UPS1A221MED Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Nichicon UPS1A221MED is a 220 µF, 10 V aluminum electrolytic capacitor in radial configuration with a 2000-hour lifetime at 105°C. This component is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity. The UPS series represents a general-purpose application profile with standard ripple current ratings and impedance characteristics suitable for conventional power supply and filtering applications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Capacitance	220 µF
Voltage Rating	10 V
Tolerance	±20%
Lifetime @ Temperature	2000 Hrs @ 105°C
Operating Temperature Range	-55°C ~ 105°C
Polarization	Polar
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package Type	Radial, Can
Lead Spacing	0.098" (2.50mm)
Case Diameter	0.248" (6.30mm)
Height	0.492" (12.50mm)
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the UPS1A221MED is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters: capacitance value (220 µF), voltage rating (10 V), tolerance (±20%), polarization (polar), mounting type (through hole), lead spacing (0.098" / 2.50mm), and case diameter (0.248" / 6.30mm). These parameters define mechanical and electrical interchangeability within the same PCB footprint and circuit application.

Substitute parts are grouped into three categories:

Direct Equivalent (UPW Series): UPW1A221MED maintains identical electrical specifications and physical dimensions with improved ripple current performance and lower impedance. Height variation (0.433" vs. 0.492") remains within acceptable mechanical tolerance for standard through-hole mounting.

Upgrade Options (UKA Series): UKA1A221MED and UKA1C221MED provide enhanced ripple current ratings and are optimized for audio applications. UKA1C221MED increases voltage rating to 16 V, providing additional design margin while maintaining all other critical parameters.

Cross-Manufacturer Alternatives: Panasonic EEU-FC series and Chemi-Con ELXY/ELXZ series offer active product status with AEC-Q200 automotive qualification. These parts maintain core electrical specifications with variations in lifetime (1000 Hrs vs. 2000 Hrs) and impedance characteristics.

Application-Specific Variants: UPM1A221MED (automotive-rated) and UPW1A221MED6 (enhanced ripple current) serve specialized requirements while preserving base electrical parameters.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Series	Capacitance	Voltage	Lifetime @ 105°C	Ripple Current @ 120 Hz	Ripple Current @ 100 kHz	Impedance	Height	Product Status	Applications
UPS1A221MED	Nichicon	UPS	220 µF	10 V	2000 Hrs	125 mA	250 mA	500 mOhms	0.492"	Obsolete	General Purpose
UPW1A221MED	Nichicon	UPW	220 µF	10 V	2000 Hrs	188.5 mA	290 mA	250 mOhms	0.433"	Obsolete	General Purpose
UKA1A221MED	Nichicon	UKA	220 µF	10 V	2000 Hrs	175 mA	262.5 mA	—	0.492"	Obsolete	Audio
UKA1C221MED	Nichicon	UKA	220 µF	16 V	2000 Hrs	190 mA	285 mA	—	0.492"	Obsolete	Audio
UPM1A221MED	Nichicon	UPM	220 µF	10 V	2000 Hrs	270 mA	370 mA	240 mOhms	0.650"	Obsolete	Automotive
UPW1A221MED6	Nichicon	UPW	220 µF	10 V	2000 Hrs	279.5 mA	430 mA	230 mOhms	0.591"	Obsolete	General Purpose
EEU-FC1A221S	Panasonic	FC	220 µF	10 V	1000 Hrs	188.5 mA	290 mA	350 mOhms	0.441"	Active	Automotive
EEU-FC1A221SB	Panasonic	FC	220 µF	10 V	1000 Hrs	188.5 mA	290 mA	350 mOhms	0.579"	Active	Automotive
EEU-FC1A221SH	Panasonic	FC	220 µF	10 V	1000 Hrs	188.5 mA	290 mA	350 mOhms	0.441"	Active	Automotive
ELXY100ELL221MF15D	Chemi-Con	LXY	220 µF	10 V	2000 Hrs	195 mA	390 mA	250 mOhms	0.650"	Active	Automotive
ELXY100ELL221MF15S	Chemi-Con	LXY	220 µF	10 V	2000 Hrs	195 mA	—	250 mOhms	0.650"	Active	Automotive

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement: UPW1A221MED is the primary equivalent, offering identical electrical specifications with improved performance metrics. Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and 2000-hour lifetime rating. The reduced height (0.433" vs. 0.492") may require PCB layout verification but does not affect electrical function.

