Equivalent & Substitute Parts for UPW2C221MHD

Part Overview

The Nichicon UPW2C221MHD is a 220 µF, 160 V aluminum electrolytic capacitor in radial, can package configuration. This component is classified as obsolete, making direct replacement necessary for new designs and ongoing production support. The UPW series offers 8000 hours of operational life at 105°C and is suitable for general-purpose applications requiring stable capacitance and ripple current handling.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Capacitance	220 µF
Voltage Rating	160 V
Tolerance	±20%
Lifetime @ 105°C	8000 Hrs
Operating Temperature Range	-40°C to 105°C
Ripple Current @ 120 Hz	500 mA
Ripple Current @ 10 kHz	800 mA
Lead Spacing	0.295" (7.50 mm)
Diameter	0.709" (18.00 mm)
Height	1.398" (35.50 mm)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package	Radial, Can
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the UPW2C221MHD is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Capacitance: 220 µF (exact match required)
Voltage Rating: 160 V minimum (equal or higher acceptable)
Tolerance: ±20% (matching tolerance class)
Polarization: Polar (radial aluminum electrolytic)
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Package: Radial, Can
Operating Temperature: -40°C to 105°C (minimum range requirement)

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

Lead Spacing: 0.295" (7.50 mm) preferred for direct PCB fit
Physical Dimensions: Diameter and height must accommodate board layout constraints
Ripple Current Capability: Must meet or exceed application requirements at specified frequencies

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: direct mechanical replacements (matching lead spacing and physical envelope) and functional equivalents (matching electrical specifications with potential layout modifications).

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Series	Capacitance	Voltage	Lifetime @ 105°C	Lead Spacing	Diameter	Height	Status
UPW2C221MHD	Nichicon	UPW	220 µF	160 V	8000 Hrs	0.295" (7.50 mm)	0.709" (18.00 mm)	1.398" (35.50 mm)	Obsolete
UCY2E221MHD9	Nichicon	UCY	220 µF	250 V	12000 Hrs	0.295" (7.50 mm)	0.630" (16.00 mm)	1.457" (37.00 mm)	Active
UCY2C221MHD	Nichicon	UCY	220 µF	160 V	12000 Hrs	0.197" (5.00 mm)	0.492" (12.50 mm)	1.634" (41.50 mm)	Active
UCY2C221MHD3	Nichicon	UCY	220 µF	160 V	12000 Hrs	0.295" (7.50 mm)	0.630" (16.00 mm)	1.043" (26.50 mm)	Active
UCY2C221MHD6	Nichicon	UCY	220 µF	160 V	12000 Hrs	0.295" (7.50 mm)	0.709" (18.00 mm)	0.846" (21.50 mm)	Active
UPW2C221MRD6	Nichicon	UPW	220 µF	160 V	8000 Hrs	0.394" (10.00 mm)	0.787" (20.00 mm)	1.220" (31.00 mm)	Obsolete
URZ2C221MRD	Nichicon	URZ	220 µF	160 V	1000 Hrs	0.394" (10.00 mm)	0.787" (20.00 mm)	1.063" (27.00 mm)	Obsolete
UVY2C221MHD	Nichicon	UVY	220 µF	160 V	2000 Hrs	0.295" (7.50 mm)	0.630" (16.00 mm)	1.280" (32.50 mm)	Not For New Designs
UVZ2C221MHD	Nichicon	UVZ	220 µF	160 V	2000 Hrs	0.295" (7.50 mm)	0.630" (16.00 mm)	1.457" (37.00 mm)	Not For New Designs
EKMG161ELL221MLN3S	Chemi-Con	KMG	220 µF	160 V	2000 Hrs	0.295" (7.50 mm)	0.630" (16.00 mm)	1.299" (33.00 mm)	Active
EKXG161ELL221ML25S	Chemi-Con	KXG	220 µF	160 V	10000 Hrs	0.295" (7.50 mm)	0.630" (16.00 mm)	0.984" (25.00 mm)	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: UCY2C221MHD3

The Nichicon UCY2C221MHD3 is the preferred direct replacement for the obsolete UPW2C221MHD. This part maintains identical electrical specifications (220 µF, 160 V, ±20% tolerance) while offering extended operational life (12000 hours at 105°C versus 8000 hours). The lead spacing and diameter match the original component, enabling direct PCB substitution. The UCY series is active in production and carries ROHS3 compliance.

