RFS-50V010MF3#5 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The RFS-50V010MF3#5 is a 1 µF, 50 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. 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	1 µF
Tolerance	±20%
Voltage - Rated	50 V
Lifetime @ Temperature	1000 Hrs @ 85°C
Operating Temperature Range	-40°C ~ 85°C
Polarization	Polar
Ripple Current @ 120 Hz	18 mA
Lead Spacing	0.098" (2.50 mm)
Size / Dimension	0.248" Dia (6.30 mm)
Height - Seated (Max)	0.433" (11.00 mm)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	Radial, Can
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the RFS-50V010MF3#5 is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Capacitance: 1 µF (exact match required)
Tolerance: ±20% (exact match required)
Voltage Rating: 50 V minimum (equal or higher voltage rating is acceptable)
Polarization: Polar (exact match required)
Mounting Type: Through Hole (exact match required)
Package / Case: Radial, Can (exact match required)
Lead Spacing: 0.098" (2.50 mm) (exact match required for PCB compatibility)
Physical Dimensions: 0.248" Dia (6.30 mm) and Height 0.433" (11.00 mm) (exact match required for mechanical fit)

Secondary Considerations:

Operating Temperature Range: -40°C ~ 85°C or wider
Lifetime @ Temperature: 1000 Hrs @ 85°C or greater
Ripple Current @ 120 Hz: 18 mA or greater
RoHS3 Compliance: Required

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on voltage rating alignment:

Category A - Direct Voltage Match (50 V): Parts with identical 50 V rating and matching mechanical/electrical specifications.

Category B - Higher Voltage Rating (160 V and above): Parts with elevated voltage ratings that maintain all other critical parameters. Higher voltage ratings provide additional design margin and are electrically compatible in 50 V applications.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Capacitance	Tolerance	Voltage (V)	Lifetime @ Temp	Operating Temp Range	Lead Spacing	Size Dia	Height (Max)	Ripple Current @ 120 Hz	Product Status
RFS-50V010MF3#5	Elna America	1 µF	±20%	50	1000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	0.098" (2.50 mm)	0.248" (6.30 mm)	0.433" (11.00 mm)	18 mA	Obsolete
UFG1H010MDM	Nichicon	1 µF	±20%	50	1000 Hrs @ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	0.079" (2.00 mm)	0.197" (5.00 mm)	0.492" (12.50 mm)	9 mA	Obsolete
UPW2C010MED	Nichicon	1 µF	±20%	160	2000 Hrs @ 105°C	-40°C ~ 105°C	0.098" (2.50 mm)	0.248" (6.30 mm)	0.433" (11.00 mm)	17 mA	Obsolete
UPW2D010MED	Nichicon	1 µF	±20%	200	2000 Hrs @ 105°C	-40°C ~ 105°C	0.098" (2.50 mm)	0.248" (6.30 mm)	0.433" (11.00 mm)	17 mA	Obsolete
SEK010M160ST	Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE)	1 µF	±20%	160	2000 Hrs @ 105°C	-40°C ~ 105°C	0.098" (2.50 mm)	0.248" (6.30 mm)	0.433" (11.00 mm)	17 mA	Active
517D105M250AA6AE3	Vishay Sprague	1 µF	±20%	250	2000 Hrs @ 105°C	-40°C ~ 105°C	0.098" (2.50 mm)	0.248" (6.30 mm)	0.433" (11.00 mm)	17 mA	Obsolete

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Mechanical and Electrical Compatibility:

The substitute parts UPW2C010MED, UPW2D010MED, SEK010M160ST, and 517D105M250AA6AE3 maintain identical physical dimensions (0.248" diameter, 0.433" height) and lead spacing (0.098" / 2.50 mm) as the RFS-50V010MF3#5. These parts are suitable for direct PCB footprint replacement without layout modification.

Voltage Rating Considerations:

All listed substitute parts meet or exceed the 50 V rating requirement. Parts with higher voltage ratings (160 V, 200 V, 250 V) provide additional electrical margin and are fully compatible in 50 V circuit applications. The elevated voltage rating does not degrade performance in lower-voltage designs.

Product Status and Compliance:

SEK010M160ST (Cornell Dubilier Electronics) is the only substitute part with Active product status, indicating current manufacturing availability and long-term supply continuity. All substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current regulatory requirements.

Lifetime and Temperature Performance:

Substitute parts rated for 2000 Hrs @ 105°C (UPW2C010MED, UPW2D010MED, SEK010M160ST, 517D105M250AA6AE3) provide extended operational life compared to the original 1000 Hrs @ 85°C specification. Operating temperature range extends to 105°C on these parts, supporting broader thermal design margins.

Ripple Current Specifications:

The original RFS-50V010MF3#5 specifies 18 mA ripple current at 120 Hz. Substitute parts UPW2C010MED, UPW2D010MED, SEK010M160ST, and 517D105M250AA6AE3 specify 17 mA at 120 Hz, which is within acceptable tolerance for audio and general-purpose applications. UFG1H010MDM specifies 9 mA at 120 Hz and is not recommended for direct substitution due to reduced ripple current capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a 160 V or 250 V rated capacitor in place of the 50 V RFS-50V010MF3#5?

A: Yes. Higher voltage-rated capacitors are electrically compatible in 50 V applications. The voltage rating indicates the maximum voltage the capacitor can withstand; operating at lower voltages does not degrade performance or reliability. Parts UPW2C010MED (160 V), UPW2D010MED (200 V), SEK010M160ST (160 V), and 517D105M250AA6AE3 (250 V) are all suitable substitutes.

Q: What is the difference between the UFG1H010MDM and other substitute options?

A: The UFG1H010MDM differs in physical dimensions and lead spacing. It has a smaller diameter (0.197" vs. 0.248") and different lead spacing (0.079" vs. 0.098"), making it incompatible with PCB layouts designed for the RFS-50V010MF3#5. Additionally, its ripple current rating (9 mA @ 120 Hz) is lower than the original specification (18 mA @ 120 Hz). This part is not recommended as a direct substitute.

Q: Which substitute part offers the best long-term availability?

A: SEK010M160ST (Cornell Dubilier Electronics) is classified as Active product status, indicating current production and ongoing availability. All other substitute parts are classified as Obsolete. For new designs or long-term production requirements, SEK010M160ST is the preferred choice.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements for electronic components.

Q: Can I substitute based on capacitance and voltage alone?

A: No. Mechanical compatibility is equally critical. Lead spacing and physical dimensions must match the PCB footprint. UFG1H010MDM, despite matching capacitance and voltage, has different lead spacing (0.079" vs. 0.098") and cannot be used without PCB redesign. Always verify all parameters: capacitance, tolerance, voltage, lead spacing, diameter, and height.

Q: What is the significance of the ±20% tolerance specification?

A: The ±20% tolerance indicates that the actual capacitance value may vary between 0.8 µF and 1.2 µF. All substitute parts maintain this same tolerance specification, ensuring equivalent performance in circuits designed for the original part.

Q: Do substitute parts with 2000 Hrs @ 105°C lifetime provide better reliability than the original 1000 Hrs @ 85°C?

A: The lifetime specification indicates operational hours at a specified temperature. Parts rated for 2000 Hrs @ 105°C demonstrate extended operational capability at elevated temperatures. In applications operating at or below 85°C, these parts provide additional design margin and longer service life compared to the original specification.

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