TARS156M015 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TARS156M015 is a 15 µF molded tantalum capacitor rated at 15 V with axial through-hole mounting, manufactured by KYOCERA AVX. This component is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing production, maintenance, and design updates. The part operates across a temperature range of -55°C to 125°C and features a 2.5Ohm equivalent series resistance (ESR) with general-purpose applications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Capacitance	15 µF
Tolerance	±20%
Voltage - Rated	15 V
Type	Molded Tantalum
ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance)	2.5Ohm
Operating Temperature Range	-55°C ~ 125°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	Axial
Size / Dimension	0.169" Dia x 0.339" L (4.30mm x 8.60mm)
Product Status	Obsolete
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the TARS156M015 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Capacitance: 15 µF (exact match required)
Voltage Rating: 15 V (exact match required)
Tolerance: ±20% or tighter (±10% acceptable as upgrade)
Type: Molded Tantalum (exact match required)
Mounting Type: Through Hole Axial (exact match required)
Operating Temperature: -55°C ~ 125°C (exact match required)
ESR: 2.5Ohm or lower (performance consideration)
RoHS Compliance: Non-compliant or ROHS3 Compliant (both acceptable)

Substitute parts are grouped into three categories:

Direct Equivalents: Identical electrical and mechanical specifications with different manufacturers or packaging formats.
Upgrade Substitutes: Improved tolerance (±10% vs ±20%) while maintaining all other critical parameters.
Manufacturer Recommended Alternatives: Parts designated by original manufacturers as direct replacements, including RoHS3-compliant variants.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Capacitance	Tolerance	Voltage	ESR	Operating Temp	Package	Size (mm)	Product Status	RoHS Status	Packaging Format
TARS156M015	KYOCERA AVX	15 µF	±20%	15 V	2.5Ohm	-55°C ~ 125°C	Axial	4.30 x 8.60	Obsolete	Non-compliant	Bulk
173D156X0015W	Vishay Sprague	15 µF	±20%	15 V	—	-55°C ~ 125°C	Axial	4.57 x 8.76	Active	Non-compliant	Tape & Reel
173D156X0015WW	Vishay Sprague	15 µF	±20%	15 V	—	-55°C ~ 125°C	Axial	4.57 x 8.76	Active	Non-compliant	Tape & Reel
173D156X9015WW	Vishay Sprague	15 µF	±10%	15 V	—	-55°C ~ 125°C	Axial	4.57 x 8.76	Active	Non-compliant	Tape & Reel
T322C156K015AS	KEMET	15 µF	±10%	15 V	2.5Ohm	-55°C ~ 125°C	Axial	4.57 x 8.76	Active	Non-compliant	Bulk
173D156X0015WE3	Vishay Sprague	15 µF	±20%	15 V	—	-55°C ~ 125°C	Axial	4.57 x 8.76	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	Tape & Reel
173D156X0015WWE3	Vishay Sprague	15 µF	±20%	15 V	—	-55°C ~ 125°C	Axial	4.57 x 8.76	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	Tape & Reel

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Equivalents (Active Status, Non-Compliant RoHS)

The 173D156X0015W and 173D156X0015WW from Vishay Sprague are direct electrical equivalents with identical capacitance, tolerance, voltage rating, and operating temperature range. Both parts are in active production status. The primary difference is packaging format: 173D156X0015W is supplied in Tape & Reel format, while 173D156X0015WW is also Tape & Reel. Both maintain RoHS non-compliant status consistent with the original TARS156M015.

Upgrade Substitutes (Improved Tolerance, Active Status)

The 173D156X9015WW (Vishay Sprague) and T322C156K015AS (KEMET) offer improved tolerance specifications at ±10%, providing tighter capacitance control compared to the original ±20% specification. Both maintain the 15 µF, 15 V electrical ratings and -55°C to 125°C operating range. The T322C156K015AS additionally specifies 2.5Ohm ESR, matching the original part. These upgrades are suitable for applications requiring enhanced capacitance stability.

Manufacturer Recommended Alternatives (RoHS3 Compliant)

The 173D156X0015WE3 and 173D156X0015WWE3 from Vishay Sprague are manufacturer-designated replacements with ROHS3 compliance. These parts maintain identical electrical specifications (15 µF, ±20%, 15 V) and operating temperature range while meeting updated environmental standards. Both are in active production and available in Tape & Reel packaging.

Mechanical Considerations

All substitute parts feature slightly larger dimensions (4.57mm x 8.76mm) compared to the original TARS156M015 (4.30mm x 8.60mm). This dimensional difference must be evaluated for PCB layout compatibility, particularly in space-constrained applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use 173D156X0015W as a direct replacement for TARS156M015?

A: Yes. The 173D156X0015W matches all critical electrical parameters: 15 µF capacitance, ±20% tolerance, 15 V rating, and -55°C to 125°C operating range. The primary consideration is the slightly larger physical dimensions (4.57mm x 8.76mm vs 4.30mm x 8.60mm), which must be verified against PCB layout constraints.

Q: What is the difference between 173D156X0015WW and 173D156X0015W?

A: Both parts are electrically identical with matching capacitance, tolerance, voltage, and temperature specifications. The designation difference reflects Vishay Sprague's internal part numbering; both are supplied in Tape & Reel packaging and are in active production status.

Q: Should I use the ±10% tolerance upgrade parts (173D156X9015WW or T322C156K015AS)?

A: Upgrade to ±10% tolerance parts only if your circuit design requires tighter capacitance control. The original TARS156M015 specification of ±20% is maintained by direct equivalents. Upgrade parts are functionally compatible but provide enhanced precision at potentially higher cost.

Q: Are the RoHS3-compliant variants (173D156X0015WE3, 173D156X0015WWE3) electrically identical to the original?

A: Yes. The RoHS3-compliant variants maintain identical electrical specifications (15 µF, ±20%, 15 V, -55°C to 125°C). The only difference is environmental compliance status. Use these parts if your application or supply chain requires RoHS3 certification.

Q: What is the significance of ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance)?

A: ESR affects capacitor performance in high-frequency or high-current applications. The original TARS156M015 specifies 2.5Ohm ESR. The T322C156K015AS upgrade substitute also specifies 2.5Ohm ESR. Other substitutes do not specify ESR; verify ESR specifications with the manufacturer if your application is ESR-sensitive.

Q: Can I mix different substitute parts in the same design?

A: Yes, provided all parts meet the minimum electrical requirements for your circuit. However, maintain consistency within a single PCB assembly to avoid performance variations. If mixing parts with different tolerances (±20% vs ±10%), ensure your circuit design accommodates the widest tolerance range.

Q: What packaging formats are available?

A: The original TARS156M015 is supplied in bulk packaging. Vishay Sprague substitutes are available in Tape & Reel format, which is standard for automated assembly. KEMET's T322C156K015AS is available in bulk packaging. Confirm packaging compatibility with your procurement and assembly processes.

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