NLW6-50 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The NLW6-50 is a 6 µF, 50 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 component procurement.

The NLW series has been discontinued, requiring engineers to source functionally equivalent alternatives from active product lines. Substitute parts must maintain compatibility with the original electrical specifications, mechanical form factor, and thermal performance characteristics to ensure reliable operation in legacy and new applications.

Substiute Parts

NLW6-50

Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE)In Stock: 1074NLW6-50 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

106TMA050M

Cornell Dubilier / Illinois CapacitorIn Stock: 6097106TMA050M Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the NLW6-50 is governed by the following electrical and mechanical criteria:

Mandatory Compatibility Parameters:

• Voltage rating must equal or exceed 50 V
• Polarization must remain polar (axial aluminum electrolytic)
• Mounting type must be through hole
• Package must be axial, can configuration
• Operating temperature range must encompass -40°C to 105°C
• RoHS3 compliance required for regulatory alignment

Functional Equivalence Parameters:

• Capacitance value must support circuit operation; higher values are acceptable if circuit design permits
• ESR and ripple current ratings must be compatible with the application's electrical load
• Lifetime rating should meet or exceed thermal endurance requirements

The substitute part 106TMA050M meets these criteria through equivalent voltage rating, matching polarization, identical mounting type, and compatible package configuration. The higher capacitance value (10 µF versus 6 µF) and improved ESR characteristics (19.894 Ohm versus 33 Ohm) represent enhanced electrical performance within the same form factor.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitute: 106TMA050M

The 106TMA050M is the manufacturer-recommended substitute for the NLW6-50. Selection is based on the following engineering criteria:

Compliance and Availability:

• Active product status ensures long-term component availability and supply chain continuity
• ROHS3 compliance matches the original part's environmental certification
• Same manufacturer family (Cornell Dubilier / Illinois Capacitor) maintains design heritage and quality standards

Electrical Compatibility:

• Identical 50 V voltage rating ensures safe operation in the original circuit
• Polar configuration and through-hole mounting preserve PCB integration
• Operating temperature range (-40°C to 105°C) matches the original specification
• Higher capacitance (10 µF) and lower ESR (19.894 Ohm) provide improved electrical performance

Thermal Performance:

• Doubled lifetime rating (2000 Hrs @ 105°C versus 1000 Hrs) enhances long-term reliability
• Improved thermal endurance supports extended operational life in high-temperature environments

Physical Considerations:

• Smaller physical dimensions (5.00mm x 13.00mm versus 7.11mm x 14.49mm) require verification of PCB layout clearance
• Axial, can package maintains form factor compatibility with through-hole PCB designs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 106TMA050M directly replace the NLW6-50 without circuit modification?

A: The 106TMA050M is electrically compatible with the NLW6-50 for most applications. The higher capacitance value (10 µF versus 6 µF) is acceptable if the circuit design permits increased capacitance. Verify that the application does not have strict capacitance tolerance requirements that would be violated by the 10 µF value. Physical dimensions are smaller; confirm PCB layout accommodates the reduced size.

Q: What is the significance of the lower ESR in the substitute part?

A: The 106TMA050M has an ESR of 19.894 Ohm compared to 33 Ohm in the NLW6-50. Lower ESR reduces heat generation and improves performance under ripple current conditions. This represents an enhancement over the original specification and is beneficial for circuit reliability.

Q: Are there any voltage derating considerations?

A: Both parts are rated for 50 V operation. No voltage derating is required. The substitute part maintains the same voltage rating as the original, ensuring equivalent safety margins in the circuit.

Q: How do the tolerance specifications compare?

A: The NLW6-50 has a tolerance of -10%, +75%, while the 106TMA050M specifies ±20%. The substitute has a tighter, more predictable tolerance band. If the original circuit design relied on the wide tolerance range of the NLW6-50, the substitute's tighter tolerance will not cause compatibility issues.

Q: Is the smaller physical size of the substitute a concern?

A: The 106TMA050M is physically smaller (5.00mm x 13.00mm versus 7.11mm x 14.49mm). This requires verification that the PCB layout has adequate clearance and that the smaller component does not interfere with adjacent components or traces. The axial lead configuration remains unchanged.

Q: What is the difference in thermal endurance between the two parts?

A: The 106TMA050M has a lifetime rating of 2000 Hrs @ 105°C, compared to 1000 Hrs for the NLW6-50. This doubled thermal endurance indicates improved long-term reliability and extended operational life in high-temperature applications.

Q: Are both parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes, both the NLW6-50 and 106TMA050M are ROHS3 compliant, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements for electronic components.

Q: What is the product status difference, and why does it matter?

A: The NLW6-50 is obsolete, meaning it is no longer manufactured and existing inventory will eventually be depleted. The 106TMA050M is active, ensuring continued availability from the manufacturer. For new designs and long-term system support, the active substitute part is the appropriate choice.