RFS-16V220ME3#5 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The RFS-16V220ME3#5 is a 22 µF, 16 V aluminum electrolytic capacitor in radial, can package manufactured by Elna America as part of the RFS SILMIC II series. This component is rated for 1000 hours at 85°C and is designed for audio applications with a ripple current capability of 55 mA at 120 Hz. The part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support, production continuity, and system maintenance.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Capacitance	22 µF
Tolerance	±20%
Voltage - Rated	16 V
Lifetime @ Temperature	1000 Hrs @ 85°C
Operating Temperature Range	-40°C ~ 85°C
Ripple Current @ 120 Hz	55 mA
Lead Spacing	0.079" (2.00 mm)
Case Diameter	0.197" (5.00 mm)
Height - Seated (Max)	0.492" (12.50 mm)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	Radial, Can
Polarization	Polar
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the RFS-16V220ME3#5 is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Capacitance: 22 µF (exact match required)
Tolerance: ±20% (exact match required)
Voltage Rating: Minimum 16 V (equal or higher voltage rating is acceptable)
Polarization: Polar (exact match required)
Package / Case: Radial, Can (exact match required)
Mounting Type: Through Hole (exact match required)
Lead Spacing: 0.079" (2.00 mm) (exact match required for PCB compatibility)
Case Diameter: 0.197" (5.00 mm) (exact match required for mechanical fit)
Height - Seated (Max): 0.492" (12.50 mm) or less (mechanical clearance constraint)

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

Operating Temperature Range: Must encompass or exceed -40°C ~ 85°C
RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant (regulatory requirement)
Ripple Current @ 120 Hz: Equal to or greater than 55 mA (performance requirement)

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: Voltage Upgrades (higher rated voltage with identical or superior electrical characteristics) and Similar Specifications (matching all primary criteria with potential variations in lifetime or ripple current performance).

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Capacitance	Voltage (V)	Tolerance	Lifetime @ Temp	Operating Temp Range	Ripple Current @ 120 Hz (mA)	Lead Spacing	Case Diameter	Height Max	Product Status
RFS-16V220ME3#5	Elna America	22 µF	16	±20%	1000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	55	0.079" (2.00 mm)	0.197" (5.00 mm)	0.492" (12.50 mm)	Obsolete
RFS-25V220ME3#5	Elna America	22 µF	25	±20%	1000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	60	0.079" (2.00 mm)	0.197" (5.00 mm)	0.492" (12.50 mm)	Obsolete
RFS-16V220MF3#5	Elna America	22 µF	16	±20%	1000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	70	0.098" (2.50 mm)	0.248" (6.30 mm)	0.433" (11.00 mm)	Obsolete
226SAK050M	Cornell Dubilier / Illinois Capacitor	22 µF	50	±20%	2000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	90	0.079" (2.00 mm)	0.197" (5.00 mm)	0.413" (10.50 mm)	Active
515D226M035JA6AE3	Vishay Sprague	22 µF	35	±20%	2000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	57	0.079" (2.00 mm)	0.197" (5.00 mm)	0.433" (11.00 mm)	Obsolete
EEU-EB1H220S	Panasonic Electronic Components	22 µF	50	±20%	5000 Hrs @ 105°C	-40°C ~ 105°C	39	0.079" (2.00 mm)	0.197" (5.00 mm)	0.472" (12.00 mm)	Active
EEU-FC1H220	Panasonic Electronic Components	22 µF	50	±20%	1000 Hrs @ 105°C	-55°C ~ 105°C	100.8	0.079" (2.00 mm)	0.197" (5.00 mm)	0.472" (12.00 mm)	Active
EEU-FC1V220	Panasonic Electronic Components	22 µF	35	±20%	1000 Hrs @ 105°C	-55°C ~ 105°C	113.8	0.079" (2.00 mm)	0.197" (5.00 mm)	0.472" (12.00 mm)	Active
EKZE500ELL220ME11D	Chemi-Con	22 µF	50	±20%	2000 Hrs @ 105°C	-40°C ~ 105°C	95.2	0.079" (2.00 mm)	0.197" (5.00 mm)	0.492" (12.50 mm)	Active
SEK220M035ST	Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE)	22 µF	35	±20%	2000 Hrs @ 105°C	-55°C ~ 105°C	65	0.079" (2.00 mm)	0.197" (5.00 mm)	0.512" (13.00 mm)	Active
UFW1H220MDD	Nichicon	22 µF	50	±20%	2000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	95	0.079" (2.00 mm)	0.197" (5.00 mm)	0.492" (12.50 mm)	Obsolete

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Mechanical and Electrical Compatibility:

The RFS-16V220ME3#5 can be directly substituted with parts maintaining identical lead spacing (0.079" / 2.00 mm), case diameter (0.197" / 5.00 mm), and height within 0.492" (12.50 mm) maximum. Parts meeting these constraints include:

226SAK050M (Cornell Dubilier): Active product status, 50 V rating, 2000 Hrs @ 85°C lifetime, height 0.413" (within clearance)
515D226M035JA6AE3 (Vishay Sprague): 35 V rating, 2000 Hrs @ 85°C lifetime, height 0.433" (within clearance)
EEU-EB1H220S (Panasonic): Active product status, 50 V rating, extended lifetime 5000 Hrs @ 105°C, height 0.472" (within clearance)
EKZE500ELL220ME11D (Chemi-Con): Active product status, 50 V rating, 2000 Hrs @ 105°C lifetime, height 0.492" (exact match)
UFW1H220MDD (Nichicon): 50 V rating, 2000 Hrs @ 85°C lifetime, height 0.492" (exact match)

Voltage Upgrade Considerations:

Parts with voltage ratings exceeding 16 V (25 V, 35 V, 50 V) are electrically compatible and provide enhanced voltage margin. Selection depends on circuit design requirements and available board space.

