RFS-16V470MG3#5 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The RFS-16V470MG3#5 is a 47 µF, 16 V aluminum electrolytic capacitor in radial, can package manufactured by Elna America. This component is part of the RFS/SILMIC II series and is rated for 1000 hours at 85°C. The part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing maintenance, repair, and legacy system support. Substitute parts must maintain the same capacitance value, tolerance, and physical form factor while accommodating higher voltage ratings and improved thermal performance characteristics available in current production alternatives.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Capacitance	47	µF
Voltage - Rated	16	V
Tolerance	±20%	-
Polarization	Polar	-
Lead Spacing	0.138" (3.50 mm)	-
Size / Dimension	0.315" Dia (8.00 mm)	-
Height - Seated (Max)	0.453" (11.50 mm)	-
Mounting Type	Through Hole	-
Package / Case	Radial, Can	-
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C	-
Lifetime @ Temp.	1000 Hrs @ 85°C	-
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	-

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the RFS-16V470MG3#5 is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

Capacitance: 47 µF (exact match required)
Tolerance: ±20% (exact match required)
Polarization: Polar (exact match required)
Lead Spacing: 0.138" (3.50 mm) (exact match required)
Size / Dimension: 0.315" Dia (8.00 mm) (exact match required)
Mounting Type: Through Hole (exact match required)
Package / Case: Radial, Can (exact match required)

Allowable Parameter Variations:

Voltage - Rated: Substitute parts may have equal or higher voltage ratings (16 V or greater)
Operating Temperature: Substitute parts may have equal or extended upper temperature limits (-40°C minimum, 85°C or higher maximum)
Lifetime @ Temp.: Substitute parts may have equal or longer operational lifetimes
RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant required

All five substitute parts listed meet these criteria with voltage ratings of 63 V (higher than the original 16 V specification) and improved thermal performance characteristics.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	RFS-16V470MG3#5	B41821A8476M	EEU-EB1J470S	EEU-FC1J470	UPM1J470MPD	UPW1J470MPD
Manufacturer	Elna America	EPCOS - TDK Electronics	Panasonic Electronic Components	Panasonic Electronic Components	Nichicon	Nichicon
Capacitance	47 µF	47 µF	47 µF	47 µF	47 µF	47 µF
Tolerance	±20%	±20%	±20%	±20%	±20%	±20%
Voltage - Rated	16 V	63 V	63 V	63 V	63 V	63 V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 105°C	-55°C ~ 105°C	-55°C ~ 105°C	-55°C ~ 105°C
Lifetime @ Temp.	1000 Hrs @ 85°C	2000 Hrs @ 85°C	5000 Hrs @ 105°C	2000 Hrs @ 105°C	3000 Hrs @ 105°C	3000 Hrs @ 105°C
Lead Spacing	0.138" (3.50 mm)	0.138" (3.50 mm)	0.138" (3.50 mm)	0.138" (3.50 mm)	0.138" (3.50 mm)	0.138" (3.50 mm)
Size / Dimension	0.315" Dia (8.00 mm)	0.315" Dia (8.00 mm)	0.315" Dia (8.00 mm)	0.315" Dia (8.00 mm)	0.315" Dia (8.00 mm)	0.315" Dia (8.00 mm)
Height - Seated (Max)	0.453" (11.50 mm)	0.472" (12.00 mm)	0.492" (12.50 mm)	0.453" (11.50 mm)	0.453" (11.50 mm)	0.453" (11.50 mm)
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Package / Case	Radial, Can	Radial, Can	Radial, Can	Radial, Can	Radial, Can	Radial, Can
Product Status	Obsolete	Obsolete	Active	Active	Not For New Designs	Not For New Designs
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: EEU-EB1J470S (Panasonic Electronic Components)

The EEU-EB1J470S is the preferred substitute for the RFS-16V470MG3#5. This part is classified as Active product status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain stability. It provides the highest operational lifetime rating of 5000 hours at 105°C, compared to the original part's 1000 hours at 85°C. The extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 105°C) accommodates broader environmental conditions. All mechanical parameters match the original specification exactly, with identical lead spacing, diameter, and mounting configuration. ROHS3 compliance is maintained.

