Nichicon LGU2C681MELY 680µF 160V Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Nichicon LGU2C681MELY is a 680µF, 160V aluminum electrolytic capacitor in radial, can snap-in package configuration. This component is designed for general-purpose applications requiring stable capacitance performance across extended operating temperatures from -40°C to 105°C. The part maintains active product status with 3000-hour lifetime rating at 105°C and is ROHS3 compliant. Equivalent and substitute parts are identified based on matching electrical specifications (capacitance, voltage rating, tolerance) and mechanical compatibility (lead spacing, mounting type, package style) while accounting for variations in physical dimensions and thermal performance characteristics.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Capacitance	680 µF
Voltage Rating	160 V
Tolerance	±20%
Operating Temperature Range	-40°C to 105°C
Polarization	Polar
Lead Spacing	0.394" (10.00mm)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package Type	Radial, Can - Snap-In
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the LGU2C681MELY is determined by strict adherence to the following core parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

Capacitance: 680 µF (exact match required)
Voltage Rating: 160 V minimum (equal or higher acceptable)
Tolerance: ±20% (as specified)
Lead Spacing: 0.394" (10.00mm) (exact match required for PCB compatibility)
Mounting Type: Through Hole (exact match required)
Package Type: Radial, Can - Snap-In (exact match required)
Polarization: Polar (exact match required)

Variable Parameters Allowing Substitution:

Physical dimensions (diameter and height) - variation permitted within mechanical envelope constraints
Lifetime rating at 105°C - variation permitted (2000 Hrs or 3000 Hrs)
Ripple current specifications - variation permitted within application requirements
Manufacturer series designation - variation permitted (LGU, LGG, LGN series)

All identified substitute parts maintain identical electrical specifications and lead spacing while differing in physical form factor and thermal performance characteristics.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Series	Capacitance	Voltage	Tolerance	Lifetime @ 105°C	Diameter	Height (Max)	Lead Spacing	Ripple Current @ 120Hz	Ripple Current @ 50kHz
LGU2C681MELY	Nichicon	LGU	680 µF	160 V	±20%	3000 Hrs	0.787" (20.00mm)	1.772" (45.00mm)	0.394" (10.00mm)	1.7 A	2.55 A
LGG2C681MELZ30	Nichicon	LGG	680 µF	160 V	±20%	2000 Hrs	0.866" (22.00mm)	1.260" (32.00mm)	0.394" (10.00mm)	1.5 A	2.25 A
LGN2C681MELA25	Nichicon	LGN	680 µF	160 V	±20%	3000 Hrs	0.984" (25.00mm)	1.063" (27.00mm)	0.394" (10.00mm)	1.7 A	2.55 A
LGN2C681MELZ35	Nichicon	LGN	680 µF	160 V	±20%	3000 Hrs	0.866" (22.00mm)	1.457" (37.00mm)	0.394" (10.00mm)	1.7 A	2.55 A
LGU2C681MELB	Nichicon	LGU	680 µF	160 V	±20%	3000 Hrs	1.181" (30.00mm)	0.984" (25.00mm)	0.394" (10.00mm)	1.82 A	2.73 A
LGU2C681MELZ	Nichicon	LGU	680 µF	160 V	±20%	3000 Hrs	0.866" (22.00mm)	1.575" (40.00mm)	0.394" (10.00mm)	1.82 A	2.73 A
LGU2Z681MELZ	Nichicon	LGU	680 µF	180 V	±20%	3000 Hrs	0.866" (22.00mm)	1.772" (45.00mm)	0.394" (10.00mm)	1.78 A	2.67 A

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All identified substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and active product status consistent with the LGU2C681MELY. Selection among equivalent parts is determined by mechanical envelope constraints and thermal performance requirements specific to the application circuit.

For applications with standard space allocation: LGU2C681MELB and LGU2C681MELZ provide identical electrical performance with 3000-hour lifetime rating. LGU2C681MELB offers compact height (0.984") with larger diameter (1.181"), while LGU2C681MELZ maintains smaller diameter (0.866") with extended height (1.575").

For applications with restricted vertical clearance: LGN2C681MELA25 provides the lowest profile height (1.063") while maintaining 3000-hour thermal rating and full ripple current capacity (1.7 A @ 120 Hz, 2.55 A @ 50 kHz).

For applications with restricted horizontal space: LGN2C681MELZ35 and LGU2C681MELZ both feature 0.866" diameter with varying heights (1.457" and 1.575" respectively), both rated for 3000 hours at 105°C.

For applications with extended thermal cycling requirements: LGG2C681MELZ30 is functionally equivalent with reduced lifetime rating (2000 hours at 105°C). This part is suitable only where thermal stress is lower than standard industrial applications.

For applications requiring voltage margin: LGU2Z681MELZ provides 180V rating with identical 680µF capacitance and 3000-hour lifetime, accommodating higher supply voltage transients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can LGG2C681MELZ30 be used as a direct replacement for LGU2C681MELY?

A: LGG2C681MELZ30 is electrically equivalent (680µF, 160V, ±20% tolerance) and mechanically compatible (10mm lead spacing, through-hole radial snap-in package). The primary difference is reduced lifetime rating (2000 hours versus 3000 hours at 105°C). Substitution is valid only if the application does not require extended thermal endurance at elevated temperatures.

Q: What is the significance of physical dimension variations among substitute parts?

A: Physical dimensions (diameter and height) determine mechanical fit within the PCB layout and available board space. All substitute parts maintain identical 10mm lead spacing for PCB hole compatibility. Selection must verify that the substitute part's diameter and height fit within the mechanical envelope of the original design. Larger diameter parts require wider PCB spacing; taller parts require greater vertical clearance.

Q: Is LGU2Z681MELZ (180V rating) interchangeable with LGU2C681MELY (160V rating)?

A: LGU2Z681MELZ is electrically compatible with identical capacitance (680µF) and tolerance (±20%). The 180V rating exceeds the 160V requirement, providing additional voltage margin. This part is suitable for direct substitution in applications where the higher voltage rating does not create design conflicts. Lead spacing (10mm) and package type (radial snap-in) are identical.

Q: How do ripple current specifications affect part selection?

A: Ripple current ratings indicate the maximum AC current the capacitor can safely handle at specified frequencies. LGU2C681MELB and LGU2C681MELZ provide higher ripple current capacity (1.82 A @ 120 Hz, 2.73 A @ 50 kHz) compared to the original LGU2C681MELY (1.7 A @ 120 Hz, 2.55 A @ 50 kHz). Selection must verify that the substitute part's ripple current rating meets or exceeds the application requirement.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: All identified substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance status consistent with the original LGU2C681MELY. Compliance certification is uniform across the Nichicon LGU, LGG, and LGN series for this capacitance and voltage rating.

Q: What is the practical difference between 3000-hour and 2000-hour lifetime ratings?

A: Lifetime rating indicates the expected operational duration at maximum rated temperature (105°C) before capacitance degradation exceeds specified tolerance limits. A 3000-hour rating provides extended service life under continuous thermal stress. The 2000-hour rating (LGG2C681MELZ30) is suitable for applications with moderate thermal cycling or lower ambient temperatures where the capacitor does not operate continuously at 105°C.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message