RFS-16V220MF3#5 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The RFS-16V220MF3#5 is a 22 µF, 16 V aluminum electrolytic capacitor in radial, can package manufactured by Elna America as part of the 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 70 mA at 120 Hz. The part is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of equivalent and substitute components for ongoing production support and design continuity.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Capacitance	22 µF
Voltage Rating	16 V
Tolerance	±20%
Lifetime @ Temperature	1000 Hrs @ 85°C
Operating Temperature Range	-40°C ~ 85°C
Ripple Current @ 120 Hz	70 mA
Lead Spacing	0.098" (2.50 mm)
Package Diameter	0.248" (6.30 mm)
Height (Seated Max)	0.433" (11.00 mm)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Polarization	Polar
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the RFS-16V220MF3#5 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Matching Criteria:

Capacitance: 22 µF (exact match required)
Tolerance: ±20% (exact match required)
Voltage Rating: 16 V minimum (equal or higher voltage acceptable)
Mounting Type: Through Hole, Radial configuration
Lead Spacing: 0.098" (2.50 mm) preferred for direct PCB compatibility
Package Diameter: 0.248" (6.30 mm) preferred for mechanical fit
Height: 0.433" (11.00 mm) preferred for clearance compatibility

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

Operating Temperature Range: -40°C ~ 85°C minimum
Ripple Current: 70 mA @ 120 Hz minimum
Polarization: Polar (required)
RoHS Compliance: ROHS3 Compliant

Substitutes are grouped into three categories: direct equivalents (same voltage rating), upgrades (higher voltage rating with improved thermal performance), and alternative manufacturers (same electrical specifications, different source).

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Capacitance	Voltage	Tolerance	Lifetime @ Temp	Operating Temp	Ripple Current @ 120 Hz	Lead Spacing	Package Dia	Height (Max)	Product Status
RFS-16V220MF3#5	Elna America	22 µF	16 V	±20%	1000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	70 mA	0.098" (2.50 mm)	0.248" (6.30 mm)	0.433" (11.00 mm)	Obsolete
RFS-16V220ME3#5	Elna America	22 µF	16 V	±20%	1000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	55 mA	0.079" (2.00 mm)	0.197" (5.00 mm)	0.492" (12.50 mm)	Obsolete
UKL1V220MEDANA	Nichicon	22 µF	35 V	±20%	1000 Hrs @ 105°C	-40°C ~ 105°C	110 mA	0.098" (2.50 mm)	0.248" (6.30 mm)	0.433" (11.00 mm)	Not For New Designs
UKW2A220MED	Nichicon	22 µF	100 V	±20%	2000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	120 mA	0.098" (2.50 mm)	0.248" (6.30 mm)	0.433" (11.00 mm)	Obsolete
EEU-FC1J220	Panasonic Electronic Components	22 µF	63 V	±20%	1000 Hrs @ 105°C	-55°C ~ 105°C	156 mA	0.098" (2.50 mm)	0.248" (6.30 mm)	0.441" (11.20 mm)	Active
UPW1J220MED	Nichicon	22 µF	63 V	±20%	2000 Hrs @ 105°C	-55°C ~ 105°C	75 mA	0.098" (2.50 mm)	0.248" (6.30 mm)	0.433" (11.00 mm)	Obsolete

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Equivalent (Same Voltage Rating):

RFS-16V220ME3#5 maintains identical electrical specifications (22 µF, 16 V, ±20%, 1000 Hrs @ 85°C) and is manufactured by the same supplier (Elna America, SILMIC II series). However, this part exhibits reduced ripple current capability (55 mA versus 70 mA) and different mechanical dimensions (lead spacing 0.079" versus 0.098", package diameter 0.197" versus 0.248", height 0.492" versus 0.433"). PCB layout modification is required for direct substitution.

Voltage Upgrade Options:

UKL1V220MEDANA (Nichicon, 35 V) and UKW2A220MED (Nichicon, 100 V) provide higher voltage ratings with identical mechanical footprint (0.098" lead spacing, 0.248" diameter, 0.433" height). Both are pin-compatible with the original part. UKW2A220MED offers extended lifetime (2000 Hrs @ 85°C) compared to the original specification. UKL1V220MEDANA is classified as "Not For New Designs" and should be used only for legacy system support.