Secondary Recommendation: EEU-FC1J470 (Panasonic Electronic Components)

The EEU-FC1J470 is an Active product with automotive-grade qualification (AEC-Q200). This part is suitable for applications requiring automotive-level reliability and extended temperature performance (-55°C to 105°C). The 2000-hour lifetime at 105°C exceeds the original specification. Physical dimensions match the original part exactly. This option is appropriate for automotive or high-reliability applications.

Alternative Options: UPM1J470MPD and UPW1J470MPD (Nichicon)

Both Nichicon parts (UPM1J470MPD and UPW1J470MPD) are classified as Not For New Designs. These parts are suitable only for replacement in existing systems or legacy applications where supply continuity is required. UPM1J470MPD carries AEC-Q200 automotive qualification. Both provide 3000-hour lifetime at 105°C and extended temperature ranges. These options should not be selected for new circuit designs.

Obsolete Alternative: B41821A8476M (EPCOS - TDK Electronics)

The B41821A8476M is classified as Obsolete, similar to the original part. While it meets all mechanical and electrical substitution criteria with 2000-hour lifetime at 85°C, it offers no supply chain advantage over the original part. This option is not recommended for new applications or long-term system support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a 63 V rated capacitor in place of the original 16 V part?

A: Yes. The substitute parts with 63 V ratings are electrically compatible. A higher voltage rating does not degrade performance in a 16 V application. The capacitor will operate safely within its voltage specification. All substitute parts listed have 63 V ratings and are qualified for direct substitution.

Q: Will the substitute parts fit in the same PCB footprint?

A: The five substitute parts maintain identical lead spacing (0.138" / 3.50 mm) and diameter (0.315" / 8.00 mm) as the original RFS-16V470MG3#5. Four of the five substitutes (EEU-FC1J470, UPM1J470MPD, UPW1J470MPD, and RFS-16V470MG3#5) have identical maximum seated height of 0.453" (11.50 mm). The B41821A8476M has a maximum height of 0.472" (12.00 mm), and the EEU-EB1J470S has a maximum height of 0.492" (12.50 mm). Verify PCB clearance if height is constrained.

Q: What is the difference between Active and Not For New Designs product status?

A: Active products are in current production with guaranteed long-term availability and supply continuity. Not For New Designs products are still manufactured but are being phased out; they are suitable only for replacement in existing systems. For new circuit designs, select only Active products: EEU-EB1J470S or EEU-FC1J470.

Q: Why do all substitutes have higher voltage ratings than the original?

A: The original RFS-16V470MG3#5 is obsolete. Current production 47 µF aluminum electrolytic capacitors with identical physical dimensions are manufactured primarily at 63 V ratings. Higher voltage ratings provide improved reliability margins and are standard in modern component design. The higher voltage does not affect performance in 16 V applications.

Q: Are there any temperature performance differences I should consider?

A: Yes. The original part is rated for 1000 hours at 85°C. Substitute parts offer significantly improved thermal performance: EEU-EB1J470S provides 5000 hours at 105°C, EEU-FC1J470 provides 2000 hours at 105°C, and both Nichicon parts provide 3000 hours at 105°C. Extended temperature ratings (-55°C to 105°C for automotive-qualified parts) provide broader environmental operating margins. These improvements enhance system reliability and lifespan.

Q: Which substitute should I choose for automotive applications?

A: For automotive applications, select either EEU-FC1J470 or UPM1J470MPD. Both carry AEC-Q200 automotive qualification. EEU-FC1J470 is Active product status and is the preferred choice for new automotive designs. UPM1J470MPD is Not For New Designs and is suitable only for replacement in existing automotive systems.

Q: Is RoHS compliance maintained across all substitutes?

A: Yes. All substitute parts listed are ROHS3 compliant, matching the original RFS-16V470MG3#5 specification. No compliance degradation occurs with any substitute selection.

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