PCF1C331MCL1GS Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PCF1C331MCL1GS is a 330 µF, 16 V aluminum polymer capacitor manufactured by Nichicon in the PCF series. This surface mount radial can capacitor is designed for general purpose applications requiring low equivalent series resistance (ESR) and stable performance across extended temperature ranges. The part is Active status and RoHS3 compliant, making it suitable for modern electronic assemblies. Substitute parts are identified when equivalent electrical specifications, mechanical compatibility, and regulatory compliance align with the original component's functional requirements.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Capacitance	330 µF
Voltage Rating	16 V
Tolerance	±20%
Type	Aluminum Polymer
ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance)	14 mOhm
Lifetime @ 105°C	2000 Hrs
Operating Temperature Range	-55°C to 105°C
Ripple Current @ 100 kHz	5 A
Package Type	Radial, Can - SMD
Size / Dimension	0.394" Dia (10.00 mm)
Height - Seated (Max)	0.500" (12.70 mm)
Surface Mount Land Size	0.406" L x 0.406" W (10.30 mm x 10.30 mm)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
RoHS Status	RoHS3 Compliant
REACH Status	REACH Affected

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the PCF1C331MCL1GS is determined by strict alignment of the following parameters:

Capacitance: 330 µF (exact match required)
Voltage Rating: 16 V (exact match required)
Tolerance: ±20% (exact match required)
Type: Aluminum Polymer (exact match required)
Package / Case: Radial, Can - SMD (exact match required)
Surface Mount Land Size: 0.406" L x 0.406" W (10.30 mm x 10.30 mm) (exact match required)
Mounting Type: Surface Mount (exact match required)
Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to 105°C (exact match required)

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Nichicon Series Variants (PCJ, PCV, RPS): Parts from the same manufacturer with identical electrical ratings but variations in ESR, lifetime rating, or height. These maintain full compatibility with the original PCB footprint and electrical requirements.

Cross-Manufacturer Alternatives (Chemi-Con NPCAP™-PXA, Vishay Sprague 94SVP): Parts from different manufacturers meeting identical electrical and mechanical specifications. These provide alternative sourcing options while maintaining functional equivalence.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Series	Capacitance	Voltage	Tolerance	ESR (mOhm)	Lifetime @ 105°C	Ripple Current @ 100 kHz	Height (Max)	Product Status	RoHS Status
PCF1C331MCL1GS	Nichicon	PCF	330 µF	16 V	±20%	14	2000 Hrs	5.0 A	0.500" (12.70 mm)	Active	RoHS3
PCJ1C331MCL1GS	Nichicon	PCJ	330 µF	16 V	±20%	16	2000 Hrs	4.35 A	0.394" (10.00 mm)	Active	RoHS3
PCV1C331MCL1GS	Nichicon	PCV	330 µF	16 V	±20%	26	3000 Hrs	2.4 A	0.394" (10.00 mm)	Active	RoHS3
RPS1C331MCN1GS	Nichicon	RPS	330 µF	16 V	±20%	16	2000 Hrs	4.8 A	0.488" (12.40 mm)	Active	RoHS3
APXA160ARA331MJC0S	Chemi-Con	NPCAP™-PXA	330 µF	16 V	±20%	14	15000 Hrs	5.05 A	0.480" (12.20 mm)	Active	RoHS3
APXA160ARA331MJC0G	Chemi-Con	NPCAP™-PXA	330 µF	16 V	±20%	14	15000 Hrs	5.05 A	0.480" (12.20 mm)	Active	RoHS3
94SVP337X0016F12	Vishay Sprague	94SVP	330 µF	16 V	±20%	17	2000 Hrs	4.58 A	0.500" (12.70 mm)	Active	RoHS3

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All identified substitute parts maintain Active product status and RoHS3 compliance, confirming ongoing manufacturer support and regulatory alignment with the original PCF1C331MCL1GS.

