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LGU2G181MELZ Equivalent & Substitute Parts
Part Overview
The LGU2G181MELZ is a 180 µF, 400 V aluminum electrolytic capacitor in radial, can snap-in package manufactured by Nichicon. This component is rated for 3000 hours at 105°C and is designed for general-purpose applications requiring high-voltage energy storage and filtering. The part is Active status and ROHS3 compliant.
Equivalent and substitute parts are necessary when the primary part is unavailable, when design requirements permit relaxed specifications, or when alternative form factors better suit mechanical constraints. Substitution must maintain electrical compatibility within the allowed parameter tolerances.
Substiute Parts
Key Parameters
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Capacitance | 180 | µF |
| Tolerance | ±20% | — |
| Voltage - Rated | 400 | V |
| Lifetime @ Temperature | 3000 Hrs @ 105°C | — |
| Operating Temperature Range | -25°C ~ 105°C | — |
| Ripple Current @ 120 Hz | 980 | mA |
| Ripple Current @ 50 kHz | 1.4014 | A |
| Lead Spacing | 10.00 | mm |
| Package / Case | Radial, Can - Snap-In | — |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole | — |
| RoHS Status | ROHS3 Compliant | — |
Substitute Part Grouping Explanation
Substitution of the LGU2G181MELZ is determined by the following critical parameters:
Electrical Compatibility Requirements:
- Capacitance: 180 µF (fixed requirement)
- Tolerance: ±20% (fixed requirement)
- Voltage Rating: 400 V minimum (equal or higher voltage rating is acceptable)
- Operating Temperature: -25°C ~ 105°C (must match or exceed)
- Polarization: Polar (fixed requirement)
Mechanical Compatibility Requirements:
- Package Type: Radial, Can - Snap-In (fixed requirement)
- Mounting Type: Through Hole (fixed requirement)
- Lead Spacing: 10.00 mm (fixed requirement)
- Physical Dimensions: Height and diameter may vary within mechanical constraints
Performance Considerations:
- Lifetime @ 105°C: 2000 Hrs or higher acceptable
- Ripple Current: Must meet or exceed application requirements
Substitutes are grouped into three categories:
Direct Substitutes (Same Electrical & Mechanical Specs): Parts with identical capacitance, voltage, tolerance, lead spacing, and package type. Height and diameter may differ if mechanical space permits.
Upgrade Substitutes (Enhanced Voltage Rating): Parts with higher voltage rating (420 V vs. 400 V) and equivalent or superior lifetime ratings. These provide additional safety margin in high-voltage applications.
Similar Substitutes (Relaxed Lifetime or Form Factor): Parts with identical electrical specifications but reduced lifetime (2000 Hrs vs. 3000 Hrs) or different physical dimensions. These are suitable when application duty cycle permits lower lifetime ratings or when mechanical constraints allow alternative form factors.
Parameter Comparison
| Part Number | Manufacturer | Capacitance (µF) | Voltage (V) | Tolerance | Lifetime @ 105°C | Lead Spacing (mm) | Height (mm) | Diameter (mm) | Ripple Current @ 120 Hz (mA) | Ripple Current @ 50 kHz (A) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LGU2G181MELZ | Nichicon | 180 | 400 | ±20% | 3000 Hrs | 10.00 | 45.00 | 22.00 | 980 | 1.4014 |
| LAR2G181MELZ35 | Nichicon | 180 | 400 | ±20% | 2000 Hrs | 10.00 | 35.00 | 22.00 | 950 | 1.3585 |
| LGNW6181MELZ40 | Nichicon | 180 | 420 | ±20% | 3000 Hrs | 10.00 | 42.00 | 22.00 | 910 | 1.3013 |
| LAR2G181MELB25 | Nichicon | 180 | 400 | ±20% | 2000 Hrs | 10.00 | 25.00 | 30.00 | 950 | 1.3585 |
| LGG2G181MELA25 | Nichicon | 180 | 400 | ±20% | 2000 Hrs | 10.00 | 27.00 | 25.00 | 730 | 1.0439 |
| LGG2G181MELZ30 | Nichicon | 180 | 400 | ±20% | 2000 Hrs | 10.00 | 30.00 | 22.00 | 730 | 1.0439 |
| LGN2G181MELA30 | Nichicon | 180 | 400 | ±20% | 3000 Hrs | 10.00 | 32.00 | 25.00 | 950 | 1.3585 |
| LGU2G181MELA | Nichicon | 180 | 400 | ±20% | 3000 Hrs | 10.00 | 35.00 | 25.00 | 980 | 1.4014 |
| LGU2G181MELC | Nichicon | 180 | 400 | ±20% | 3000 Hrs | 10.00 | 25.00 | 35.00 | 980 | 1.4014 |
| LGUW6181MELA | Nichicon | 180 | 420 | ±20% | 3000 Hrs | 10.00 | 35.00 | 25.00 | 950 | 1.3585 |
| 381LR181M400J032 | Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE) | 180 | 400 | ±20% | 3000 Hrs | 10.00 | 37.00 | 25.00 | 1120 | 1.6 |
Engineering Selection Recommendations
Direct Substitution (Preferred): LGU2G181MELA and LGU2G181MELC are direct electrical equivalents with identical 3000-hour lifetime ratings and ripple current specifications. Both maintain the 10.00 mm lead spacing and 400 V rating. Selection between these and the primary part depends on available mechanical space, as height and diameter differ. All three are ROHS3 compliant and Active status.
