LGU2F181MELY Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The LGU2F181MELY is a 180 µF, 315 V aluminum electrolytic capacitor manufactured by Nichicon in the LGU series. This radial, can-style snap-in capacitor is rated for 3000 hours at 105°C and operates across the temperature range of -25°C to 105°C. The part is currently active in production and ROHS3 compliant. Equivalent and substitute parts are identified when design requirements allow for variations in physical dimensions, voltage ratings, or manufacturer selection while maintaining core electrical performance for general-purpose applications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Capacitance	180 µF
Voltage Rating	315 V
Tolerance	±20%
Lifetime @ Temperature	3000 Hrs @ 105°C
Operating Temperature Range	-25°C ~ 105°C
Polarization	Polar
Package Type	Radial, Can - Snap-In
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Lead Spacing	0.394" (10.00 mm)
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the LGU2F181MELY is determined by the following critical parameters:

Capacitance Value: 180 µF (exact match required)
Voltage Rating: 315 V minimum (equal or higher voltage ratings are acceptable)
Tolerance: ±20% (standard tolerance for aluminum electrolytic capacitors)
Package Type: Radial, Can - Snap-In (mechanical compatibility)
Lead Spacing: 0.394" (10.00 mm) (PCB footprint compatibility)
Mounting Type: Through Hole (assembly process compatibility)
Lifetime Rating: 3000 Hrs @ 105°C (thermal performance requirement)
Polarization: Polar (electrical polarity requirement)

Substitutes are grouped into two categories:

Direct Equivalent (Same Manufacturer): LGU2F181MELA maintains identical electrical specifications with minor variations in physical dimensions and ripple current characteristics.
Upgrade Substitute (Higher Voltage Rating): 400MXG180MEFCSN20X40 provides the same capacitance and lifetime rating with an elevated 400 V voltage rating, suitable for applications requiring higher voltage margin or operating in higher-voltage circuits.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	LGU2F181MELY (Main)	LGU2F181MELA (Equivalent)	400MXG180MEFCSN20X40 (Upgrade)
Manufacturer	Nichicon	Nichicon	Rubycon
Series	LGU	LGU	MXG
Capacitance	180 µF	180 µF	180 µF
Voltage Rating	315 V	315 V	400 V
Tolerance	±20%	±20%	±20%
Lifetime @ Temperature	3000 Hrs @ 105°C	3000 Hrs @ 105°C	3000 Hrs @ 105°C
Operating Temperature	-25°C ~ 105°C	-25°C ~ 105°C	-25°C ~ 105°C
Polarization	Polar	Polar	Polar
Package Type	Radial, Can - Snap-In	Radial, Can - Snap-In	Radial, Can - Snap-In
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Lead Spacing	0.394" (10.00 mm)	0.394" (10.00 mm)	0.394" (10.00 mm)
Size / Dimension	0.787" Dia (20.00 mm)	0.984" Dia (25.00 mm)	0.787" Dia (20.00 mm)
Height - Seated (Max)	1.654" (42.00 mm)	1.063" (27.00 mm)	1.654" (42.00 mm)
Ripple Current @ 120 Hz	900 mA	920 mA	1.23 A
Ripple Current @ High Frequency	1.287 A @ 50 kHz	1.3156 A @ 50 kHz	1.722 A @ 10 kHz
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
Product Status	Active	Active	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

LGU2F181MELA (Nichicon Equivalent)

This part is a direct equivalent from the same manufacturer with identical electrical specifications. Selection is appropriate when:

PCB layout accommodates the larger 0.984" (25.00 mm) diameter and reduced 1.063" (27.00 mm) height
Nichicon component sourcing is preferred for supply chain consistency
Ripple current performance of 920 mA @ 120 Hz meets application requirements

400MXG180MEFCSN20X40 (Rubycon Upgrade)

This part provides an elevated 400 V voltage rating while maintaining the same 180 µF capacitance and 3000-hour lifetime rating. Selection is appropriate when:

Circuit design operates at voltages approaching or exceeding 315 V, requiring additional voltage margin
Physical dimensions match PCB layout (0.787" diameter, 1.654" height identical to main part)
Rubycon component sourcing is acceptable
Higher ripple current capability (1.23 A @ 120 Hz, 1.722 A @ 10 kHz) benefits the application
All parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and active production status

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can LGU2F181MELA be used as a direct replacement for LGU2F181MELY?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical capacitance (180 µF), voltage rating (315 V), tolerance (±20%), lifetime (3000 Hrs @ 105°C), and lead spacing (10.00 mm). The primary differences are physical dimensions and ripple current characteristics. Verify PCB layout accommodates the 0.984" diameter and 1.063" height of the LGU2F181MELA before substitution.

Q: When should 400MXG180MEFCSN20X40 be selected over the main part?

A: Select the 400MXG180MEFCSN20X40 when the circuit operates at higher voltages or when additional voltage margin is required. The 400 V rating provides 85 V additional headroom compared to the 315 V main part. Physical dimensions remain compatible with the main part's footprint.

Q: Are all three parts mechanically compatible with the same PCB footprint?

A: Lead spacing is identical at 0.394" (10.00 mm) for all three parts, ensuring PCB footprint compatibility. However, the LGU2F181MELA has different body dimensions (0.984" diameter, 1.063" height) compared to the main part and upgrade substitute (both 0.787" diameter, 1.654" height). Verify available PCB space before selection.

Q: Do all substitute parts meet the same compliance requirements?

A: Yes. All three parts are ROHS3 compliant, REACH unaffected, and classified as EAR99 for export control purposes. All parts are currently in active production status.

Q: What is the difference in ripple current handling between these parts?

A: The LGU2F181MELY handles 900 mA @ 120 Hz and 1.287 A @ 50 kHz. The LGU2F181MELA provides slightly higher ripple current at 920 mA @ 120 Hz and 1.3156 A @ 50 kHz. The 400MXG180MEFCSN20X40 offers the highest ripple current capability at 1.23 A @ 120 Hz and 1.722 A @ 10 kHz. Select based on application ripple current requirements.

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