F971C156MCC Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The F971C156MCC is a 15 µF molded tantalum capacitor manufactured by KYOCERA AVX, rated for 16 V operation in a 2312 (6032 Metric) surface mount package. This component is classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent alternatives necessary for ongoing design support and procurement continuity. The part features automotive-grade reliability with AEC-Q200 certification and ROHS3 compliance.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Capacitance	15 µF
Tolerance	±20%
Voltage Rating	16 V
Type	Molded Tantalum
ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance)	1.2 Ohm
Operating Temperature Range	-55°C to 125°C
Package / Case	2312 (6032 Metric)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Physical Dimensions	0.236" L × 0.126" W (6.00 mm × 3.20 mm)
Height (Seated Max)	0.110" (2.80 mm)
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level	MSL 3 (168 Hours)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the F971C156MCC is determined by the following mandatory parameters:

Capacitance: 15 µF (exact match required)
Package / Case: 2312 (6032 Metric) (exact match required for PCB compatibility)
Mounting Type: Surface Mount (exact match required)
Physical Dimensions: 0.236" L × 0.126" W, Height 0.110" max (exact match required)
Voltage Rating: Minimum 16 V (equal or higher acceptable)
Tolerance: ±20% or tighter acceptable
ESR: 1.2 Ohm or lower acceptable
Operating Temperature: -55°C to 125°C minimum (extended range acceptable)
RoHS / Compliance: ROHS3 Compliant required

The identified substitute parts meet all mandatory parameters. Variations in voltage rating, tolerance, ESR, and temperature range represent improvements or equivalent performance characteristics suitable for direct replacement.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	F971C156MCC (Main)	T491C156M016AT	TH3C156K025D1200	TH3C156M025C1200
Manufacturer	KYOCERA AVX	KEMET	Vishay Sprague	Vishay Sprague
Capacitance	15 µF	15 µF	15 µF	15 µF
Tolerance	±20%	±20%	±10%	±20%
Voltage Rating	16 V	16 V	25 V	25 V
Type	Molded Tantalum	Molded Tantalum	Molded Tantalum	Molded Tantalum
ESR	1.2 Ohm	1.6 Ohm	1.2 Ohm	1.2 Ohm
Operating Temperature	-55°C to 125°C	-55°C to 125°C	-55°C to 150°C	-55°C to 150°C
Package / Case	2312 (6032 Metric)	2312 (6032 Metric)	2312 (6032 Metric)	2312 (6032 Metric)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Surface Mount
Physical Dimensions	0.236" L × 0.126" W	0.236" L × 0.126" W	0.236" L × 0.126" W	0.236" L × 0.126" W
Height (Seated Max)	0.110" (2.80 mm)	0.110" (2.80 mm)	0.110" (2.80 mm)	0.110" (2.80 mm)
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active
Automotive Rating	AEC-Q200	General Purpose	AEC-Q200	AEC-Q200

Engineering Selection Recommendations

T491C156M016AT (KEMET) provides a direct voltage and capacitance match with identical 16 V rating. This part maintains the same electrical specifications as the F971C156MCC with marginally higher ESR (1.6 Ohm vs. 1.2 Ohm). The part is active in production with ROHS3 compliance. MSL rating of 1 (Unlimited) offers improved moisture handling compared to the original MSL 3 specification. Suitable for applications where general-purpose tantalum capacitors meet design requirements.

TH3C156K025D1200 (Vishay Sprague) and TH3C156M025C1200 (Vishay Sprague) both feature elevated voltage ratings of 25 V, providing design margin above the original 16 V specification. Both parts carry AEC-Q200 automotive certification matching the original part's reliability designation. The TH3C156K025D1200 offers tighter tolerance (±10% vs. ±20%), while TH3C156M025C1200 maintains ±20% tolerance. Both feature extended operating temperature to 150°C and MSL 1 rating. These Vishay parts are suitable for automotive applications requiring maintained or enhanced reliability standards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can T491C156M016AT replace F971C156MCC in automotive applications?

A: T491C156M016AT matches the electrical specifications (15 µF, 16 V, ±20%, 2312 package) and maintains ROHS3 compliance. However, it is rated for general-purpose applications rather than automotive. If AEC-Q200 automotive certification is a design requirement, the Vishay TH3 series parts are preferred.

Q: What is the difference between the two Vishay substitute parts?

A: Both TH3C156K025D1200 and TH3C156M025C1200 are identical except for tolerance: the K-suffix part offers ±10% tolerance versus ±20% for the M-suffix part. Both feature 25 V rating, 1.2 Ohm ESR, AEC-Q200 certification, and -55°C to 150°C operating range. Selection depends on tolerance requirements for the application.

Q: Why do some substitutes have higher voltage ratings?

A: The TH3 series parts are rated for 25 V versus the original 16 V specification. Higher voltage ratings provide design margin and do not affect circuit operation when the applied voltage remains at or below 16 V. This is a beneficial characteristic for component reliability.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same package?

A: Yes. All substitute parts use the 2312 (6032 Metric) surface mount package with identical physical dimensions (0.236" L × 0.126" W, 0.110" height max) and are directly compatible with PCB layouts designed for the F971C156MCC.

Q: What is the significance of MSL rating differences?

A: The original F971C156MCC carries MSL 3 (168 Hours), requiring controlled moisture exposure during storage and handling. All substitute parts feature MSL 1 (Unlimited), eliminating moisture sensitivity constraints and simplifying supply chain management.

Q: Which substitute is the best choice for new designs?

A: For automotive applications, TH3C156M025C1200 or TH3C156K025D1200 are preferred due to AEC-Q200 certification and active production status. For general-purpose applications, T491C156M016AT provides a direct electrical match with improved moisture handling.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message