NLW2-25 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The NLW2-25 is a 2 µF, 25 V aluminum electrolytic capacitor in axial configuration manufactured by Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE). This component is rated for general-purpose applications with an operating temperature range of -40°C to 105°C and a lifetime specification of 1000 hours at 105°C. The product status is obsolete, necessitating the identification of equivalent and substitute parts for ongoing system maintenance and design requirements. Substitute parts must satisfy the electrical and mechanical constraints of the original specification while considering component availability and compliance status.

Substiute Parts

NLW2-25

Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE)In Stock: 1386NLW2-25 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

NLW2-100

Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE)In Stock: 809NLW2-100 Datasheet

UpgradeRFQ

225TMA050M

Cornell Dubilier / Illinois CapacitorIn Stock: 1081225TMA050M Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the NLW2-25 is evaluated based on the following electrical and mechanical criteria:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Capacitance: Rated value must equal 2 µF nominal
• Voltage Rating: Must equal or exceed 25 V rated voltage
• Package Type: Axial, Can configuration required
• Mounting: Through-hole orientation mandatory
• Polarization: Polar configuration required
• Operating Temperature Range: Must encompass -40°C to 105°C
• RoHS Compliance: ROHS3 compliance required for regulatory alignment

Two substitute parts satisfy these criteria:

NLW2-100 (Upgrade Substitute): Matches the NLW2-25 in capacitance (2 µF), series designation (NLW), and package configuration. Voltage rating upgraded to 100 V, providing increased design margin. Same ESR specification (100 Ohm @ 120 Hz), identical package dimensions, and equivalent thermal lifetime.

225TMA050M (Manufacturer Recommended): Provides capacitance of 2.2 µF with 50 V voltage rating, exceeding both the rated voltage and capacitance of the original part. Active product status and extended thermal lifetime (2000 Hrs @ 105°C) provide improved component availability and reliability margin. Slightly reduced package dimensions (0.197" Dia × 0.512" L) maintain through-hole axial configuration compatibility.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

NLW2-100: This part maintains full electrical and mechanical compatibility with the NLW2-25 while providing a voltage rating upgrade to 100 V. Current inventory indicates 726 pieces available. ROHS3 compliance and unlimited MSL rating align with regulatory requirements. Selection is appropriate where direct form-factor substitution is required and voltage margin enhancement is acceptable.

225TMA050M: This part is recommended as the primary substitute due to its active product status, which ensures long-term availability compared to the obsolete NLW2-100. The 50 V voltage rating provides adequate margin above the original 25 V specification. The 2.2 µF capacitance represents a 10% increase from the original 2 µF specification and falls within acceptable tolerance for general-purpose applications. Extended thermal lifetime (2000 Hrs @ 105°C) enhances system reliability. The reduced package size (0.197" Dia × 0.512" L) maintains through-hole axial configuration and typically accommodates board layouts designed for the larger 0.280" Dia profile. ROHS3 compliance and unlimited MSL satisfy all regulatory and environmental requirements. Current inventory indicates 1013 pieces available.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can NLW2-100 be used as a direct replacement for NLW2-25? A: Yes. The NLW2-100 provides identical capacitance (2 µF), equivalent ESR (100 Ohm @ 120 Hz), and matching package dimensions (0.280" Dia × 0.570" L). The increased voltage rating (100 V versus 25 V) provides additional design margin without introducing incompatibility. Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and unlimited MSL.

Q: What are the implications of the 225TMA050M's higher capacitance (2.2 µF versus 2 µF)? A: The 225TMA050M provides 2.2 µF nominal capacitance, representing a 10% increase from the original specification. This difference is within typical circuit tolerance for general-purpose applications and supported by the part's ±20% tolerance rating. Applications requiring exact capacitance matching should evaluate circuit performance with the substituted value.

Q: Are package dimension differences between 225TMA050M and NLW2-25 problematic? A: The 225TMA050M utilizes a smaller axial, can package (0.197" Dia × 0.512" L versus 0.280" Dia × 0.570" L). Through-hole mounting configuration remains consistent. PCB layouts designed for the larger NLW2-25 package accommodate the smaller 225TMA050M without rework, though board space optimization may be possible.

Q: Why is 225TMA050M the recommended choice over NLW2-100? A: The 225TMA050M holds active product status with current inventory of 1013 pieces, while NLW2-100 is obsolete with 726 pieces. Extended thermal lifetime (2000 Hrs @ 105°C versus 1000 Hrs) improves system reliability. Active status ensures continued availability for future requirements, reducing supply-chain risk compared to obsolete components.

Q: Are all three parts ROHS3 compliant? A: Yes. The NLW2-25, NLW2-100, and 225TMA050M all hold ROHS3 compliance certification. All parts feature unlimited MSL rating (MSL 1).

Q: Can 225TMA050M be used in circuits designed for the NLW2-25? A: The 225TMA050M is electrically and mechanically suitable for circuits originally designed for NLW2-25 operation. The 50 V voltage rating exceeds the 25 V specification, the 2.2 µF capacitance closely matches the 2 µF requirement, and axial through-hole configuration maintains footprint compatibility. Circuits requiring exact capacitance values should be evaluated for performance impact.