Upgrade Substitution (Enhanced Voltage Margin): LGNW6181MELZ40 and LGUW6181MELA provide 420 V rating versus the primary part's 400 V, offering additional voltage safety margin. Both maintain 3000-hour lifetime and ROHS3 compliance. LGNW6181MELZ40 matches the primary part's 22.00 mm diameter but differs in height. LGUW6181MELA uses a 25.00 mm diameter. These are suitable when circuit design permits higher voltage components or when additional voltage headroom is beneficial.
Relaxed Lifetime Substitution (Cost or Space Optimization): LAR2G181MELZ35, LAR2G181MELB25, LGG2G181MELA25, and LGG2G181MELZ30 provide 2000-hour lifetime ratings. These are acceptable in applications where duty cycle and thermal conditions do not require extended lifetime. All maintain 400 V rating and ROHS3 compliance. Form factor variations allow selection based on mechanical constraints.
Cross-Manufacturer Alternative: 381LR181M400J032 from Cornell Dubilier Electronics provides equivalent electrical specifications with 3000-hour lifetime and superior ripple current handling (1.12 A @ 120 Hz, 1.6 A @ 20 kHz). This part is ROHS3 compliant and suitable for applications requiring higher ripple current capacity. Physical dimensions differ from the primary part.
All substitute parts are Active status and ROHS3 compliant, meeting current regulatory requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I substitute LGU2G181MELZ with a part rated for 2000 hours instead of 3000 hours?
A: Yes, if your application permits. The 2000-hour lifetime parts (LAR2G181MELZ35, LAR2G181MELB25, LGG2G181MELA25, LGG2G181MELZ30) are electrically equivalent at 180 µF, 400 V, ±20%. Substitution is valid when the circuit's thermal environment and duty cycle do not require the extended 3000-hour rating. Verify your application's expected operating temperature and ripple current conditions.
Q: What is the difference between the Nichicon LGU, LAR, LGG, and LGN series?
A: These series designations indicate different product lines within Nichicon's aluminum electrolytic capacitor portfolio. The LGU series offers 3000-hour lifetime at 105°C. The LAR and LGG series provide 2000-hour lifetime. The LGN series offers 3000-hour lifetime with different form factors. All maintain the same electrical specifications (180 µF, 400 V, ±20%) but differ in physical dimensions and ripple current ratings.
Q: Can I use LGNW6181MELZ40 (420 V) in place of LGU2G181MELZ (400 V)?
A: Yes. The 420 V rating provides additional voltage margin and is a direct upgrade. All other electrical parameters match: 180 µF capacitance, ±20% tolerance, 3000-hour lifetime, and equivalent ripple current performance. This substitution is suitable when mechanical space accommodates the different height (42.00 mm vs. 45.00 mm).
Q: Does the physical size difference between substitute parts affect compatibility?
A: Physical dimensions affect mechanical fit only. Electrical compatibility depends on capacitance, voltage, tolerance, lead spacing, and package type. All listed substitutes maintain 10.00 mm lead spacing and radial, can snap-in package. Verify that your PCB layout and mechanical enclosure accommodate the height and diameter of the selected substitute. Height ranges from 25.00 mm to 45.00 mm; diameter ranges from 22.00 mm to 35.00 mm across the substitute list.
Q: Is the Cornell Dubilier 381LR181M400J032 a suitable substitute?
A: Yes. This part matches all critical electrical parameters: 180 µF, 400 V, ±20% tolerance, 3000-hour lifetime, and 10.00 mm lead spacing. It offers superior ripple current capacity (1.12 A @ 120 Hz vs. 980 mA for the primary part). Physical dimensions differ (25.00 mm diameter, 37.00 mm height). This part is ROHS3 compliant and suitable for applications requiring higher ripple current handling or cross-manufacturer sourcing.
Q: What does "Ripple Current" mean in the context of capacitor substitution?
A: Ripple current is the AC current the capacitor can safely handle at specified frequencies without exceeding temperature limits. Higher ripple current ratings indicate better performance in high-frequency switching or AC-rich environments. When substituting, ensure the replacement part's ripple current meets or exceeds your application's requirements. The primary part handles 980 mA @ 120 Hz and 1.4014 A @ 50 kHz; most substitutes meet or approach these values.
Q: Are all listed parts ROHS3 compliant?
A: Yes. All substitute parts listed are ROHS3 compliant, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements for electronic components.
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