TC2515 Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The TC2515 is a 1500 µF, 25 V aluminum electrolytic capacitor in axial configuration manufactured by Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE). This component is classified as obsolete, indicating that direct procurement from the original manufacturer is no longer available. The TC2515 series was designed for general-purpose applications requiring moderate capacitance and voltage ratings in through-hole mounting configurations.

Due to the obsolete status of the TC2515, equivalent and substitute parts from active manufacturers are necessary to maintain design continuity and ensure ongoing component availability for production, repair, and maintenance applications.

Substiute Parts

TC2515

Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE)In Stock: 847TC2515 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

601D158F050GL1

Vishay SpragueIn Stock: 882601D158F050GL1 Datasheet

UpgradeRFQ

B41689A5158Q001

EPCOS - TDK ElectronicsIn Stock: 871B41689A5158Q001 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

MAL202116152E3

Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC ComponentsIn Stock: 1433MAL202116152E3 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

MAL202117152E3

Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC ComponentsIn Stock: 1485MAL202117152E3 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TC2515 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Capacitance value: 1500 µF (exact match required)
• Polarization: Polar (axial configuration)
• Mounting type: Through Hole
• Package style: Axial, Can

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

• Voltage rating: Equal to or greater than 25 V
• Operating temperature range: Must accommodate -40°C to 85°C minimum
• ESR and ripple current ratings: Must meet or exceed application requirements
• Physical dimensions: Compatibility with PCB layout and mechanical constraints

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Upgrade Substitutes: Parts with higher voltage ratings or improved electrical characteristics that provide enhanced performance margins while maintaining identical capacitance and form factor.

Direct Equivalents: Parts with matching voltage ratings and similar electrical performance characteristics, offering direct replacement capability with minimal design impact.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

601D158F050GL1 (Vishay Sprague) - Upgrade Substitute

The 601D158F050GL1 provides direct form-factor compatibility with identical physical dimensions (0.750" Dia x 2.125" L). The 50 V voltage rating offers a 2:1 safety margin over the original 25 V specification. This part features improved electrical characteristics with lower ESR (95 mOhm vs. 140 mOhm) and higher ripple current capacity (2.73 A @ 120 Hz vs. 1.881 A). The extended lifetime rating of 2000 Hrs @ 105°C provides enhanced reliability. This substitute is suitable for applications where PCB layout constraints require identical physical dimensions and where the higher voltage rating does not create design conflicts. The part is currently in active production status with 830 units in stock.

B41689A5158Q001 (EPCOS - TDK Electronics) - Similar Substitute

The B41689A5158Q001 maintains the 25 V voltage rating and 1500 µF capacitance specification. This part is ROHS3 compliant and offers extended lifetime performance of 10000 Hrs @ 125°C, significantly exceeding the original 1000 Hrs @ 85°C rating. The operating temperature range extends to 125°C, providing broader environmental compatibility. However, this part features smaller physical dimensions (0.630" Dia x 1.378" L vs. 0.750" Dia x 2.125" L), requiring PCB layout modification. The higher ESR (377 mOhm @ 100 Hz) and lower ripple current at 120 Hz indicate different electrical characteristics suitable for lower-current applications. This substitute is appropriate for new designs or redesigns where compliance requirements and extended lifetime justify layout changes. The part is in active production with 847 units in stock.

MAL202116152E3 (Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC Components) - Similar Substitute

The MAL202116152E3 maintains the 25 V voltage rating and 1500 µF capacitance with ±20% tolerance. This part is ROHS3 compliant and offers 8000 Hrs @ 85°C lifetime, providing 8x improvement over the original specification. Physical dimensions are significantly smaller (0.492" Dia x 1.181" L), requiring PCB redesign. The ESR of 179 mOhm is higher than the original 140 mOhm, and ripple current capacity at 120 Hz is lower (not specified in high-frequency data). This substitute is suitable for applications where compliance and extended lifetime are prioritized and where physical space constraints allow for smaller components. The part is in active production with 1379 units in stock, offering the highest inventory availability.

MAL202117152E3 (Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC Components) - Similar Substitute

The MAL202117152E3 provides a 40 V voltage rating with 1500 µF capacitance and ±20% tolerance, offering a 1.6:1 safety margin over the original 25 V specification. This part is ROHS3 compliant with 8000 Hrs @ 85°C lifetime rating. Physical dimensions (0.591" Dia x 1.181" L) are smaller than the original, requiring PCB layout modification. The ESR of 159 mOhm is lower than the original 140 mOhm, and ripple current capacity is improved. This substitute balances voltage margin enhancement with compliance requirements and extended lifetime performance. The part is in active production with 1446 units in stock.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the TC2515 be directly replaced with the 601D158F050GL1 without PCB modification?

A: Yes. The 601D158F050GL1 maintains identical physical dimensions (0.750" Dia x 2.125" L) and axial through-hole mounting configuration as the TC2515. No PCB layout changes are required for mechanical compatibility. The higher 50 V voltage rating is electrically compatible with 25 V circuit designs.

Q: Why do the EPCOS and Vishay Beyschlag parts have smaller physical dimensions?

A: The B41689A5158Q001, MAL202116152E3, and MAL202117152E3 represent modern capacitor designs with improved volumetric efficiency. Advances in dielectric materials and manufacturing processes allow manufacturers to achieve the same capacitance and voltage ratings in smaller physical packages. These parts require PCB redesign if space constraints on existing boards are critical.

Q: Which substitute part offers the best compliance profile?

A: The B41689A5158Q001, MAL202116152E3, and MAL202117152E3 are all ROHS3 compliant. The TC2515 and 601D158F050GL1 are non-compliant with RoHS regulations. For applications requiring RoHS compliance, any of the three compliant substitutes are suitable selections.

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

A: ESR affects capacitor performance in ripple current applications and thermal stability. Lower ESR values (such as the 601D158F050GL1 at 95 mOhm) result in reduced heat generation and improved high-frequency performance. Higher ESR values (such as the B41689A5158Q001 at 377 mOhm) are acceptable in low-current, general-purpose applications but may generate more heat in high-ripple-current circuits.

Q: Can I use a 50 V rated capacitor in a 25 V circuit?

A: Yes. Capacitors rated for higher voltages are electrically compatible with lower-voltage circuits. The 601D158F050GL1 (50 V rating) and MAL202117152E3 (40 V rating) can be used in 25 V applications. The higher voltage rating provides additional safety margin and does not negatively impact circuit performance.

Q: Which substitute part has the longest operational lifetime?

A: The B41689A5158Q001 offers the longest lifetime specification at 10000 Hrs @ 125°C, compared to the original TC2515 specification of 1000 Hrs @ 85°C. The MAL202116152E3 and MAL202117152E3 both provide 8000 Hrs @ 85°C. The 601D158F050GL1 provides 2000 Hrs @ 105°C.

Q: Are there any applications where the TC2515 cannot be substituted?

A: Substitution is not appropriate in applications where the exact physical dimensions of the TC2515 (0.750" Dia x 2.125" L) are mechanically critical and PCB redesign is not feasible. In such cases, the 601D158F050GL1 is the only substitute maintaining identical form factor. For all other applications, the smaller-package alternatives are suitable with appropriate PCB layout modifications.

Q: What inventory considerations should guide part selection?

A: The MAL202116152E3 offers the highest inventory availability at 1379 units in stock. The MAL202117152E3 provides 1446 units, the B41689A5158Q001 provides 847 units, and the 601D158F050GL1 provides 830 units. Inventory levels should be considered in conjunction with lead time requirements and production scheduling.