TC39A Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TC39A is a 47 µF, 50 V aluminum electrolytic capacitor in axial, can package manufactured by Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE). This component is classified as obsolete, requiring identification of active equivalent alternatives for ongoing procurement and design applications. The TC39A serves general-purpose filtering and energy storage functions in through-hole mounted circuit designs. Substitute parts must maintain electrical compatibility while meeting current manufacturing and compliance standards.

Substiute Parts

TC39A

Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE)In Stock: 915TC39A Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

MAL202138479E3

Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC ComponentsIn Stock: 2908MAL202138479E3 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

MAL202190542E3

Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC ComponentsIn Stock: 2429MAL202190542E3 Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TC39A is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

• Capacitance value: 47 µF (exact match required)
• Voltage rating: Minimum 50 V (higher ratings acceptable for derating applications)
• Package type: Axial, Can (mechanical and electrical interface compatibility)
• Mounting type: Through Hole (PCB assembly compatibility)
• Polarization: Polar (functional requirement)
• Operating temperature range: -40°C to 85°C minimum (environmental compatibility)

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

• ESR and ripple current ratings (performance characteristics)
• Lifetime at rated temperature (reliability specification)
• RoHS and REACH compliance (regulatory requirement)

The substitute parts MAL202138479E3 and MAL202190542E3 satisfy all primary criteria. Both are 47 µF aluminum electrolytic capacitors with 63 V ratings, axial can packages, through-hole mounting, and polar configuration. The higher voltage rating provides design margin. Both parts are manufactured by Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC Components and maintain active product status with current manufacturing support.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

MAL202190542E3 Selection Rationale:

MAL202190542E3 is the primary substitute for TC39A applications. This part maintains identical diameter (0.315") to the original component, ensuring compatibility with existing PCB footprints and mechanical mounting structures. The 63 V rating provides voltage margin above the 50 V requirement. The 2.7 Ohm ESR is lower than the TC39A specification, resulting in improved performance characteristics. Lifetime rating of 2500 hours at 85°C exceeds the original 1000-hour specification, providing enhanced reliability. Active product status ensures long-term availability and manufacturing continuity. ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status meet current regulatory requirements.

MAL202138479E3 Alternative:

MAL202138479E3 serves as a secondary substitute where physical space constraints permit dimensional variation. This part features a smaller diameter (0.256") but increased length (0.709"), requiring PCB layout verification. Electrical specifications are equivalent to MAL202190542E3, with identical 47 µF capacitance, 63 V rating, 2.7 Ohm ESR, and 2500-hour lifetime. Active product status and full compliance certification apply. Selection of this variant depends on available mounting space and circuit board design constraints.

Both substitute parts are manufactured by Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC Components, a qualified supplier with established quality and reliability standards. Both maintain active production status, ensuring procurement availability and technical support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAL202138479E3 or MAL202190542E3 directly replace TC39A in existing designs?

A: Both parts are electrically compatible substitutes. MAL202190542E3 is preferred for direct replacement due to identical diameter (0.315"). MAL202138479E3 requires PCB layout verification due to different physical dimensions (0.256" Dia × 0.709" L versus 0.315" Dia × 0.630" L).

Q: Why is the voltage rating higher on substitute parts (63 V versus 50 V)?

A: The 63 V rating on MAL202138479E3 and MAL202190542E3 provides design margin and derating capability. Higher voltage-rated capacitors are acceptable substitutes in 50 V applications. The capacitance value (47 µF) remains identical, ensuring functional equivalence.

Q: Are the substitute parts RoHS and REACH compliant?

A: Both MAL202138479E3 and MAL202190542E3 are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current regulatory requirements for electronic component manufacturing and use.

Q: What is the difference in ESR between TC39A and the substitute parts?

A: TC39A specifies 3.14 Ohm ESR at 120 Hz. Both substitute parts specify 2.7 Ohm ESR. The lower ESR in substitute parts results in reduced heat generation and improved ripple current handling capability.

Q: How do the lifetime ratings compare?

A: TC39A is rated for 1000 hours at 85°C. Both MAL202138479E3 and MAL202190542E3 are rated for 2500 hours at 85°C, providing 2.5 times longer operational life under identical thermal conditions.

Q: Are there physical mounting differences between TC39A and the substitutes?

A: All three parts are through-hole mounted axial capacitors. MAL202190542E3 maintains the same diameter as TC39A (0.315"), ensuring compatibility with existing PCB holes and mechanical fixtures. MAL202138479E3 has a smaller diameter (0.256") and longer length (0.709"), requiring verification of available mounting space.

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

A: MAL202190542E3 is recommended for new designs. This part offers identical diameter compatibility, superior electrical performance (lower ESR, higher ripple current rating), extended lifetime (2500 hours), and active product status with established supply chain support.