Alternative Manufacturer (Higher Voltage, Active Status):

EEU-FC1J220 (Panasonic, 63 V) is the only substitute with Active product status. This part maintains identical lead spacing and package diameter with negligible height difference (0.441" versus 0.433"). It provides superior ripple current (156 mA @ 120 Hz), extended operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 105°C), and AEC-Q200 automotive qualification. Impedance is specified at 1 Ohm.

UPW1J220MED (Nichicon, 63 V) offers extended lifetime (2000 Hrs @ 105°C) and wider operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 105°C) with identical mechanical compatibility. Impedance is specified at 710 mOhms.

Compliance Considerations:

All substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status. EEU-FC1J220 includes AEC-Q200 automotive qualification, suitable for applications requiring automotive-grade reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can RFS-16V220ME3#5 be used as a direct replacement for RFS-16V220MF3#5?

A: RFS-16V220ME3#5 matches the electrical specifications (22 µF, 16 V, ±20%, 1000 Hrs @ 85°C) but has different mechanical dimensions. Lead spacing is 0.079" instead of 0.098", package diameter is 0.197" instead of 0.248", and height is 0.492" instead of 0.433". PCB layout modification is required. Additionally, ripple current is reduced to 55 mA from 70 mA.

Q: What is the advantage of using a higher voltage-rated substitute such as UKW2A220MED (100 V)?

A: Higher voltage-rated capacitors provide design margin and improved reliability in applications where voltage transients may occur. UKW2A220MED maintains identical mechanical footprint and lead spacing while offering extended lifetime (2000 Hrs @ 85°C versus 1000 Hrs) and increased ripple current capability (120 mA @ 120 Hz versus 70 mA). No PCB modification is required.

Q: Is EEU-FC1J220 suitable for audio applications?

A: EEU-FC1J220 is specified for automotive applications with AEC-Q200 qualification. While it meets the electrical requirements for audio use (22 µF, 63 V, ±20%), it is designed and tested for automotive environments. The part is currently in Active production status, ensuring long-term availability.

Q: What are the mechanical compatibility considerations when substituting capacitors?

A: Lead spacing, package diameter, and height are critical for PCB compatibility. The original RFS-16V220MF3#5 has 0.098" lead spacing, 0.248" diameter, and 0.433" height. Substitutes with identical dimensions (UKL1V220MEDANA, UKW2A220MED, EEU-FC1J220, UPW1J220MED) require no PCB modification. RFS-16V220ME3#5 has different dimensions and requires layout changes.

Q: Why is product status important when selecting a substitute?

A: Product status indicates long-term availability and manufacturer support. EEU-FC1J220 is the only substitute with Active status, ensuring continued production and supply chain stability. Obsolete parts (RFS-16V220MF3#5, RFS-16V220ME3#5, UKW2A220MED, UPW1J220MED) may have limited availability. UKL1V220MEDANA is marked "Not For New Designs," indicating it should be used only for legacy system maintenance.

Q: Can substitutes with higher voltage ratings be used in circuits designed for 16 V?

A: Yes. Higher voltage-rated capacitors are backward compatible in lower voltage applications. A 35 V or 63 V or 100 V capacitor functions correctly in a 16 V circuit. The voltage rating indicates the maximum safe operating voltage; actual circuit voltage remains unchanged. This approach improves reliability and extends component lifetime.

Q: What is the significance of ripple current specifications?

A: Ripple current indicates the AC current the capacitor can safely handle at specified frequency without exceeding temperature limits. The original part is rated for 70 mA @ 120 Hz. Substitutes with higher ripple current ratings (UKL1V220MEDANA: 110 mA, UKW2A220MED: 120 mA, EEU-FC1J220: 156 mA, UPW1J220MED: 75 mA) provide additional design margin for applications with higher AC stress.

Q: Are there impedance differences between substitutes?

A: Yes. EEU-FC1J220 specifies impedance at 1 Ohm, while UPW1J220MED specifies 710 mOhms. Lower impedance generally indicates better high-frequency performance. The original RFS-16V220MF3#5 does not specify impedance. For audio applications, impedance differences may affect frequency response characteristics at high frequencies.

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