M20R103K5 Cornell Dubilier Electronics Ceramic Radial Capacitor - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The M20R103K5 is a 10000 pF (10 nF) ceramic radial capacitor manufactured by Cornell Dubilier Electronics, rated at 50V with X7R temperature coefficient characteristics. This part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and production requirements. The X7R temperature coefficient provides stable capacitance across the operating temperature range of -55°C to 125°C, suitable for general-purpose applications requiring reliable performance in through-hole configurations.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	M20R103K5
Manufacturer	Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE)
Capacitance	10000 pF (10 nF)
Tolerance	±10%
Voltage Rating	50V
Temperature Coefficient	X7R
Operating Temperature Range	-55°C to 125°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package/Case	Radial
Lead Spacing	0.100" (2.54 mm)
Product Status	Obsolete
RoHS Compliance	Non-compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the M20R103K5 is determined by electrical and mechanical compatibility across four key parameters:

Capacitance: All substitutes must be rated at 10000 pF to maintain circuit functionality.
Voltage Rating: Substitute parts must meet or exceed 50V to ensure safe operation in the target circuit.
Temperature Coefficient: Substitutes may use either X7R (matching the original) or C0G/NP0 (superior stability and tighter tolerance).
Mounting Type and Lead Spacing: All substitutes use through-hole radial configuration with 0.100" (2.54 mm) lead spacing to ensure mechanical fit.

Substitute parts are categorized into two groups: Direct substitutes (equivalent electrical and mechanical specifications) and upgrade substitutes (improved performance characteristics such as tighter tolerance, higher voltage rating, or better temperature coefficient stability while maintaining compatibility).

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	M20R103K5 (Original)	K103K15X7RF55L2 (Vishay)	MR045C103KAA (KYOCERA AVX)	C315C103F5G5TA (KEMET - Upgrade)	C315C103J5R5TA (KEMET - Upgrade)
Capacitance	10000 pF	10000 pF	10000 pF	10000 pF	10000 pF
Tolerance	±10%	±10%	±10%	±1%	±5%
Voltage Rating	50V	50V	50V	50V	50V
Temperature Coefficient	X7R	X7R	X7R	C0G/NP0	X7R
Operating Temperature	-55°C to 125°C	-55°C to 125°C	-55°C to 125°C	-55°C to 125°C	-55°C to 125°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Package/Case	Radial	Radial	Radial	Radial	Radial
Lead Spacing	0.100" (2.54 mm)	0.098" (2.50 mm)	0.100" (2.54 mm)	0.100" (2.54 mm)	0.100" (2.54 mm)
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active
RoHS Compliance	Non-compliant	Non-compliant	Non-compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Substitutes (Equivalent Specifications):

K103K15X7RF55L2 (Vishay Beyschlag): Active product with identical electrical specifications (10000 pF, ±10%, 50V, X7R). Maintains RoHS non-compliance status matching the original. Lead spacing of 0.098" (2.50 mm) differs slightly from the 0.100" nominal specification but falls within standard PCB tolerance ranges for radial through-hole components. Inventory availability: 1026 pcs.
MR045C103KAA (KYOCERA AVX): Active product with matching electrical specifications (10000 pF, ±10%, 50V, X7R). REACH Affected status differs from the original. Physical dimensions and lead spacing (0.100") are compatible with the original design. Inventory availability: 666 pcs.

Upgrade Substitutes (Improved Performance):

KEMET GoldMax 300 Comm series parts (C315C base number) offer enhanced specifications suitable for designs requiring improved performance characteristics:

C315C103F5G5TA: 10000 pF, ±1% tolerance, 50V, C0G/NP0 temperature coefficient. Tighter tolerance and superior temperature stability compared to X7R. ROHS3 compliant. Recommended for applications requiring improved capacitance accuracy and stable performance across temperature extremes. Inventory availability: 639 pcs.
C315C103J5R5TA: 10000 pF, ±5% tolerance, 50V, X7R temperature coefficient. Maintains the X7R characteristic of the original while providing active product status and ROHS3 compliance. Highest inventory availability (12014 pcs) ensures supply continuity. Physically compatible dimensions (0.150" L × 0.100" W, 0.100" lead spacing).
C315C103F1G5TA and C315C103G1G5TA: 100V rated upgrade options with C0G/NP0 temperature coefficient and ROHS3 compliance. Suitable for applications where design margin or future design modifications may require higher voltage rating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can K103K15X7RF55L2 be used directly if the lead spacing is 0.098" instead of 0.100"?

A: The 0.002" (0.05 mm) difference in lead spacing is within standard through-hole PCB tolerance specifications. The part is mechanically compatible with boards designed for 0.100" lead spacing on radial capacitors. Lead holes accommodate this minor variance without functional impact.

Q: What is the primary difference between X7R and C0G/NP0 temperature coefficients?

A: X7R provides ±15% capacitance change over the full -55°C to 125°C operating range. C0G/NP0 provides superior stability with 0% temperature coefficient, maintaining capacitance across temperature extremes. Both maintain the specified -55°C to 125°C operating range; C0G/NP0 is preferred for applications sensitive to capacitance drift with temperature variations.

Q: Why are some substitutes listed as "upgrades" if they cost more or are physically smaller?

A: Upgrade substitutes offer improved electrical performance (tighter tolerance, better temperature stability, or higher voltage rating) and regulatory compliance (ROHS3) compared to the obsolete M20R103K5. The C315C103F5G5TA provides ±1% tolerance versus the original ±10%, enabling more precise circuit tuning. Physical size reduction is a secondary benefit without functional impact on compatibility.

Q: Is the M20R103K5 RoHS non-compliance a concern when selecting substitutes?

A: New designs and production should use ROHS3-compliant alternatives such as KEMET C315C series parts. Existing legacy boards using the M20R103K5 may continue with non-compliant substitutes if regulatory constraints are not applicable. For new applications or manufacturers subject to RoHS directives, the C315C103F5G5TA or C315C103J5R5TA are recommended.

Q: Can the 100V-rated KEMET parts (C315C103F1G5TA, C315C103G1G5TA) be used in circuits designed for 50V capacitors?

A: Yes. A 100V-rated capacitor maintains safety margins in a 50V circuit and is electrically compatible. The higher voltage rating provides additional design margin and enables circuit protection against transient overvoltages. Capacitance and tolerance specifications remain identical to 50V-rated variants of the same series.

Q: What is the mechanical fit consideration for the MR045C103KAA, which has a smaller physical profile than the original?

A: The MR045C103KAA (4.83 mm length × 2.28 mm width, 5.08 mm height) is smaller than the M20R103K5 (5.08 mm length × 3.81 mm width, 8.12 mm height). The 0.100" (2.54 mm) lead spacing remains standard. The smaller footprint is mechanically compatible with original designs; boards with spacious layout clearance may use this part without modification. Verify board silkscreen or clearance requirements for tight layouts.

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