NLW50-25 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The NLW50-25 is a 50 µF, 25 V aluminum electrolytic capacitor in axial configuration manufactured by Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE). This component is classified as Obsolete product status. Due to obsolescence, equivalent and substitute parts must be identified from active product lines that maintain compatible electrical and mechanical characteristics for direct board-level replacement without design modification.

Substiute Parts

NLW50-25

Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE)In Stock: 1166NLW50-25 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

476TMA050M

Cornell Dubilier / Illinois CapacitorIn Stock: 6176476TMA050M Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The 476TMA050M qualifies as a substitute part based on the following alignment criteria:

Electrical Compatibility Parameters:

• Capacitance: 47 µF nominal (within tolerance band of 50 µF source capacitor when accounting for -10%, +75% tolerance specification)
• Voltage Rating: 50 V (exceeds 25 V requirement, providing margin)
• Operating Temperature: -40°C to 105°C (identical range)
• Polarization: Polar (identical configuration)
• Package: Axial, Can (identical form factor)
• Mounting: Through Hole (identical mounting method)

Performance Characteristics:

• ESR @ 120 Hz: 4.233 Ω (lower than 5.3 Ω, improving performance)
• Lifetime @ 105°C: 2000 Hrs (exceeds 1000 Hrs, improving reliability)
• Ripple Current capability: 100 mA @ 120 Hz, 200 mA @ 50 kHz (adequate for application requirements)

Regulatory Compliance:

• RoHS3 Compliant (matches original)
• REACH Status: REACH Unaffected

Product Status: Active (resolves obsolescence)

The substitute maintains mechanical interchangeability and electrical parameter alignment within acceptable engineering margins for general purpose and decoupling applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The 476TMA050M is available in active production status, resolving supply chain constraints associated with the obsolete NLW50-25. Both components maintain ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating (MSL 1), ensuring compatibility with standard manufacturing and storage procedures.

The substitute part provides improved performance characteristics: reduced ESR (4.233 Ω vs. 5.3 Ω), doubled operational lifetime (2000 Hrs vs. 1000 Hrs), and higher voltage headroom (50 V vs. 25 V rating). The physical size reduction (0.248" Dia × 0.630" L) may require PCB layout verification for axial lead spacing, though both components utilize through-hole mounting.

The 1.3 µF capacitance difference (47 µF vs. 50 µF nominal) falls within acceptable design margins for general purpose and decoupling applications where relative tolerance is ±20% or greater.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why is substitution necessary for the NLW50-25?

A: The NLW50-25 is classified as obsolete. The 476TMA050M provides an active product alternative from Cornell Dubilier / Illinois Capacitor with compatible electrical and mechanical specifications.

Q: Is the 47 µF capacitance difference acceptable?

A: Yes, for applications using the NLW50-25 in general purpose or decoupling roles, the 3 µF difference (6% nominal variance) is acceptable. The substitute's ±20% tolerance specification provides sufficient operational margin. Application-specific filtering requirements should be verified if used in precision analog or signal conditioning circuits.

Q: Will the 476TMA050M fit the existing PCB layout?

A: Both components use through-hole axial mounting, but physical dimensions differ. The substitute is smaller (0.248" Dia × 0.630" L vs. 0.340" Dia × 0.810" L). PCB hole spacing and lead routing must be verified to confirm mechanical compatibility.

Q: What voltage rating should be used for circuit design?

A: Both the original and substitute are suitable for circuits rated at 25 V. The substitute's 50 V rating provides additional safety margin but does not alter the minimum voltage requirement for the application.

Q: Are there any thermal performance differences?

A: The substitute provides improved thermal reliability with 2000 hours lifetime at 105°C compared to 1000 hours for the original. ESR is also reduced (4.233 Ω vs. 5.3 Ω), resulting in lower dissipation during ripple current operation.

Q: Is the lower ripple current rating at 120 Hz a concern?

A: The substitute is rated for 100 mA @ 120 Hz versus 115 mA for the original—a 13% reduction. This should be evaluated against actual circuit ripple current requirements. At higher frequencies, the substitute's 200 mA @ 50 kHz capability exceeds the original's 132.25 mA @ 10 kHz rating.

Q: Are both parts ROHS compliant?

A: Yes, both the NLW50-25 and 476TMA050M are ROHS3 compliant. The substitute is REACH Unaffected, meeting additional regulatory requirements for applications in restricted regions.