RFS-16V221MH5#5 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The RFS-16V221MH5#5 is a 220 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 capacity of 385 mA at 120 Hz.

The RFS-16V221MH5#5 carries an Obsolete product status. Locating direct replacements requires identifying substitute components that maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility within the constraints of available alternatives in the current market.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Capacitance	220 µF
Voltage Rating	16 V
Tolerance	±20%
Polarization	Polar
Package Type	Radial, Can
Lead Spacing	0.197" (5.00 mm)
Diameter	0.394" (10.00 mm)
Height	0.787" (20.00 mm)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Lifetime Rating	1000 Hrs @ 85°C
Operating Temperature Range	-40°C ~ 85°C
Ripple Current @ 120 Hz	385 mA
Application	Audio
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the RFS-16V221MH5#5 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Compatibility Parameters:

Capacitance: 220 µF (exact match required)
Tolerance: ±20% (exact match required)
Polarization: Polar (exact match required)
Package Type: Radial, Can (exact match required)
Lead Spacing: 0.197" (5.00 mm) (exact match required)
Diameter: 0.394" (10.00 mm) (exact match required)
Mounting Type: Through Hole (exact match required)

Voltage Rating Consideration: The RFS-16V221MH5#5 operates at 16 V. Substitute parts may have equal or higher voltage ratings. Higher voltage ratings provide additional design margin and are electrically compatible in 16 V circuits.

Lifetime and Temperature Performance: The original part is rated for 1000 hours at 85°C. Substitute parts with equal or superior lifetime ratings and temperature ranges maintain or exceed the original performance envelope.

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Upgrade Substitutes – Parts with higher voltage ratings (35 V, 50 V, 63 V) or improved lifetime ratings that provide enhanced performance margins while maintaining identical mechanical and electrical base specifications.

Similar Substitutes – Parts with identical voltage ratings (16 V) or higher voltage ratings that share the same capacitance, tolerance, and package geometry but may differ in series designation, lifetime rating, or product status.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Capacitance	Voltage	Tolerance	Diameter	Height	Lead Spacing	Lifetime @ Temp	Operating Temp Range	Ripple Current @ 120 Hz	Product Status
RFS-16V221MH5#5	Elna America	220 µF	16 V	±20%	0.394" (10.00 mm)	0.787" (20.00 mm)	0.197" (5.00 mm)	1000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	385 mA	Obsolete
EEU-FC1H221	Panasonic Electronic Components	220 µF	50 V	±20%	0.394" (10.00 mm)	0.787" (20.00 mm)	0.197" (5.00 mm)	3000 Hrs @ 105°C	-55°C ~ 105°C	669.5 mA	Active
UFW1H221MPD	Nichicon	220 µF	50 V	±20%	0.394" (10.00 mm)	0.492" (12.50 mm)	0.197" (5.00 mm)	2000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	410 mA	Not For New Designs
UFW1V221MPD	Nichicon	220 µF	35 V	±20%	0.394" (10.00 mm)	0.492" (12.50 mm)	0.197" (5.00 mm)	2000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	370 mA	Not For New Designs
UKW1V221MPD	Nichicon	220 µF	35 V	±20%	0.394" (10.00 mm)	0.492" (12.50 mm)	0.197" (5.00 mm)	2000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	370 mA	Not For New Designs
UPW1H221MPD6	Nichicon	220 µF	50 V	±20%	0.394" (10.00 mm)	0.787" (20.00 mm)	0.197" (5.00 mm)	5000 Hrs @ 105°C	-55°C ~ 105°C	669.5 mA	Not For New Designs
EEU-EB1J221	Panasonic Electronic Components	220 µF	63 V	±20%	0.394" (10.00 mm)	0.866" (22.00 mm)	0.197" (5.00 mm)	10000 Hrs @ 105°C	-40°C ~ 105°C	292 mA	Active
UFG1C221MPM	Nichicon	220 µF	16 V	±20%	0.394" (10.00 mm)	0.551" (14.00 mm)	0.197" (5.00 mm)	1000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	226 mA	Obsolete
UFW1C221MED	Nichicon	220 µF	16 V	±20%	0.248" (6.30 mm)	0.433" (11.00 mm)	0.098" (2.50 mm)	2000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	250 mA	Obsolete
UKW1C221MED	Nichicon	220 µF	16 V	±20%	0.248" (6.30 mm)	0.433" (11.00 mm)	0.098" (2.50 mm)	2000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	250 mA	Obsolete
UPW1J221MPD	Nichicon	220 µF	63 V	±20%	0.394" (10.00 mm)	0.787" (20.00 mm)	0.197" (5.00 mm)	5000 Hrs @ 105°C	-55°C ~ 105°C	575.25 mA	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Mechanical and Electrical Compatibility (Same Package Footprint):

The EEU-FC1H221 (Panasonic) and UPW1H221MPD6 (Nichicon) maintain identical external dimensions (0.394" diameter, 0.787" height, 0.197" lead spacing) to the RFS-16V221MH5#5. Both parts are rated at 50 V, providing voltage margin above the original 16 V specification. The EEU-FC1H221 carries Active product status and AEC-Q200 automotive qualification. The UPW1H221MPD6 is rated for 5000 hours at 105°C, significantly exceeding the original 1000-hour specification.

