SEK331M160ST Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SEK331M160ST is a 330 µF, 160 V aluminum electrolytic capacitor in radial, can package manufactured by Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE). This component is classified as Active and serves general-purpose applications in electronic circuits. Substitute parts are necessary to address component availability, supply chain constraints, and application-specific performance requirements such as extended lifetime ratings or higher voltage specifications.

Substiute Parts

SEK331M160ST

Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE)In Stock: 898SEK331M160ST Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

EKXG161ELL331MMN3S

Chemi-ConIn Stock: 3330EKXG161ELL331MMN3S Datasheet

DirectRFQ

UCY2E331MHD9

NichiconIn Stock: 8395UCY2E331MHD9 Datasheet

UpgradeRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SEK331M160ST is determined by the following mandatory parameters: capacitance (330 µF), tolerance (±20%), package type (Radial, Can), mounting type (Through Hole), lead spacing (0.295" / 7.50mm), and physical dimension (0.709" Dia / 18.00mm). The rated voltage must equal or exceed 160 V to maintain circuit compliance.

Two categories of substitutes are identified:

Direct Equivalent: Parts meeting identical electrical and physical specifications (EKXG161ELL331MMN3S by Chemi-Con).

Upgrade Substitute: Parts with identical capacitance and tolerance, same physical form factor, but elevated voltage rating (UCY2E331MHD9 by Nichicon at 250 V), providing enhanced safety margin in applications where circuit voltage remains at or below 160 V.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Substitution (EKXG161ELL331MMN3S): This Chemi-Con component matches all critical electrical parameters and physical dimensions of the SEK331M160ST. It provides a 5× increase in operational lifetime (10,000 hours versus 2,000 hours at 105°C) while maintaining ROHS3 compliance and REACH Unaffected status. The reduced height (31.50mm versus 42.00mm) offers space optimization benefits without affecting electrical performance. This part is preferred for direct replacement applications.

Upgrade Substitution (UCY2E331MHD9): This Nichicon component supplies an elevated voltage rating (250 V versus 160 V) while maintaining all other critical parameters. Lifetime at rated temperature is extended to 12,000 hours. ROHS3 compliance is maintained; however, REACH Affected status must be evaluated against application-specific regulatory requirements. This part is suitable for circuits operating at or below 160 V where enhanced voltage margin and extended lifetime are beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can EKXG161ELL331MMN3S directly replace SEK331M160ST without circuit modification? A: Yes. The EKXG161ELL331MMN3S maintains identical capacitance, voltage rating, tolerance, and physical form factor. Through-hole mounting and lead spacing are compatible with existing PCB designs.

Q: What is the primary advantage of the Chemi-Con substitute over the original part? A: The EKXG161ELL331MMN3S operates for 10,000 hours at 105°C compared to 2,000 hours for the SEK331M160ST, providing extended reliability. Additionally, its reduced height (31.50mm) improves thermal and mechanical performance in space-constrained applications.

Q: When should the Nichicon UCY2E331MHD9 upgrade be selected? A: The UCY2E331MHD9 is selected when the application circuit operates at or below 160 V and circuit design permits the use of a 250 V rated component. The upgrade provides a higher voltage safety margin and extended 12,000-hour lifetime at 105°C.

Q: Are all three parts RoHS3 compliant? A: Yes. SEK331M160ST, EKXG161ELL331MMN3S, and UCY2E331MHD9 are all RoHS3 compliant. REACH status differs: SEK331M160ST and EKXG161ELL331MMN3S are REACH Unaffected; UCY2E331MHD9 is REACH Affected.

Q: Do height differences affect PCB layout compatibility? A: The EKXG161ELL331MMN3S has a reduced maximum seated height of 31.50mm compared to 42.00mm for the SEK331M160ST. PCB designs with tight vertical clearance constraints benefit from this dimension reduction. The UCY2E331MHD9 height (41.50mm) is nearly equivalent to the original part.

Q: Which substitute should be selected for new design implementation? A: The EKXG161ELL331MMN3S is the preferred direct equivalent for new designs, offering superior lifetime ratings and improved physical dimensions while maintaining all electrical specifications. The UCY2E331MHD9 is selected when elevated voltage margin is required by circuit design parameters.