LGJ2E331MELC Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Nichicon LGJ2E331MELC is a 330 µF, 250 V aluminum electrolytic capacitor in radial, can snap-in package format, rated for 3000 hours at 105°C. This component is classified as Active product status and is designed for general-purpose applications requiring stable capacitance and ripple current handling in through-hole mounting configurations. Equivalent and substitute parts are identified based on matching electrical specifications (capacitance, voltage rating, tolerance, lifetime rating) and mechanical compatibility (lead spacing, mounting type, package format) to ensure direct functional replacement in circuit designs.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Capacitance	330 µF
Voltage Rating	250 V
Tolerance	±20%
Lifetime @ Temperature	3000 Hrs @ 105°C
Operating Temperature Range	-40°C ~ 105°C
Polarization	Polar
Lead Spacing	0.394" (10.00mm)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	Radial, Can - Snap-In
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the LGJ2E331MELC is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Criteria:

Capacitance: 330 µF (exact match required)
Voltage Rating: 250 V (exact match required)
Tolerance: ±20% (exact match required)
Lead Spacing: 0.394" (10.00mm) (exact match required)
Mounting Type: Through Hole (exact match required)
Package Format: Radial, Can - Snap-In (exact match required)
Polarization: Polar (exact match required)

Allowable Variation Parameters:

Physical dimensions (diameter and height) may vary within PCB layout constraints
Ripple current ratings may vary (higher ratings are acceptable)
Lifetime rating at 105°C may vary (equal or higher ratings are acceptable)
Series designation and manufacturer may differ

All substitute parts listed below meet these mandatory criteria and are confirmed as direct functional replacements.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Series	Capacitance	Voltage	Tolerance	Lifetime @ 105°C	Size Dia (mm)	Height (mm)	Ripple Current @ 120 Hz	Ripple Current @ 50 kHz	Inventory
LGJ2E331MELC	Nichicon	LGJ	330 µF	250 V	±20%	3000 Hrs	35.00	22.00	1.16 A	1.74 A	642 Pcs
LGN2E331MELA25	Nichicon	LGN	330 µF	250 V	±20%	3000 Hrs	25.00	27.00	1.2 A	1.8 A	1650 Pcs
LGN2E331MELY35	Nichicon	LGN	330 µF	250 V	±20%	3000 Hrs	20.00	37.00	1.2 A	1.8 A	1063 Pcs
LGN2E331MELZ30	Nichicon	LGN	330 µF	250 V	±20%	3000 Hrs	22.00	32.00	1.2 A	1.8 A	700 Pcs
LGU2E331MELA	Nichicon	LGU	330 µF	250 V	±20%	3000 Hrs	25.00	30.00	1.3 A	1.95 A	2227 Pcs
LGU2E331MELB	Nichicon	LGU	330 µF	250 V	±20%	3000 Hrs	30.00	25.00	1.3 A	1.95 A	1294 Pcs
LGU2E331MELY	Nichicon	LGU	330 µF	250 V	±20%	3000 Hrs	20.00	40.00	1.2 A	1.8 A	1025 Pcs
LGU2E331MELZ	Nichicon	LGU	330 µF	250 V	±20%	3000 Hrs	22.00	40.00	1.3 A	1.95 A	904 Pcs
LGW2E331MELA25	Nichicon	LGW	330 µF	250 V	±20%	3000 Hrs	25.00	25.00	1.8 A	2.7 A	1236 Pcs
LGW2E331MELZ30	Nichicon	LGW	330 µF	250 V	±20%	3000 Hrs	22.00	30.00	1.8 A	2.7 A	1121 Pcs
381LQ331M250H022	Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE)	381LQ	330 µF	250 V	±20%	2000 Hrs	22.00	32.00	1.2 A	1.68 A	85738 Pcs

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All listed substitute parts maintain Active product status and ROHS3 compliance, ensuring regulatory alignment with the original LGJ2E331MELC specification. Selection among equivalent parts should be based on:

Physical Fit Constraints: Verify PCB layout accommodates the dimensional variations listed in the parameter comparison table. The LGJ2E331MELC features a 35.00 mm diameter with 22.00 mm height; substitute parts range from 20.00 mm to 30.00 mm diameter and 25.00 mm to 40.00 mm height.

Ripple Current Requirements: The LGJ2E331MELC is rated for 1.16 A at 120 Hz and 1.74 A at 50 kHz. Nichicon LGU and LGW series parts provide higher ripple current ratings (1.3–1.8 A at 120 Hz; 1.8–2.7 A at 50 kHz), suitable for applications requiring enhanced thermal performance. Nichicon LGN series and CDE 381LQ series provide equivalent or slightly lower ripple current ratings.

Lifetime Considerations: Nichicon LGJ, LGN, LGU, and LGW series all maintain 3000 hours at 105°C. The CDE 381LQ series provides 2000 hours at 105°C, representing a reduced lifetime rating. This difference is material for long-term reliability applications.

Manufacturer Continuity: Nichicon-to-Nichicon substitution (LGJ to LGN, LGU, or LGW) maintains supply chain consistency. Cross-manufacturer substitution to CDE 381LQ331M250H022 is electrically valid but introduces manufacturing process variation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I substitute LGJ2E331MELC with any of the listed parts without PCB modification?

A: Electrical substitution is valid for all listed parts. However, physical fit must be verified. The LGJ2E331MELC has a 35.00 mm diameter; most substitutes are smaller (20–30 mm diameter). If the PCB footprint is designed for the larger LGJ case, smaller-diameter substitutes may require mechanical verification or PCB layout adjustment. Lead spacing (10.00 mm) is identical across all parts, so through-hole mounting compatibility is maintained.

Q: What is the difference between Nichicon LGN, LGU, and LGW series?

A: All three series meet the mandatory electrical specifications (330 µF, 250 V, ±20%, 3000 Hrs @ 105°C). The primary differences are ripple current ratings and physical dimensions. LGW series provides the highest ripple current (1.8–2.7 A), LGU series provides intermediate ratings (1.2–1.3 A), and LGN series provides the lowest (1.2 A). Selection depends on circuit ripple current requirements and available PCB space.

Q: Why does the CDE 381LQ331M250H022 have a lower lifetime rating (2000 Hrs vs. 3000 Hrs)?

A: The CDE 381LQ series is rated for 2000 hours at 105°C, compared to 3000 hours for Nichicon parts. This represents a different design specification from the manufacturer. For applications requiring extended operational life at elevated temperatures, Nichicon equivalents are preferred. The CDE part remains electrically compatible but with reduced long-term reliability margin.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts carry ROHS3 Compliant certification, matching the original LGJ2E331MELC specification. REACH status is Unaffected for all parts.

Q: Can I use a substitute with higher ripple current rating in place of the LGJ2E331MELC?

A: Yes. Higher ripple current ratings indicate enhanced thermal performance and are directly compatible. The LGJ2E331MELC is rated for 1.16 A at 120 Hz; substitutes rated for 1.2–1.8 A at 120 Hz provide equal or superior performance in this parameter.

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