For Same Voltage Rating with Identical Package Footprint:

The UFG1C221MPM (Nichicon) matches the original 16 V voltage rating and maintains the 0.394" diameter and 0.197" lead spacing. However, the height is 0.551" (14.00 mm), which is shorter than the original 0.787" (20.00 mm). This part carries Obsolete status.

For Higher Voltage Rating with Extended Lifetime:

The UPW1J221MPD (Nichicon) and EEU-EB1J221 (Panasonic) both provide 63 V ratings with 5000-hour and 10000-hour lifetime ratings respectively at 105°C. Both maintain the 0.394" diameter and 0.197" lead spacing. The EEU-EB1J221 carries Active product status. The UPW1J221MPD height matches the original at 0.787" (20.00 mm), while the EEU-EB1J221 is slightly taller at 0.866" (22.00 mm).

For Compact Form Factor:

The UFW1C221MED and UKW1C221MED (both Nichicon) provide 16 V ratings with reduced package dimensions (0.248" diameter, 0.098" lead spacing, 0.433" height). These parts are not suitable for direct PCB replacement due to different lead spacing and diameter, but are electrically equivalent for applications permitting mechanical redesign.

Compliance Considerations:

All listed substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, matching the original part's regulatory status. Selection should prioritize parts with Active product status for new designs: EEU-FC1H221, EEU-EB1J221, and UPW1J221MPD.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a 50 V rated capacitor in place of the 16 V RFS-16V221MH5#5?

A: Yes. A 50 V rated capacitor is electrically compatible in a 16 V circuit. The higher voltage rating provides additional design margin and does not degrade circuit performance. The EEU-FC1H221 and UPW1H221MPD6 are both 50 V alternatives with identical package footprints.

Q: What is the difference between "Upgrade" and "Similar" substitute categories?

A: Upgrade substitutes offer enhanced performance through higher voltage ratings or extended lifetime ratings while maintaining identical mechanical compatibility. Similar substitutes share the same capacitance and voltage rating as the original but may have different package dimensions or product status.

Q: Does the height difference between the RFS-16V221MH5#5 (0.787") and UFG1C221MPM (0.551") affect compatibility?

A: Height differences do not affect electrical compatibility but may impact PCB layout clearance. If vertical space is constrained, the shorter UFG1C221MPM may be advantageous. If the original height is required for mechanical fit, select parts maintaining 0.787" height: EEU-FC1H221, UPW1H221MPD6, EEU-EB1J221, or UPW1J221MPD.

Q: Are there substitutes with the exact same lead spacing and diameter as the RFS-16V221MH5#5?

A: Yes. The EEU-FC1H221, UPW1H221MPD6, EEU-EB1J221, and UPW1J221MPD all maintain the 0.197" (5.00 mm) lead spacing and 0.394" (10.00 mm) diameter. These parts are direct PCB replacements without requiring layout modifications.

Q: What is the significance of "Not For New Designs" product status?

A: Parts marked "Not For New Designs" are in mature or declining production phases. While electrically and mechanically functional, they may have limited future availability. For new designs, prioritize parts with Active status: EEU-FC1H221, EEU-EB1J221, or UPW1J221MPD.

Q: How does ripple current capacity affect substitution?

A: Ripple current capacity determines the maximum AC current the capacitor can handle. The RFS-16V221MH5#5 is rated for 385 mA at 120 Hz. Substitutes with equal or higher ripple current ratings (such as EEU-FC1H221 at 669.5 mA) provide additional margin for high-frequency or high-current applications.

Q: Can I use UFW1C221MED or UKW1C221MED as direct replacements?

A: These parts are not direct PCB replacements. They have different lead spacing (0.098" vs. 0.197") and diameter (0.248" vs. 0.394"), requiring PCB redesign. They are electrically equivalent for applications permitting mechanical modification.

Q: What is the advantage of the EEU-EB1J221 over other substitutes?

A: The EEU-EB1J221 offers the longest lifetime rating (10000 hours at 105°C) and highest voltage rating (63 V) among all listed substitutes. It carries Active product status and is suitable for long-life applications. The trade-off is a slightly increased height (0.866" vs. 0.787").

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, matching the regulatory compliance of the original RFS-16V221MH5#5.

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