Nichicon UPS2C221MHD 220µF 160V Radial Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Nichicon UPS2C221MHD is a 220 µF, 160 V radial aluminum electrolytic capacitor rated for 3000 hours at 105°C. This component is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing production and maintenance applications. The UPS series represents an earlier generation of Nichicon's general-purpose capacitor line. Identifying compatible alternatives ensures design continuity and supply chain reliability for applications requiring this capacitance and voltage rating.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Capacitance	220 µF
Voltage Rating	160 V
Tolerance	±20%
Lifetime @ 105°C	3000 Hrs
Operating Temperature Range	-40°C to 105°C
Polarization	Polar
Package Type	Radial, Can
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Lead Spacing	0.295" (7.50mm)
Case Diameter	0.709" (18.00mm)
Height (Seated Max)	1.476" (37.50mm)
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the UPS2C221MHD is determined by the following core parameters:

Capacitance: 220 µF (exact match required)
Voltage Rating: 160 V minimum (equal or higher acceptable)
Polarization: Polar (must match)
Package Type: Radial, Can (must match)
Mounting Type: Through Hole (must match)
Lead Spacing: 0.295" (7.50mm) preferred for direct PCB compatibility
Case Diameter: 0.709" (18.00mm) preferred for mechanical fit
Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to 105°C (must match or exceed)

Substitute parts are grouped into three categories:

Direct Equivalents (Same Series Evolution): Parts from the UPW series maintain identical electrical specifications and mechanical dimensions, offering improved lifetime ratings (8000 hours vs. 3000 hours).

Active Alternatives (UCY Series): Nichicon's current-generation UCY series provides 12000-hour lifetime ratings at 105°C with enhanced ripple current handling. These parts are actively manufactured and recommended for new designs.

Cross-Manufacturer Options (Chemi-Con KMG Series): The EKMG161ELL221MLN3S from Chemi-Con provides equivalent electrical performance with 2000-hour lifetime and is currently active in production.

Legacy Alternatives (UVY, UVZ, URZ Series): Older Nichicon series with reduced lifetime ratings (1000–2000 hours) are available but marked as obsolete or not for new designs.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Series	Capacitance	Voltage	Lifetime @ 105°C	Lead Spacing	Case Diameter	Height (Max)	Product Status	Ripple Current @ 120 Hz	Ripple Current @ 10/100 kHz
UPS2C221MHD	Nichicon	UPS	220 µF	160 V	3000 Hrs	0.295" (7.50mm)	0.709" (18.00mm)	1.476" (37.50mm)	Obsolete	500 mA	800 mA @ 10 kHz
UPW2C221MHD	Nichicon	UPW	220 µF	160 V	8000 Hrs	0.295" (7.50mm)	0.709" (18.00mm)	1.398" (35.50mm)	Obsolete	500 mA	800 mA @ 10 kHz
UCY2C221MHD	Nichicon	UCY	220 µF	160 V	12000 Hrs	0.197" (5.00mm)	0.492" (12.50mm)	1.634" (41.50mm)	Active	1.2 A	2.4 A @ 100 kHz
UCY2C221MHD3	Nichicon	UCY	220 µF	160 V	12000 Hrs	0.295" (7.50mm)	0.630" (16.00mm)	1.043" (26.50mm)	Active	1.185 A	2.37 A @ 100 kHz
UCY2C221MHD6	Nichicon	UCY	220 µF	160 V	12000 Hrs	0.295" (7.50mm)	0.709" (18.00mm)	0.846" (21.50mm)	Active	1.105 A	2.21 A @ 100 kHz
UCY2E221MHD9	Nichicon	UCY	220 µF	250 V	12000 Hrs	0.295" (7.50mm)	0.630" (16.00mm)	1.457" (37.00mm)	Active	1.22 A	2.44 A @ 100 kHz
UPW2C221MRD6	Nichicon	UPW	220 µF	160 V	8000 Hrs	0.394" (10.00mm)	0.787" (20.00mm)	1.220" (31.00mm)	Obsolete	500 mA	800 mA @ 10 kHz
UVY2C221MHD	Nichicon	UVY	220 µF	160 V	2000 Hrs	0.295" (7.50mm)	0.630" (16.00mm)	1.280" (32.50mm)	Not For New Designs	410 mA	471.5 mA @ 10 kHz
UVZ2C221MHD	Nichicon	UVZ	220 µF	160 V	2000 Hrs	0.295" (7.50mm)	0.630" (16.00mm)	1.457" (37.00mm)	Not For New Designs	570 mA	912 mA @ 10 kHz
URZ2C221MRD	Nichicon	URZ	220 µF	160 V	1000 Hrs	0.394" (10.00mm)	0.787" (20.00mm)	1.063" (27.00mm)	Obsolete	550 mA	880 mA @ 10 kHz
EKMG161ELL221MLN3S	Chemi-Con	KMG	220 µF	160 V	2000 Hrs	0.295" (7.50mm)	0.630" (16.00mm)	1.299" (33.00mm)	Active	540 mA	810 mA @ 100 kHz

