Equivalent & Substitute Parts for UCX1C331MCS1GS

Part Overview

The UCX1C331MCS1GS is a 330 µF, 16 V aluminum electrolytic capacitor in surface mount radial can package manufactured by Nichicon. This component is classified as not for new designs, indicating it represents a legacy product line. Finding equivalent and substitute parts is necessary for applications requiring continued supply, design flexibility, or voltage margin improvements while maintaining electrical and mechanical compatibility.

Substiute Parts

UCX1C331MCS1GS

NichiconIn Stock: 1304UCX1C331MCS1GS Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

UCX1C331MCL1GS

NichiconIn Stock: 1528UCX1C331MCL1GS Datasheet

DirectRFQ

UCX1E331MCL1GS

NichiconIn Stock: 1302UCX1E331MCL1GS Datasheet

UpgradeRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the UCX1C331MCS1GS is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Capacitance Value: 330 µF (exact match required)
• Voltage Rating: Minimum 16 V (equal or higher acceptable)
• Tolerance: ±20% (standard for aluminum electrolytic capacitors)
• ESR Specification: 150 mOhm @ 100 kHz (electrical performance requirement)
• Lifetime Rating: 2000 Hrs @ 135°C (reliability specification)
• Operating Temperature: -40°C ~ 135°C (environmental compatibility)
• Package: Radial, Can - SMD with 10.00 mm diameter (mechanical fit requirement)
• Mounting: Surface Mount (PCB assembly compatibility)
• Compliance: ROHS3 Compliant, MSL 1 (regulatory and handling requirements)

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: direct equivalents (matching all parameters including voltage) and upgrades (higher voltage rating with identical physical and electrical characteristics).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Equivalent (UCX1C331MCL1GS): This part maintains identical electrical specifications and voltage rating to the UCX1C331MCS1GS. The primary difference is a reduced seated height (10.50 mm vs. 10.80 mm), which provides improved PCB layout flexibility. Both parts carry ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating, ensuring regulatory and handling compatibility. This substitution is suitable for applications requiring exact parameter matching with marginal physical space improvements.

Upgrade Option (UCX1E331MCL1GS): This part increases the voltage rating from 16 V to 25 V while maintaining all other electrical parameters, physical dimensions, and compliance certifications. The higher voltage rating provides additional design margin for circuits operating near the 16 V threshold. The seated height matches the direct equivalent at 10.50 mm. This substitution is applicable when circuit voltage tolerance requires enhancement without altering capacitance, ESR, or thermal characteristics.

All substitute parts are manufactured by Nichicon within the UCX series and maintain ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 classification, ensuring compatibility with modern manufacturing and environmental standards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can UCX1C331MCL1GS be used as a direct replacement for UCX1C331MCS1GS?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical capacitance (330 µF), voltage rating (16 V), tolerance (±20%), ESR (150 mOhm @ 100 kHz), lifetime (2000 Hrs @ 135°C), operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 135°C), and package specifications (Radial, Can - SMD, 10.00 mm diameter). The seated height difference (10.50 mm vs. 10.80 mm) is a minor physical variation that improves PCB layout compatibility.

Q: When should UCX1E331MCL1GS be selected instead of the direct equivalent?

A: UCX1E331MCL1GS should be selected when the application circuit operates at voltages approaching or exceeding 16 V, or when design margin for voltage transients is required. The 25 V rating provides additional safety headroom while maintaining identical capacitance, ESR, lifetime, and thermal characteristics. Physical dimensions and compliance certifications remain unchanged.

Q: Are all three parts mechanically compatible with the same PCB footprint?

A: Yes. All three parts feature identical surface mount land size (10.30 mm x 10.30 mm) and 10.00 mm diameter. The seated height variation (10.80 mm for UCX1C331MCS1GS vs. 10.50 mm for both substitutes) does not affect footprint compatibility but may provide improved clearance in space-constrained designs.

Q: Do these parts meet current regulatory requirements?

A: All three parts are ROHS3 compliant and carry MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating, meeting current regulatory and manufacturing standards. However, all parts are classified as not for new designs, indicating they represent legacy product lines. New designs should evaluate current-generation alternatives from Nichicon or other manufacturers.

Q: What is the significance of the ESR specification at 100 kHz?

A: The 150 mOhm ESR @ 100 kHz specification defines the capacitor's high-frequency impedance characteristics, which directly affects ripple current handling and thermal performance. All three parts maintain this specification, ensuring equivalent electrical behavior in switching power supplies and high-frequency filtering applications.

Q: Are there any differences in ripple current ratings between these parts?

A: No. All three parts share identical ripple current specifications: 250 mA @ 120 Hz (low frequency) and 500 mA @ 100 kHz (high frequency). These ratings determine the maximum AC current the capacitor can safely handle without exceeding temperature limits.