Nichicon PCJ1C331MCL1GS and RPS1C331MCN1GS: These parts provide direct electrical equivalence with 16 mOhm ESR and 2000 hour lifetime ratings. The PCJ variant offers reduced height (10.00 mm) for space-constrained layouts, while the RPS variant maintains taller profile (12.40 mm) closer to the original. Both are suitable for applications where the original ESR specification is not critical.

Nichicon PCV1C331MCL1GS: This variant features elevated ESR (26 mOhm) and extended lifetime (3000 hours). Selection is appropriate only when reduced ripple current handling (2.4 A @ 100 kHz) is acceptable and extended operational life is prioritized.

Chemi-Con APXA160ARA331MJC0S and APXA160ARA331MJC0G: These parts match the original ESR specification (14 mOhm) and ripple current rating (5.05 A @ 100 kHz) while providing significantly extended lifetime (15000 hours @ 105°C). Height specifications (12.20 mm and 12.70 mm respectively) are compatible with the original footprint. REACH compliance status differs from the original; verify regulatory requirements for your application.

Vishay Sprague 94SVP337X0016F12: This part provides cross-manufacturer sourcing with comparable ESR (17 mOhm) and ripple current (4.58 A @ 100 kHz). Height and footprint match the original specification. REACH compliance status differs; verify regulatory requirements for your application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can PCJ1C331MCL1GS replace PCF1C331MCL1GS directly on the PCB?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical capacitance (330 µF), voltage rating (16 V), tolerance (±20%), package type (Radial, Can - SMD), and surface mount land size (0.406" L x 0.406" W). The PCJ variant is 2.70 mm shorter (10.00 mm vs. 12.70 mm), which may require clearance verification in height-constrained assemblies.

Q: What is the difference between the Nichicon and Chemi-Con variants?

A: Nichicon PCF, PCJ, PCV, and RPS series are from the original manufacturer. Chemi-Con NPCAP™-PXA series (APXA160ARA331MJC0S and APXA160ARA331MJC0G) are cross-manufacturer alternatives. All meet identical electrical and mechanical specifications. The Chemi-Con variants provide extended lifetime (15000 hours vs. 2000-3000 hours) at comparable ESR and ripple current ratings.

Q: Does the PCV1C331MCL1GS have lower ripple current handling than the original?

A: Yes. The PCV variant is rated for 2.4 A @ 100 kHz compared to the original 5.0 A @ 100 kHz. This reduced ripple current capacity reflects higher ESR (26 mOhm vs. 14 mOhm). Selection requires confirmation that your application's ripple current demand does not exceed 2.4 A.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All identified substitute parts carry RoHS3 compliance certification, matching the original PCF1C331MCL1GS regulatory status.

Q: What is the significance of REACH status differences?

A: The original PCF1C331MCL1GS is REACH Affected. Substitute parts from Chemi-Con (APXA160ARA331MJC0S, APXA160ARA331MJC0G) and Vishay Sprague (94SVP337X0016F12) are REACH Unaffected. Verify your application's regulatory requirements to determine if REACH Affected or Unaffected status is required.

Q: Can I use APXA160ARA331MJC0S for applications requiring extended operational life?

A: Yes. The APXA160ARA331MJC0S provides 15000 hour lifetime @ 105°C compared to 2000 hours for the original. ESR (14 mOhm) and ripple current (5.05 A @ 100 kHz) specifications match or exceed the original, making it suitable for long-life applications. Height (12.20 mm) is compatible with the original footprint.

Q: Are the two Chemi-Con variants (APXA160ARA331MJC0S and APXA160ARA331MJC0G) interchangeable?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical electrical specifications (330 µF, 16 V, 14 mOhm ESR, 15000 hour lifetime, 5.05 A ripple current) and mechanical dimensions. The suffix difference (0S vs. 0G) reflects internal manufacturing or packaging variations that do not affect functional equivalence.

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