Active vs. Obsolete Status:

Active product parts (226SAK050M, EEU-EB1H220S, EEU-FC1H220, EEU-FC1V220, EKZE500ELL220ME11D, SEK220M035ST) are preferred for new designs and long-term production continuity. Obsolete parts (RFS-25V220ME3#5, RFS-16V220MF3#5, 515D226M035JA6AE3, UFW1H220MDD) are suitable for legacy system maintenance only.

Compliance and Certification:

All listed parts are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected. EEU-FC1H220 and EEU-FC1V220 carry AEC-Q200 automotive qualification, suitable for automotive and high-reliability applications.

Height Constraint Exception:

SEK220M035ST has a maximum seated height of 0.512" (13.00 mm), exceeding the original part's 0.492" specification. This part is suitable only if PCB clearance permits the additional 0.020" (0.50 mm) height.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a 25 V or 35 V rated capacitor in place of the 16 V RFS-16V220ME3#5?

A: Yes. Higher voltage ratings are electrically compatible with circuits designed for lower voltages. The 25 V (RFS-25V220ME3#5) and 35 V (515D226M035JA6AE3, EEU-FC1V220, SEK220M035ST) rated parts function correctly in 16 V applications. Verify PCB layout accommodates any dimensional variations.

Q: What is the difference between the RFS-16V220ME3#5 and RFS-16V220MF3#5?

A: Both are 22 µF, 16 V, ±20% tolerance parts from Elna America's RFS SILMIC II series. The MF3 variant has different mechanical dimensions (0.248" diameter, 0.433" height, 0.098" lead spacing) and higher ripple current (70 mA vs. 55 mA). The MF3 is not a direct substitute due to lead spacing and case diameter differences.

Q: Are active product substitutes preferred over obsolete parts?

A: For new designs and production systems requiring long-term component availability, active products are strongly preferred. Active parts include 226SAK050M, EEU-EB1H220S, EEU-FC1H220, EEU-FC1V220, EKZE500ELL220ME11D, and SEK220M035ST. Obsolete parts are suitable only for legacy system repairs where original specifications must be maintained.

Q: Does the RFS-16V220ME3#5 fit in the same PCB footprint as all listed substitutes?

A: No. Direct footprint compatibility requires matching lead spacing (0.079" / 2.00 mm) and case diameter (0.197" / 5.00 mm). The RFS-16V220MF3#5 has different lead spacing (0.098" / 2.50 mm) and case diameter (0.248" / 6.30 mm), making it incompatible with the original footprint. All other listed parts maintain the original lead spacing and case diameter.

Q: What is the ripple current significance in selecting a substitute?

A: Ripple current rating determines the capacitor's ability to handle AC current superimposed on DC voltage. The original part is rated for 55 mA @ 120 Hz. Substitutes with equal or higher ripple current ratings (60 mA, 70 mA, 90 mA, 95 mA, 100.8 mA, 113.8 mA) provide equivalent or superior performance. Lower ripple current ratings may cause premature failure under identical operating conditions.

Q: Can I use EEU-FC1H220 or EEU-FC1V220 in audio applications?

A: EEU-FC1H220 and EEU-FC1V220 are rated for automotive applications with AEC-Q200 qualification. While electrically compatible with audio circuits, they are designed for automotive environments. For audio-specific applications, UFW1H220MDD (Nichicon, audio-rated) or EEU-EB1H220S (general purpose) are more appropriate selections.

Q: What does ROHS3 compliance mean for this component?

A: ROHS3 compliance indicates the capacitor meets Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive requirements, restricting lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, and specific brominated flame retardants. All listed substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant, ensuring regulatory compatibility with modern electronic equipment standards.

Q: Is height clearance a critical factor when selecting a substitute?

A: Yes. The original RFS-16V220ME3#5 has a maximum seated height of 0.492" (12.50 mm). Substitutes must fit within available PCB clearance. Most listed parts (226SAK050M at 0.413", 515D226M035JA6AE3 at 0.433", EEU-EB1H220S at 0.472", EEU-FC1H220 at 0.472", EKZE500ELL220ME11D at 0.492", UFW1H220MDD at 0.492") meet this constraint. SEK220M035ST at 0.512" exceeds the original height and requires verification of available clearance.

Q: What is the difference between lifetime ratings at 85°C and 105°C?

A: Lifetime ratings specify the expected operational duration at specified temperatures. Parts rated 1000 Hrs @ 85°C have shorter rated life than parts rated 2000 Hrs @ 85°C or 5000 Hrs @ 105°C. Higher temperature ratings (105°C) indicate the capacitor maintains performance at elevated temperatures. EEU-EB1H220S (5000 Hrs @ 105°C) offers extended operational life compared to the original part (1000 Hrs @ 85°C).

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