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct PCB Replacement (Preferred): Select UCY2C221MHD6 from Nichicon. This part maintains the original lead spacing (0.295" / 7.50mm) and case diameter (0.709" / 18.00mm), ensuring mechanical compatibility with existing PCB layouts. The UCY2C221MHD6 is actively manufactured, ROHS3 compliant, and provides 12000-hour lifetime at 105°C—a four-fold improvement over the obsolete UPS2C221MHD. No PCB modification is required.

For Enhanced Reliability in New Designs: UCY2C221MHD3 offers the same 12000-hour lifetime with identical lead spacing but in a more compact form factor (0.630" diameter vs. 0.709"). This part is suitable when PCB space permits layout adjustment and is actively produced by Nichicon.

For Higher Voltage Margin: UCY2E221MHD9 provides 250 V rating (vs. 160 V) with the same 220 µF capacitance and 12000-hour lifetime. This part is recommended when circuit design allows voltage derating for enhanced safety margin. It is actively manufactured and ROHS3 compliant.

For Cross-Manufacturer Sourcing: EKMG161ELL221MLN3S from Chemi-Con provides electrical equivalence with 2000-hour lifetime and maintains the 0.295" lead spacing. This part is currently active and suitable as a secondary source when Nichicon parts face supply constraints.

Avoid for New Designs: UVY2C221MHD, UVZ2C221MHD, and URZ2C221MRD are marked as obsolete or not for new designs. These parts offer reduced lifetime ratings (1000–2000 hours) and should be used only for legacy system maintenance where exact part matching is mandatory.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use UCY2C221MHD3 as a direct replacement for UPS2C221MHD without PCB modification?

A: No. While both parts share the same lead spacing (0.295" / 7.50mm), the UCY2C221MHD3 has a smaller case diameter (0.630" vs. 0.709"). PCB layout must be verified to confirm adequate clearance around the component footprint. UCY2C221MHD6 is the preferred direct replacement, as it maintains both lead spacing and case diameter.

Q: What is the difference between UPW2C221MHD and UCY2C221MHD6?

A: Both parts maintain identical mechanical dimensions and lead spacing. The primary difference is lifetime: UPW2C221MHD provides 8000 hours at 105°C, while UCY2C221MHD6 provides 12000 hours. UCY2C221MHD6 is actively manufactured; UPW2C221MHD is obsolete. For new designs, UCY2C221MHD6 is recommended.

Q: Can I substitute a 250 V rated capacitor (UCY2E221MHD9) for the 160 V UPS2C221MHD?

A: Yes. A higher voltage rating is electrically compatible and provides additional safety margin. However, verify that the circuit design accommodates the slightly different physical dimensions (0.630" diameter vs. 0.709"). The 250 V part is suitable for applications where voltage derating improves reliability.

Q: Why do some substitute parts have different lead spacings?

A: Lead spacing varies across Nichicon's product lines due to manufacturing evolution and design optimization. UCY2C221MHD uses 0.197" (5.00mm) spacing, while UCY2C221MHD3 and UCY2C221MHD6 use 0.295" (7.50mm). Lead spacing directly affects PCB footprint compatibility. Verify your PCB layout before selecting a substitute with different spacing.

Q: Is EKMG161ELL221MLN3S from Chemi-Con a suitable alternative to Nichicon parts?

A: Yes, for applications where cross-manufacturer sourcing is acceptable. EKMG161ELL221MLN3S provides equivalent capacitance, voltage, and tolerance with 2000-hour lifetime. It maintains the 0.295" lead spacing for PCB compatibility. This part is currently active and suitable as a secondary source option.

Q: What is the impact of reduced lifetime ratings on part selection?

A: Lifetime rating indicates expected operational hours at maximum rated temperature (105°C). UPS2C221MHD (3000 hours) has lower reliability margin than UCY series (12000 hours). For applications requiring extended service life or operating near maximum temperature, select parts with higher lifetime ratings. Legacy parts with 1000–2000 hour ratings should be reserved for maintenance-only scenarios.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All parts listed—Nichicon UPS, UPW, UCY, UVY, UVZ, URZ series and Chemi-Con EKMG series—are ROHS3 compliant. This ensures compatibility with modern manufacturing and environmental regulations.

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