Alternative: UCY2C221MHD6

The UCY2C221MHD6 provides equivalent electrical performance with identical lead spacing (0.295") and diameter (0.709") to the original part. Height is reduced to 0.846", which may be advantageous in space-constrained layouts. This part is active and ROHS3 compliant.

Higher Voltage Option: UCY2E221MHD9

For applications requiring increased voltage margin, the UCY2E221MHD9 offers 250 V rating with the same 220 µF capacitance. This part provides superior ripple current handling (1.22 A @ 120 Hz versus 500 mA) and extended lifetime (12000 hours). Lead spacing matches at 0.295", though diameter is reduced to 0.630". REACH status is affected; verify compliance requirements before selection.

Cross-Manufacturer Alternative: EKXG161ELL221ML25S

The Chemi-Con EKXG161ELL221ML25S (KXG series) matches all electrical parameters and offers the highest operational lifetime (10000 hours at 105°C). Lead spacing and diameter are compatible with standard PCB layouts. This part is active and ROHS3 compliant with REACH unaffected status.

Avoid for New Designs:

Parts marked "Not For New Designs" (UVY2C221MHD, UVZ2C221MHD) and "Obsolete" (URZ2C221MRD, UPW2C221MRD6) should not be selected for new product development. These are suitable only for legacy system maintenance where exact form-factor matching is required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use UCY2C221MHD instead of UCY2C221MHD3?

A: Both parts share identical electrical specifications (220 µF, 160 V, 12000 Hrs @ 105°C) and lead spacing (0.295"). The primary difference is physical height: UCY2C221MHD is 1.634" tall with 0.197" lead spacing, while UCY2C221MHD3 is 1.043" tall with 0.295" lead spacing. Direct substitution requires verification of PCB layout constraints and lead hole positioning.

Q: What is the difference between the UPW and UCY series?

A: The UPW series (original part) offers 8000 hours lifetime at 105°C, while the UCY series provides extended reliability at 12000 hours. Both maintain the same electrical ratings (220 µF, 160 V, ±20%). The UCY series is the current production standard and is recommended for all new designs.

Q: Is the higher voltage UCY2E221MHD9 (250 V) a direct replacement?

A: Electrically, the 250 V rating is backward compatible with 160 V applications. However, physical dimensions differ: diameter is 0.630" versus 0.709" on the original part. PCB layout verification is required before substitution. The higher voltage provides additional design margin and improved ripple current capability.

Q: Why do some substitutes have different lead spacing?

A: Lead spacing variations (0.197", 0.295", 0.394") reflect different package designs within the same capacitance and voltage class. Direct PCB substitution requires matching lead spacing. Parts with different spacing may require PCB modification or use of adapter hardware.

Q: Can I substitute a Chemi-Con part for a Nichicon part?

A: Yes. The EKXG161ELL221ML25S and EKMG161ELL221MLN3S from Chemi-Con meet all electrical and mechanical compatibility requirements. Both are active production parts with ROHS3 compliance. Verify supplier availability and lead time before committing to cross-manufacturer substitution.

Q: What does "Not For New Designs" mean?

A: Parts designated "Not For New Designs" (UVY2C221MHD, UVZ2C221MHD) are legacy components retained for existing product support only. These should not be selected for new development. Use active production parts (UCY series or Chemi-Con equivalents) for all new designs.

Q: How do I verify ripple current compatibility?

A: Compare the ripple current specifications at the operating frequency of your application. The original UPW2C221MHD handles 500 mA @ 120 Hz and 800 mA @ 10 kHz. Substitute parts must meet or exceed these values. The UCY2C221MHD3 provides 1.2 A @ 120 Hz and 2.4 A @ 100 kHz, offering significant margin.

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