RFS-25V220ME3#5 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The RFS-25V220ME3#5 is a 22 µF, 25 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, with applications in audio circuits. The part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support, maintenance, and production continuity.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Capacitance	22 µF
Tolerance	±20%
Voltage - Rated	25 V
Lifetime @ Temperature	1000 Hrs @ 85°C
Operating Temperature Range	-40°C ~ 85°C
Polarization	Polar
Lead Spacing	0.079" (2.00 mm)
Size / Dimension	0.197" Dia (5.00 mm)
Height - Seated (Max)	0.492" (12.50 mm)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	Radial, Can
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the RFS-25V220ME3#5 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

Capacitance: 22 µF (exact match required)
Tolerance: ±20% (exact match required)
Polarization: Polar (exact match required)
Lead Spacing: 0.079" (2.00 mm) (exact match required)
Size / Dimension: 0.197" Dia (5.00 mm) (exact match required)
Mounting Type: Through Hole (exact match required)
Package / Case: Radial, Can (exact match required)

Allowable Upgrade Parameters:

Voltage - Rated: 25 V or higher (upgrades to 35 V, 50 V, or 63 V are acceptable)
Lifetime @ Temperature: 1000 Hrs @ 85°C or longer (upgrades to 2000 Hrs, 5000 Hrs acceptable)
Operating Temperature Range: -40°C ~ 85°C or wider (upgrades to -55°C ~ 105°C acceptable)
RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant (maintained across all substitutes)

Substitute parts are grouped into three categories based on voltage rating: 35 V rated parts, 50 V rated parts, and 63 V rated parts. All substitutes maintain identical physical dimensions, lead spacing, and mounting characteristics to ensure direct mechanical and electrical compatibility.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Capacitance	Voltage (V)	Tolerance	Lifetime @ Temp	Operating Temp Range	Product Status	Lead Spacing	Height (Max)
RFS-25V220ME3#5	Elna America	22 µF	25 V	±20%	1000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	Obsolete	0.079" (2.00 mm)	0.492" (12.50 mm)
515D226M035JA6AE3	Vishay Sprague	22 µF	35 V	±20%	2000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	Obsolete	0.079" (2.00 mm)	0.433" (11.00 mm)
EEU-FC1V220	Panasonic Electronic Components	22 µF	35 V	±20%	1000 Hrs @ 105°C	-55°C ~ 105°C	Active	0.079" (2.00 mm)	0.472" (12.00 mm)
SEK220M035ST	Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE)	22 µF	35 V	±20%	2000 Hrs @ 105°C	-55°C ~ 105°C	Active	0.079" (2.00 mm)	0.512" (13.00 mm)
226SAK050M	Cornell Dubilier / Illinois Capacitor	22 µF	50 V	±20%	2000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	0.079" (2.00 mm)	0.413" (10.50 mm)
EEU-EB1H220S	Panasonic Electronic Components	22 µF	50 V	±20%	5000 Hrs @ 105°C	-40°C ~ 105°C	Active	0.079" (2.00 mm)	0.472" (12.00 mm)
EEU-FC1H220	Panasonic Electronic Components	22 µF	50 V	±20%	1000 Hrs @ 105°C	-55°C ~ 105°C	Active	0.079" (2.00 mm)	0.472" (12.00 mm)
EKZE500ELL220ME11D	Chemi-Con	22 µF	50 V	±20%	2000 Hrs @ 105°C	-40°C ~ 105°C	Active	0.079" (2.00 mm)	0.492" (12.50 mm)
UFW1H220MDD	Nichicon	22 µF	50 V	±20%	2000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	Obsolete	0.079" (2.00 mm)	0.492" (12.50 mm)
UFW1J220MDD	Nichicon	22 µF	63 V	±20%	2000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	Obsolete	0.079" (2.00 mm)	0.492" (12.50 mm)
UHE1H220MDD	Nichicon	22 µF	50 V	±20%	5000 Hrs @ 105°C	-40°C ~ 105°C	Obsolete	0.079" (2.00 mm)	0.433" (11.00 mm)

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Same Voltage Rating - 25 V): No active substitute parts are available at the 25 V rating. The RFS-25V220ME3#5 is obsolete with no direct equivalent from current manufacturers.

For Voltage-Upgraded Substitution (35 V Rating):

EEU-FC1V220 (Panasonic): Active product with AEC-Q200 automotive qualification. Extended operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 105°C) and 1000 Hrs @ 105°C lifetime. Suitable for applications requiring automotive-grade reliability.
SEK220M035ST (Cornell Dubilier Electronics): Active product with 2000 Hrs @ 105°C lifetime and extended temperature range (-55°C ~ 105°C). Provides enhanced thermal performance over the original part.
515D226M035JA6AE3 (Vishay Sprague): Obsolete but available in inventory. Offers 2000 Hrs @ 85°C lifetime with identical temperature range to the original part.

