NLW50-50 Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The NLW50-50 is a 50 µF, 50 V aluminum electrolytic capacitor in axial configuration, manufactured by Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE). This component is classified as obsolete, requiring identification of suitable substitute parts for ongoing applications. The NLW series capacitor is designed for general-purpose applications with a rated lifetime of 1000 hours at 105°C and an operating temperature range of -40°C to 105°C. Due to its obsolete status, equivalent alternatives must be evaluated based on electrical and mechanical compatibility parameters.

Substiute Parts

NLW50-50
Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE)In Stock: 884NLW50-50 Datasheet
NLW50-50
Current Part
476TMA050M
Cornell Dubilier / Illinois CapacitorIn Stock: 6176476TMA050M Datasheet
476TMA050M
MFR Recommended

Key Parameters

Parameter Value Unit
Capacitance 50 µF
Voltage - Rated 50 V
ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) 4 Ohm
Lifetime @ Temperature 1000 Hrs @ 105°C
Operating Temperature Range -40 to 105 °C
Tolerance -10%, +75% %
Package / Case Axial, Can Through Hole
Size / Dimension 0.400" Dia x 0.940" L (10.16mm x 23.88mm)
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant -

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the NLW50-50 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Criteria:

  • Capacitance value within acceptable tolerance range
  • Voltage rating equal to or greater than 50 V
  • ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) within acceptable operational limits
  • Operating temperature range encompassing -40°C to 105°C minimum

Mechanical Compatibility Criteria:

  • Package type: Axial, Can configuration
  • Mounting type: Through Hole
  • Physical dimensions compatible with PCB layout constraints

Regulatory & Compliance Criteria:

  • RoHS3 compliance required
  • ECCN and HTSUS classifications maintained

The substitute part 476TMA050M meets these criteria with the following considerations: capacitance value of 47 µF (within the tolerance range of the original part when accounting for the -10%, +75% tolerance specification), identical 50 V voltage rating, comparable ESR at 4.233 Ohm @ 120Hz, extended lifetime of 2000 hours at 105°C, and identical through-hole axial mounting configuration.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter NLW50-50 (Main Part) 476TMA050M (Substitute) Compatibility
Manufacturer Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE) Cornell Dubilier / Illinois Capacitor Same manufacturer family
Capacitance 50 µF 47 µF Within tolerance range
Tolerance -10%, +75% ±20% Substitute tolerance is tighter
Voltage - Rated 50 V 50 V Identical
ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) 4 Ohm 4.233 Ohm @ 120Hz Comparable
Lifetime @ Temperature 1000 Hrs @ 105°C 2000 Hrs @ 105°C Substitute exceeds specification
Operating Temperature Range -40°C ~ 105°C -40°C ~ 105°C Identical
Package / Case Axial, Can Axial, Can Identical
Mounting Type Through Hole Through Hole Identical
Size / Dimension 0.400" Dia x 0.940" L (10.16mm x 23.88mm) 0.248" Dia x 0.630" L (6.30mm x 16.00mm) Substitute is physically smaller
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant Identical
Product Status Obsolete Active Substitute is in active production

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The 476TMA050M is a suitable substitute for the NLW50-50 based on the following engineering criteria:

Electrical Equivalence: The 47 µF capacitance of the substitute falls within the tolerance specification of the original part (-10%, +75%), and the 50 V voltage rating is identical. The ESR values are comparable at 4 Ohm versus 4.233 Ohm @ 120Hz, ensuring similar performance characteristics in ripple current handling and thermal behavior.

Reliability Enhancement: The substitute part provides extended lifetime of 2000 hours at 105°C compared to the original 1000 hours, representing a 100% improvement in rated operational life at maximum temperature.

Compliance Status: Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and identical ECCN/HTSUS classifications, ensuring regulatory continuity in procurement and deployment.

Availability: The substitute part is in active production status with 6111 pieces in stock, compared to the obsolete NLW50-50 with limited remaining inventory of 794 pieces.

Physical Considerations: The substitute part features a smaller physical footprint (0.248" Dia x 0.630" L versus 0.400" Dia x 0.940" L), which may provide layout advantages in space-constrained applications. PCB layout verification is required to confirm mechanical fit within existing designs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 476TMA050M directly replace the NLW50-50 in all applications?

A: The 476TMA050M is electrically equivalent within the specified tolerance parameters. However, the smaller physical dimensions (0.248" Dia x 0.630" L versus 0.400" Dia x 0.940" L) require verification of PCB layout compatibility. The axial lead spacing and through-hole mounting type are identical, but mechanical fit must be confirmed for existing designs.

Q: What is the significance of the capacitance difference between 50 µF and 47 µF?

A: The 47 µF capacitance of the substitute falls within the -10%, +75% tolerance range of the original NLW50-50 specification. This 6% reduction in nominal capacitance is within acceptable engineering margins for general-purpose applications. Applications with strict capacitance requirements should be evaluated individually.

Q: Does the substitute part have better performance characteristics?

A: The 476TMA050M provides extended lifetime (2000 hours at 105°C versus 1000 hours) and tighter tolerance (±20% versus -10%, +75%), representing performance improvements. ESR values are comparable at 4.233 Ohm @ 120Hz versus 4 Ohm, maintaining equivalent ripple current handling capability.

Q: Are there any compliance or regulatory differences between the two parts?

A: Both parts are ROHS3 compliant with identical ECCN (EAR99) and HTSUS (8532.22.0020) classifications. No regulatory differences exist between the NLW50-50 and 476TMA050M.

Q: What is the inventory status for each part?

A: The NLW50-50 is obsolete with 794 pieces remaining in stock. The 476TMA050M is in active production status with 6111 pieces available, ensuring long-term supply continuity.

Q: How do the ripple current ratings compare?

A: The substitute part 476TMA050M specifies ripple current ratings of 100 mA @ 120 Hz and 200 mA @ 50 kHz. The original NLW50-50 does not provide ripple current specifications in the available data, but the comparable ESR values indicate similar performance in this parameter.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)