics	B43231E2687M	680 µF	250 V	±20%	1.457" (37.00mm)	2000 Hrs	2.56 A	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
Nichicon	LLG2E681MELB25	680 µF	250 V	±20%	1.063" (27.00mm)	2000 Hrs	2.5 A	Active	Not specified
Nichicon	LLS2E681MELB	680 µF	250 V	±20%	1.181" (30.00mm)	3000 Hrs	2.71 A	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
Cornell Dubilier Electronics	SLPX681M250E5P3	680 µF	250 V	±20%	1.378" (35.00mm)	3000 Hrs	2.71 A	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
Cornell Dubilier Electronics	LPX681M250E5P3	680 µF	250 V	±20%	1.378" (35.00mm)	1000 Hrs	2.6 A	Active	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Substitutes (Preferred):

The KEMET ALC70D681CD250 and ALC70A681CD250 offer the most robust substitution path. Both parts maintain identical electrical specifications while providing extended lifetime (13000 hours at 85°C versus 2000 hours), improved ripple current handling, and ROHS3 compliance. The extended operational life provides superior reliability for long-term applications.

The Nichicon LLS2E681MELB provides a balanced alternative with 3000-hour lifetime, improved ripple current capacity (2.71 A @ 120 Hz), and ROHS3 compliance. Height matches the original specification at 1.181" (30.00mm), ensuring direct mechanical compatibility.

The Cornell Dubilier SLPX681M250E5P3 delivers 3000-hour lifetime with equivalent ripple current performance and ROHS3 compliance. Height variation to 1.378" (35.00mm) remains within acceptable mechanical envelope for most applications.

Secondary Substitutes (Acceptable with Verification):

The Rubycon 250USG680MEFC30X30 and EPCOS B43231E2687M are suitable alternatives with active product status and ROHS3 compliance. The Rubycon part offers extended 3000-hour lifetime and improved ripple current (2.5 A @ 120 Hz). The EPCOS part maintains 2000-hour lifetime with comparable ripple current performance.

The Nichicon LLG2E681MELB25 provides compact form factor (1.063" height) with 2000-hour lifetime and 2.5 A ripple current capacity, suitable for space-constrained applications.

Limited Substitution (Reduced Lifetime):

The Cornell Dubilier LPX681M250E5P3 is classified as a similar part rather than direct substitute due to reduced lifetime specification (1000 hours at 85°C). Use only when extended operational life is not a design requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a substitute part with a different height than the original ECE-S2EU681U?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts maintain the critical 0.394" (10.00mm) lead spacing and 1.181" (30.00mm) diameter, ensuring electrical and mechanical compatibility. Height variations (ranging from 1.063" to 1.969") are acceptable provided the physical envelope of your PCB layout accommodates the selected part. Verify clearance above the capacitor before final selection.

Q: What is the difference between direct substitutes and similar parts?

A: Direct substitutes maintain all critical electrical parameters (capacitance, voltage, tolerance, ripple current capability) and meet or exceed the original lifetime specification. Similar parts may have reduced lifetime or other parameter variations requiring design evaluation. The LPX681M250E5P3 is classified as similar due to its 1000-hour lifetime, which is lower than the original 2000-hour specification.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Most substitute parts listed are ROHS3 compliant. The original ECE-S2EU681U is RoHS non-compliant. If RoHS compliance is required for your application, select from the ROHS3-compliant alternatives: ALC70A681CD250, ALC70D681CD250, 250USG680MEFC30X30, 380LQ681M250K022, B43231E2687M, LLS2E681MELB, SLPX681M250E5P3, or LPX681M250E5P3.

Q: Which substitute offers the longest operational lifetime?

A: The KEMET ALC70A681CD250 and ALC70D681CD250 both provide 13000-hour lifetime at 85°C, significantly exceeding the original 2000-hour specification. These parts are recommended for applications requiring extended reliability and reduced maintenance cycles.

Q: Can I interchange parts with different ripple current ratings?

A: Substitute parts with equal or higher ripple current ratings are acceptable. The original ECE-S2EU681U specifies 1.5 A @ 120 Hz. All listed substitutes meet or exceed this specification, ranging from 2.37 A to 2.71 A @ 120 Hz. Parts with lower ripple current ratings are not suitable.

Q: What is the significance of ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance)?

A: ESR affects capacitor performance in high-frequency applications and heat generation under ripple current stress. Lower ESR values indicate better performance. Substitute parts with specified ESR values (ranging from 154 mOhms to 293 mOhms) provide measurable performance advantages over the original part, which does not specify ESR.

Q: Are there any packaging or lead configuration differences between substitutes?

A: All substitute parts maintain identical through-hole radial, can snap-in package configuration with 0.394" (10.00mm) lead spacing. No lead reconfiguration or adapter components are required for direct PCB mounting.

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