For Enhanced Ripple Current Capacity: UPW1A221MED6 and UPM1A221MED provide significantly higher ripple current ratings (279.5 mA and 270 mA respectively at 120 Hz) compared to the original 125 mA specification. These are suitable for applications requiring improved thermal margin or higher AC stress tolerance. UPM1A221MED includes AEC-Q200 automotive qualification.

For Active Product Status: Panasonic EEU-FC series (EEU-FC1A221SB, EEU-FC1A221SH) and Chemi-Con ELXY series (ELXY100ELL221MF15D, ELXY100ELL221MF15S) are currently in active production with AEC-Q200 certification. These are recommended for new designs requiring long-term supply assurance. Note that Panasonic parts specify 1000-hour lifetime versus the original 2000-hour rating.

For Voltage Margin: UKA1C221MED upgrades the voltage rating to 16 V while maintaining 220 µF capacitance and 2000-hour lifetime. This provides additional design margin for circuits operating near the 10 V limit.

For Audio Applications: UKA1A221MED and UKA1C221MED are optimized for audio circuits with enhanced ripple current performance at lower frequencies (175 mA and 190 mA at 120 Hz respectively).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can UPW1A221MED be used as a direct drop-in replacement for UPS1A221MED?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical capacitance (220 µF), voltage rating (10 V), tolerance (±20%), lead spacing (0.098" / 2.50mm), and case diameter (0.248" / 6.30mm). The height difference (0.433" vs. 0.492") is within standard mechanical tolerance for through-hole mounting and does not affect electrical performance.

Q: What is the difference between the Nichicon UPS and UPW series?

A: Both are general-purpose aluminum electrolytic capacitors with identical electrical ratings. The UPW series provides improved ripple current performance (188.5 mA vs. 125 mA at 120 Hz) and lower impedance (250 mOhms vs. 500 mOhms), making it suitable for higher AC stress applications.

Q: Why do Panasonic EEU-FC parts specify 1000-hour lifetime instead of 2000 hours?

A: The EEU-FC series is rated for 1000 hours at 105°C, which is a different product line specification from the Nichicon UPS/UPW series. For applications requiring 2000-hour lifetime, Chemi-Con ELXY series (ELXY100ELL221MF15D, ELXY100ELL221MF15S) maintains the 2000-hour rating.

Q: Are there packaging differences between substitute parts?

A: Yes. EEU-FC1A221SB is supplied in Tape & Box (TB) packaging, while EEU-FC1A221SH is supplied in Cut Tape (CT). All Nichicon and Chemi-Con parts listed are available in Bulk packaging. Verify packaging requirements for your procurement process.

Q: Can UKA1C221MED (16 V) replace UPS1A221MED (10 V)?

A: Yes, electrically and mechanically. The higher voltage rating (16 V vs. 10 V) provides additional design margin and is backward-compatible with 10 V circuit applications. All other parameters (220 µF capacitance, ±20% tolerance, lead spacing, case diameter) remain identical.

Q: Which substitute part is recommended for new designs?

A: For new designs requiring active product status and long-term availability, Panasonic EEU-FC1A221SB or Chemi-Con ELXY100ELL221MF15D are recommended. Both carry AEC-Q200 automotive qualification and are currently in active production. Verify the 1000-hour (Panasonic) vs. 2000-hour (Chemi-Con) lifetime requirement for your application.

Q: What is the impedance significance when selecting a substitute?

A: Impedance affects high-frequency ripple current performance and thermal behavior. Lower impedance (230–250 mOhms in UPW and Chemi-Con parts) provides better high-frequency filtering compared to higher impedance (350–500 mOhms). For applications with significant high-frequency AC stress, lower-impedance alternatives are preferred.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All parts listed (Nichicon UPS/UPW/UKA series, Panasonic EEU-FC series, and Chemi-Con ELXY series) are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected.

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