Nichicon UPS2C331MRD Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Nichicon UPS2C331MRD is a 330 µF, 160 V aluminum electrolytic capacitor in radial, can package with a rated lifetime of 3000 hours at 105°C. This part 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 aluminum electrolytic capacitor lineup. Substitute parts are available from both Nichicon's active product lines and alternative manufacturers, offering improved lifetime ratings and performance characteristics while maintaining the same electrical specifications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Capacitance	330 µF
Voltage Rating	160 V
Tolerance	±20%
Operating Temperature Range	-40°C to 105°C
Polarization	Polar
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package Type	Radial, Can
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the UPS2C331MRD is determined by strict equivalence in the following electrical parameters: capacitance (330 µF), voltage rating (160 V), and tolerance (±20%). All substitute parts maintain identical electrical specifications and operating temperature range (-40°C to 105°C). Mechanical compatibility is evaluated based on lead spacing, physical dimensions, and mounting type (through hole, radial configuration). Parts are grouped into three categories based on product status and lifetime rating: active Nichicon UCY series parts with extended lifetime (12000 hours), alternative manufacturer options (Chemi-Con KXG and Cornell Dubilier SEK series), and discontinued Nichicon UVZ series parts suitable for legacy applications. Physical dimensions vary within acceptable ranges for through-hole radial mounting, with lead spacing standardized at 0.295" (7.50 mm) for most substitutes except the original UPS2C331MRD at 0.394" (10.00 mm).

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Capacitance	Voltage	Tolerance	Lifetime @ 105°C	Lead Spacing	Diameter	Height (Max)	Product Status	RoHS Status
UPS2C331MRD	Nichicon	330 µF	160 V	±20%	3000 Hrs	0.394" (10.00 mm)	0.787" (20.00 mm)	1.654" (42.00 mm)	Obsolete	ROHS3
UCY2C331MHD	Nichicon	330 µF	160 V	±20%	12000 Hrs	0.295" (7.50 mm)	0.630" (16.00 mm)	1.299" (33.00 mm)	Active	ROHS3
UCY2C331MHD6	Nichicon	330 µF	160 V	±20%	12000 Hrs	0.295" (7.50 mm)	0.709" (18.00 mm)	1.043" (26.50 mm)	Active	ROHS3
UVZ2C331MHD	Nichicon	330 µF	160 V	±20%	2000 Hrs	0.295" (7.50 mm)	0.709" (18.00 mm)	1.634" (41.50 mm)	Not For New Designs	ROHS3
EKXG161ELL331MMN3S	Chemi-Con	330 µF	160 V	±20%	10000 Hrs	0.295" (7.50 mm)	0.709" (18.00 mm)	1.240" (31.50 mm)	Active	ROHS3
SEK331M160ST	Cornell Dubilier Electronics	330 µF	160 V	±20%	2000 Hrs	0.295" (7.50 mm)	0.709" (18.00 mm)	1.654" (42.00 mm)	Active	ROHS3

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For new designs and production applications, the Nichicon UCY2C331MHD and UCY2C331MHD6 are the primary recommended substitutes. Both parts are active products with ROHS3 compliance and offer a four-fold improvement in lifetime rating (12000 hours versus 3000 hours). The UCY2C331MHD6 provides a more compact form factor with reduced height (1.043" versus 1.654"), making it suitable for space-constrained applications. The Chemi-Con EKXG161ELL331MMN3S offers an alternative from an established manufacturer with 10000-hour lifetime and active product status, providing a middle ground in performance and availability.

For legacy system maintenance where the original UPS2C331MRD dimensions must be preserved, the Nichicon UVZ2C331MHD maintains similar height (1.634" versus 1.654") and lead spacing compatibility, though it carries a "Not For New Designs" status and offers only 2000-hour lifetime. The Cornell Dubilier SEK331M160ST provides equivalent height matching and active product status with documented ESR specification (600 mOhm @ 120 Hz), suitable for applications requiring ESR performance data.

All substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and identical electrical specifications (330 µF, 160 V, ±20% tolerance). Physical dimension variations are within acceptable tolerances for through-hole radial mounting in standard PCB layouts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can UCY2C331MHD be used as a direct replacement for UPS2C331MRD?

A: Electrically, yes. Both parts share identical capacitance (330 µF), voltage rating (160 V), and tolerance (±20%). However, the lead spacing differs (0.295" versus 0.394"), requiring PCB layout verification. The UCY2C331MHD is physically smaller and offers superior lifetime (12000 hours versus 3000 hours).

Q: What is the primary difference between UCY2C331MHD and UCY2C331MHD6?

A: Both are Nichicon UCY series parts with identical electrical specifications and 12000-hour lifetime. The UCY2C331MHD6 has a larger diameter (0.709" versus 0.630") but significantly reduced height (1.043" versus 1.299"), making it suitable for applications with vertical space constraints.

Q: Why is the UVZ2C331MHD marked "Not For New Designs"?

A: The UVZ series represents an earlier product generation with lower lifetime rating (2000 hours). Nichicon recommends the active UCY series for new applications. The UVZ2C331MHD remains available for legacy system support and maintenance.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance certification, meeting environmental and regulatory requirements equivalent to the original UPS2C331MRD.

Q: What is the significance of lead spacing differences?

A: Lead spacing (0.394" for UPS2C331MRD versus 0.295" for most substitutes) determines PCB hole pattern compatibility. Substitution requires PCB layout modification or use of adapter mounting techniques. Physical dimensions must be verified against available PCB space.

Q: Can Chemi-Con EKXG161ELL331MMN3S replace Nichicon parts?

A: Electrically, yes. The EKXG161ELL331MMN3S maintains identical capacitance, voltage, and tolerance specifications with 10000-hour lifetime and active product status. Cross-manufacturer substitution requires verification of mechanical fit and mounting compatibility in the specific application.

Q: Which substitute offers the best lifetime performance?

A: The Nichicon UCY2C331MHD and UCY2C331MHD6 both provide 12000-hour lifetime at 105°C, representing the highest rated options among available substitutes.

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