ECS-F1CE686 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ECS-F1CE686 is a 68 µF conformal coated tantalum capacitor rated at 16 V with radial through-hole mounting. Manufactured by Panasonic Electronic Components as part of the EF series, this component is classified as obsolete. Due to its obsolete status and limited availability relative to active alternatives, equivalent substitute parts from active manufacturers are necessary for ongoing design support and procurement continuity.

Substiute Parts

ECS-F1CE686

Panasonic Electronic ComponentsIn Stock: 1220ECS-F1CE686 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

T350K686K016AS

KEMETIn Stock: 905T350K686K016AS Datasheet

DirectRFQ

TAP686K020CCS

KYOCERA AVXIn Stock: 1074TAP686K020CCS Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the ECS-F1CE686 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Capacitance value: 68 µF (exact match required)
• Voltage rating: minimum 16 V (equal or higher acceptable)
• Type: Conformal coated tantalum (required for environmental protection)
• Mounting: Through hole radial (mechanical compatibility)
• Tolerance: ±20% or tighter (functional equivalence)
• Operating temperature range: minimum -55°C ~ 105°C coverage

Two substitute parts meet these criteria with active product status and improved specifications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Both substitute parts provide functional equivalence to the ECS-F1CE686 with active product status and improved specifications.

T350K686K016AS (KEMET): Maintains the exact 16 V voltage rating with tighter ±10% tolerance and extended operating temperature range to 125°C. ESR is specified at 1 Ohm. Physical dimensions are slightly larger (0.350" diameter, 0.532" height). RoHS non-compliant status matches the original part. This option provides direct voltage-class compatibility.

TAP686K020CCS (KYOCERA AVX): Offers 20 V voltage rating, providing additional voltage margin above the original 16 V specification. Tolerance is ±10% with lower ESR at 900 mOhm. Operating temperature extends to 125°C. Physical dimensions are larger (0.354" diameter, 0.630" height). This part is ROHS3 compliant and includes 1000 Hrs @ 85°C lifetime rating. This option provides enhanced reliability and regulatory compliance.

Selection between these substitutes depends on PCB layout constraints (physical size tolerance) and regulatory requirements (RoHS compliance necessity).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can T350K686K016AS directly replace ECS-F1CE686 without circuit modification?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical capacitance (68 µF), voltage rating (16 V), tolerance class (±10% is tighter than ±20%), and conformal coating type. Lead spacing is compatible (0.200" vs. 0.197"). Physical dimensions are slightly larger; verify PCB layout clearance.

Q: Is TAP686K020CCS suitable as a substitute despite the higher 20 V rating?

A: Yes. The 20 V rating is a superset of the 16 V requirement and does not degrade circuit performance. Higher voltage rating provides additional safety margin. Verify PCB layout accommodates the larger physical dimensions (0.630" height vs. 0.492" original).

Q: What is the significance of ESR differences between substitutes?

A: ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) affects ripple current handling and thermal performance. T350K686K016AS specifies 1 Ohm; TAP686K020CCS specifies 900 mOhm (lower). Lower ESR reduces heat generation in high-frequency or high-ripple-current applications. Both values are acceptable for general-purpose tantalum capacitor applications.

Q: Does RoHS compliance status affect substitution eligibility?

A: RoHS compliance is a regulatory and procurement requirement, not a functional parameter. TAP686K020CCS is ROHS3 compliant; T350K686K016AS and the original ECS-F1CE686 are non-compliant. Select based on end-product regulatory requirements.

Q: Are lead spacing differences critical?

A: Lead spacing is 0.197" (original), 0.200" (KEMET), and 0.197" (KYOCERA AVX). The 0.003" difference on the KEMET part is within typical PCB tolerance and does not prevent substitution. Verify specific PCB footprint requirements.

Q: What is the impact of operating temperature range extension to 125°C?

A: Both substitutes extend the upper operating limit from 105°C to 125°C. This provides additional thermal margin and is functionally beneficial. No circuit modification is required.