LAQ2G331MELB45 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The LAQ2G331MELB45 is a 330 µF, 400 V aluminum electrolytic capacitor manufactured by Nichicon in the LAQ series. This radial, can-style snap-in capacitor is rated for 2000 hours at 105°C and is designed for general-purpose applications. The part is currently active in production. Equivalent and substitute parts are necessary when the primary part is unavailable, when extended lifetime requirements are needed, or when voltage margin improvements are required for circuit reliability.

Substiute Parts

LAQ2G331MELB45
NichiconIn Stock: 273855LAQ2G331MELB45 Datasheet
LAQ2G331MELB45
Current Part
LGW2G331MELB40
NichiconIn Stock: 273838LGW2G331MELB40 Datasheet
LGW2G331MELB40
Direct
LKX2W331MESB45
NichiconIn Stock: 1000289LKX2W331MESB45 Datasheet
LKX2W331MESB45
Upgrade
381LR331M400K042
Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE)In Stock: 2240381LR331M400K042 Datasheet
381LR331M400K042
Direct
381LX331M400K452
Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE)In Stock: 909381LX331M400K452 Datasheet
381LX331M400K452
Direct
B43504A9337M000
EPCOS - TDK ElectronicsIn Stock: 134235B43504A9337M000 Datasheet
B43504A9337M000
Direct

Key Parameters

Parameter Value
Capacitance 330 µF
Voltage Rating 400 V
Tolerance ±20%
Lifetime @ 105°C 2000 Hrs
Operating Temperature Range -25°C ~ 105°C
Polarization Polar
Lead Spacing 0.394" (10.00 mm)
Case Diameter 1.181" (30.00 mm)
Mounting Type Through Hole
Package Type Radial, Can - Snap-In
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the LAQ2G331MELB45 is determined by the following critical parameters:

  • Capacitance Value: Must be 330 µF (no tolerance variation acceptable for direct substitution)
  • Voltage Rating: Minimum 400 V (equal or higher voltage ratings are acceptable)
  • Tolerance: ±20% (matching tolerance specification)
  • Polarization: Polar (required for electrolytic capacitor function)
  • Lead Spacing: 0.394" (10.00 mm) (mechanical fit requirement)
  • Case Diameter: 1.181" (30.00 mm) (physical envelope constraint)
  • Mounting Type: Through Hole (PCB assembly compatibility)
  • Package Type: Radial, Can - Snap-In (form factor requirement)

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Direct Equivalents maintain all electrical and mechanical parameters identical to the main part, differing only in manufacturer or series designation.

Upgrade Substitutes provide higher voltage ratings (450 V or 475 V) while maintaining all other critical parameters, offering improved voltage margin for applications requiring additional safety headroom.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number Manufacturer Series Capacitance Voltage Tolerance Lifetime @ 105°C Height (Max) Product Status RoHS Status
LAQ2G331MELB45 Nichicon LAQ 330 µF 400 V ±20% 2000 Hrs 1.850" (47.00 mm) Active ROHS3 Compliant
LGW2G331MELB40 Nichicon LGW 330 µF 400 V ±20% 3000 Hrs 1.575" (40.00 mm) Active ROHS3 Compliant
LKX2W331MESB45 Nichicon LKX 330 µF 450 V ±20% 2000 Hrs 1.850" (47.00 mm) Active ROHS3 Compliant
381LR331M400K042 Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE) 381LR 330 µF 400 V ±20% 3000 Hrs 1.654" (42.00 mm) Active ROHS3 Compliant
381LX331M400K452 Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE) 381LX 330 µF 400 V ±20% 3000 Hrs 1.850" (47.00 mm) Active ROHS3 Compliant
400MXH330MEFCSN30X30 Rubycon MXH 330 µF 400 V ±20% 2000 Hrs 1.260" (32.00 mm) Active ROHS3 Compliant
B43504A9337M000 EPCOS - TDK Electronics B43504 330 µF 400 V ±20% 3000 Hrs 1.850" (47.00 mm) Not For New Designs ROHS3 Compliant
475MXH330MEFCSN30X45 Rubycon MXH 330 µF 475 V ±20% 2000 Hrs 1.850" (47.00 mm) Active ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Same Electrical Performance)

LGW2G331MELB40, 381LR331M400K042, 381LX331M400K452, and 400MXH330MEFCSN30X30 are direct electrical equivalents. All are active products with ROHS3 compliance. The LGW2G331MELB40 and 381LR331M400K042 offer extended lifetime (3000 hours at 105°C) compared to the original 2000-hour rating. The 400MXH330MEFCSN30X30 has a reduced height (1.260 inches) and may be preferred for space-constrained applications.

For Voltage Margin Improvement

LKX2W331MESB45 (450 V) and 475MXH330MEFCSN30X45 (475 V) provide higher voltage ratings while maintaining identical capacitance and tolerance. These are suitable for applications requiring additional voltage safety margin. Both are active products with ROHS3 compliance.

Not Recommended for New Designs

B43504A9337M000 carries a "Not For New Designs" status and should be avoided for new circuit development, despite its extended 3000-hour lifetime rating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a higher voltage-rated capacitor as a substitute?

A: Yes. Capacitors rated at 450 V or 475 V are direct substitutes for the 400 V LAQ2G331MELB45. Higher voltage ratings provide improved voltage margin and do not affect circuit operation. All other electrical parameters remain compatible.

Q: Does the physical height difference matter?

A: Physical height differences must be evaluated against PCB layout constraints. The 400MXH330MEFCSN30X30 (1.260" height) is significantly shorter than the original (1.850" height) and may not fit in applications with height restrictions. Verify clearance before selection.

Q: What is the significance of lifetime rating differences?

A: Lifetime rating indicates hours of operation at maximum rated temperature (105°C). Extended lifetime ratings (3000 hours versus 2000 hours) provide longer service life in high-temperature environments. Selection depends on application thermal profile and required operational duration.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: All listed substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant. B43504A9337M000 is compliant but carries "Not For New Designs" status and should not be selected for new applications.

Q: Can I interchange parts with different manufacturers?

A: Yes, provided all critical parameters match: capacitance (330 µF), voltage rating (400 V minimum), tolerance (±20%), lead spacing (10.00 mm), case diameter (30.00 mm), and package type (Radial, Can - Snap-In). All listed substitutes meet these requirements and are electrically and mechanically compatible.

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