For Voltage-Upgraded Substitution (50 V Rating):

EEU-EB1H220S (Panasonic): Active product with highest lifetime rating (5000 Hrs @ 105°C). Extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 105°C). Recommended for long-life applications.
EEU-FC1H220 (Panasonic): Active product with AEC-Q200 automotive qualification. Extended operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 105°C). Suitable for automotive applications.
EKZE500ELL220ME11D (Chemi-Con): Active product with 2000 Hrs @ 105°C lifetime and extended temperature range (-40°C ~ 105°C). Maintains original height dimension (0.492").
226SAK050M (Cornell Dubilier / Illinois Capacitor): Active product with 2000 Hrs @ 85°C lifetime. Compact height (0.413") may be advantageous in space-constrained designs.
UFW1H220MDD (Nichicon): Obsolete but available in inventory. Provides 2000 Hrs @ 85°C lifetime with identical height to the original part.

For Voltage-Upgraded Substitution (63 V Rating):

UFW1J220MDD (Nichicon): Obsolete but available in inventory. Provides maximum voltage margin with 2000 Hrs @ 85°C lifetime and identical physical dimensions to the original part.

Selection Criteria by Application:

Audio applications requiring active products: EEU-EB1H220S or EEU-FC1H220 (50 V rating)
Automotive applications: EEU-FC1V220 (35 V) or EEU-FC1H220 (50 V) with AEC-Q200 qualification
General purpose with extended lifetime: EEU-EB1H220S (5000 Hrs @ 105°C)
Space-constrained designs: 226SAK050M (compact 0.413" height)
Thermal performance priority: SEK220M035ST or EKZE500ELL220ME11D (2000 Hrs @ 105°C)

All recommended substitutes maintain ROHS3 compliance and identical lead spacing (0.079" / 2.00 mm) and diameter (0.197" / 5.00 mm) for direct mechanical compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a 50 V rated capacitor in place of the 25 V RFS-25V220ME3#5?

A: Yes. A 50 V rated capacitor is a valid substitute for a 25 V application. The higher voltage rating provides additional safety margin and does not degrade circuit performance. The capacitance (22 µF) and tolerance (±20%) remain identical, ensuring electrical compatibility.

Q: What is the difference between the 35 V and 50 V substitute options?

A: Both voltage ratings are acceptable upgrades. The 50 V rated parts provide greater voltage margin and are available from more manufacturers in active production status. The 35 V rated parts offer a closer voltage match to the original 25 V specification. Selection depends on application requirements, thermal environment, and desired lifetime performance.

Q: Are the physical dimensions identical across all substitute parts?

A: Lead spacing (0.079" / 2.00 mm) and diameter (0.197" / 5.00 mm) are identical across all substitutes, ensuring direct mechanical compatibility. Height varies slightly between parts (0.413" to 0.512"), but all fit within standard through-hole PCB layouts. Verify height clearance in space-constrained designs.

Q: What does "Active" versus "Obsolete" product status mean for substitution?

A: Active products are currently manufactured and available from distributors with ongoing supply. Obsolete products are no longer manufactured but may remain available in existing inventory. For new designs or long-term production, active products are preferred. For legacy system maintenance, obsolete substitutes may be acceptable if inventory is available.

Q: Which substitute offers the longest operational lifetime?

A: EEU-EB1H220S (Panasonic) provides the longest lifetime rating at 5000 Hrs @ 105°C. This part is recommended for applications requiring extended service life or operation in elevated temperature environments.

Q: Are all substitutes RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All substitute parts listed maintain ROHS3 compliance, matching the environmental compliance status of the original RFS-25V220ME3#5.

Q: Can I use UFW1J220MDD (63 V) in an audio application?

A: Yes. The UFW1J220MDD is rated for audio applications and provides the highest voltage margin (63 V). However, it is obsolete. For new audio designs, active alternatives such as EEU-EB1H220S or EEU-FC1H220 are recommended.

Q: What is the significance of AEC-Q200 qualification on EEU-FC1V220 and EEU-FC1H220?

A: AEC-Q200 is an automotive industry qualification standard. Parts bearing this rating have been tested and validated for automotive applications, including extended temperature ranges and reliability requirements. These parts are suitable for automotive circuits and environments with stringent reliability demands.

Q: How do I determine which substitute is best for my specific application?

A: Evaluate based on: (1) Product status (active preferred for new designs), (2) Operating temperature range required, (3) Desired lifetime at operating temperature, (4) Physical space constraints (height clearance), (5) Industry certifications needed (automotive, etc.), (6) Voltage margin preference. All listed substitutes are electrically and mechanically compatible with the original part.

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