NLW15-16 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The NLW15-16 is a 15 µF, 16 V aluminum electrolytic capacitor in axial, can package manufactured by Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE). This component is classified as obsolete, making identification of suitable substitute parts essential for ongoing system support and procurement planning. The NLW series has been discontinued, necessitating evaluation of active alternative components that meet the electrical and mechanical requirements of the original application.

Substiute Parts

NLW15-16

Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE)In Stock: 961NLW15-16 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

226TMA025M

Cornell Dubilier / Illinois CapacitorIn Stock: 5525226TMA025M Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the NLW15-16 is based on the following electrical and mechanical compatibility criteria:

Electrical Parameters:

• Voltage rating must equal or exceed 16 V
• Capacitance value must be compatible with circuit design requirements
• ESR and ripple current ratings must support the intended application
• Operating temperature range must encompass -40°C to 105°C minimum
• Polarization must remain polar (aluminum electrolytic)

Mechanical Parameters:

• Package type must be axial, can configuration
• Mounting type must be through-hole
• Physical dimensions must be compatible with PCB layout constraints

Compliance Parameters:

• RoHS3 compliance required
• MSL rating of 1 (Unlimited) acceptable

The substitute part 226TMA025M meets these criteria with higher voltage rating (25 V), increased capacitance (22 µF), improved ESR characteristics (12.057 Ohm @ 120 Hz), and extended lifetime (2000 Hrs @ 105°C), while maintaining axial through-hole configuration and full regulatory compliance.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The 226TMA025M serves as a direct substitute for the obsolete NLW15-16 based on the following engineering factors:

Product Status Consideration: The NLW15-16 is obsolete, while the 226TMA025M is active and in production. This ensures long-term availability and supply chain continuity for new designs and field replacements.

Electrical Compatibility: The 226TMA025M provides higher voltage rating (25 V vs. 16 V), offering improved safety margin in circuits operating at or near the original 16 V specification. The increased capacitance (22 µF vs. 15 µF) accommodates applications requiring higher charge storage. Lower ESR (12.057 Ohm vs. 17.7 Ohm) reduces heat dissipation and improves transient response characteristics.

Reliability Enhancement: Extended lifetime rating (2000 Hrs @ 105°C vs. 1000 Hrs @ 105°C) provides superior long-term reliability in thermal stress conditions.

Regulatory Compliance: Both components maintain ROHS3 compliance and MSL rating of 1, ensuring compatibility with modern manufacturing and environmental standards.

Physical Compatibility: Both components utilize axial through-hole mounting in can package configuration. The substitute part is physically smaller (0.197" Dia x 0.512" L vs. 0.280" Dia x 0.570" L), providing layout flexibility without requiring PCB redesign.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 226TMA025M directly replace the NLW15-16 in all applications?

A: The 226TMA025M is electrically and mechanically compatible as a substitute. The higher voltage rating and capacitance provide improved performance margins. Physical dimensions are smaller, allowing installation in the original footprint with potential layout optimization. Circuit design validation is required to confirm suitability for specific applications.

Q: What is the significance of the capacitance difference (15 µF vs. 22 µF)?

A: The 22 µF capacitance of the substitute part provides approximately 47% higher charge storage capacity. In bypass and decoupling applications, this enhances filtering performance. In timing or energy storage circuits, the increased value may alter circuit behavior and requires design verification.

Q: How does the voltage rating difference affect substitution?

A: The 226TMA025M operates at 25 V rated voltage compared to the NLW15-16 at 16 V. This higher rating provides additional safety margin in circuits operating at or near 16 V. The component will not be damaged by lower voltage operation. Circuits designed for 16 V operation remain fully compatible.

Q: What is the impact of ESR reduction from 17.7 Ohm to 12.057 Ohm?

A: Lower ESR reduces resistive losses and heat generation during ripple current operation. This improves efficiency and thermal performance, particularly in high-frequency switching applications. The reduction represents approximately 32% improvement in ESR characteristics.

Q: Are there physical installation considerations?

A: The substitute part is smaller in diameter (0.197" vs. 0.280") and slightly shorter (0.512" vs. 0.570"). Both maintain axial through-hole configuration. PCB hole spacing and lead bend radius remain compatible. The smaller form factor may provide layout advantages without requiring board redesign.

Q: Do both components meet current regulatory requirements?

A: Yes. Both the NLW15-16 and 226TMA025M are ROHS3 compliant with MSL rating of 1 (Unlimited). Both are suitable for applications requiring modern environmental and safety compliance standards.

Q: What is the tolerance difference between these parts?

A: The NLW15-16 specifies -10%, +75% tolerance, while the 226TMA025M specifies ±20% tolerance. The substitute part provides tighter, more symmetrical tolerance control, improving circuit performance consistency across production batches.