RFS-50V4R7MF3#5 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The RFS-50V4R7MF3#5 is a 4.7 µF, 50 V aluminum electrolytic capacitor in radial, can package manufactured by Elna America. This component is rated for 1000 hours at 85°C and is designed for audio applications. The part is currently obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support, maintenance, and production continuity.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Capacitance	4.7 µF
Voltage Rating	50 V
Tolerance	±20%
Polarization	Polar
Package Type	Radial, Can
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Operating Temperature Range	-40°C ~ 85°C
Lifetime @ Temperature	1000 Hrs @ 85°C
Ripple Current @ 120 Hz	40 mA
Lead Spacing	0.098" (2.50mm)
Diameter	0.248" (6.30mm)
Height (Max)	0.433" (11.00mm)
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the RFS-50V4R7MF3#5 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Capacitance value: 4.7 µF (exact match required)
Tolerance: ±20% (standard tolerance match)
Voltage rating: 50 V minimum (equal or higher voltage rating acceptable)
Package type: Radial, Can (physical form factor)
Mounting type: Through Hole (PCB connection method)
Polarization: Polar (electrolytic capacitor type)

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

Operating temperature range: -40°C ~ 85°C minimum
Lead spacing and physical dimensions: Must accommodate PCB layout constraints
RoHS3 compliance: Required for regulatory alignment

Two substitute parts meet these criteria with varying performance characteristics:

UKW1H4R7MDD (Nichicon) – Direct electrical and mechanical equivalent with identical voltage rating and lead spacing
SEK4R7M160ST (Cornell Dubilier Electronics) – Higher voltage rating (160 V) with improved thermal performance and extended lifetime

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	RFS-50V4R7MF3#5 (Elna)	UKW1H4R7MDD (Nichicon)	SEK4R7M160ST (CDE)
Manufacturer	Elna America	Nichicon	Cornell Dubilier Electronics
Capacitance	4.7 µF	4.7 µF	4.7 µF
Voltage Rating	50 V	50 V	160 V
Tolerance	±20%	±20%	±20%
Polarization	Polar	Polar	Polar
Package / Case	Radial, Can	Radial, Can	Radial, Can
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 105°C
Lifetime @ Temperature	1000 Hrs @ 85°C	2000 Hrs @ 85°C	2000 Hrs @ 105°C
Ripple Current @ 120 Hz	40 mA	40 mA	43 mA
Lead Spacing	0.098" (2.50mm)	0.079" (2.00mm)	0.098" (2.50mm)
Diameter	0.248" (6.30mm)	0.197" (5.00mm)	0.248" (6.30mm)
Height (Max)	0.433" (11.00mm)	0.433" (11.00mm)	0.433" (11.00mm)
Product Status	Obsolete	Obsolete	Active
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

UKW1H4R7MDD (Nichicon) – Closest Electrical Equivalent

The UKW1H4R7MDD provides direct electrical substitution with identical 50 V voltage rating and matching ripple current specification (40 mA @ 120 Hz). This part is suitable for applications where the original RFS-50V4R7MF3#5 specifications must be maintained exactly. The UKW1H4R7MDD offers improved lifetime (2000 Hrs @ 85°C versus 1000 Hrs), providing enhanced reliability. However, lead spacing differs (0.079" versus 0.098"), and the smaller diameter (0.197" versus 0.248") may require PCB layout verification to confirm mechanical compatibility.

SEK4R7M160ST (Cornell Dubilier Electronics) – Higher Performance Alternative

The SEK4R7M160ST is an active product with superior thermal performance and extended operational lifetime (2000 Hrs @ 105°C). The 160 V voltage rating provides design margin above the original 50 V specification, suitable for applications requiring enhanced voltage headroom. This part maintains identical lead spacing (0.098") and diameter (0.248") as the original, ensuring direct mechanical compatibility. The SEK4R7M160ST is recommended for new designs or applications where improved reliability and thermal performance are beneficial.

Product Status Consideration

Both substitute parts are either obsolete (UKW1H4R7MDD) or active (SEK4R7M160ST). For long-term supply assurance, SEK4R7M160ST is the preferred selection due to active product status and current manufacturing availability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can UKW1H4R7MDD be used as a direct replacement for RFS-50V4R7MF3#5?

A: UKW1H4R7MDD is electrically equivalent with matching 4.7 µF capacitance, ±20% tolerance, and 50 V voltage rating. However, the lead spacing (0.079" versus 0.098") and diameter (0.197" versus 0.248") differ. PCB layout verification is required to confirm mechanical fit before substitution.

Q: What is the advantage of using SEK4R7M160ST over UKW1H4R7MDD?

A: SEK4R7M160ST offers three advantages: (1) Active product status with ongoing manufacturing availability, (2) Extended lifetime of 2000 Hrs @ 105°C compared to 2000 Hrs @ 85°C, and (3) Higher voltage rating (160 V) providing design margin. Lead spacing and diameter match the original part exactly, eliminating layout concerns.

Q: Is the higher voltage rating of SEK4R7M160ST (160 V) compatible with a 50 V circuit?

A: Yes. A capacitor with higher voltage rating than the circuit requires is electrically compatible and operates safely. The 160 V rating provides additional voltage margin and does not affect circuit performance in a 50 V application.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. Both UKW1H4R7MDD and SEK4R7M160ST are ROHS3 compliant, matching the compliance status of the original RFS-50V4R7MF3#5.

Q: Which substitute part should be selected for new production?

A: SEK4R7M160ST is recommended for new production due to active product status, ensuring long-term supply availability and manufacturing consistency.

Q: Do the substitute parts have the same ripple current rating?

A: Ripple current ratings are equivalent: RFS-50V4R7MF3#5 and UKW1H4R7MDD both specify 40 mA @ 120 Hz, while SEK4R7M160ST specifies 43 mA @ 120 Hz, representing a negligible difference.

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