LKS1E183MESC

The LKS1E183MESC from Nichicon is a snap-in terminal aluminum electrolytic capacitor designed for audio equipment and general-purpose electronic applications. It combines a smaller-sized radial can snap-in package with electrical characteristics aimed at improving tone quality when used as a replacement for small standard products.

Key attributes include a rated capacitance of 18 mF at 25 V, polarized construction, RoHS compliance, and a design optimized for reliable operation across a broad temperature range.

Key Features

• Capacitance & Voltage — 18 mF rated capacitance at 25 V with a tolerance of ±20%, suitable for bulk energy storage and filtering in audio power rails.
• Audio-focused Performance — Designed "for audio equipment" and specified as smaller and higher-tone quality than LKG TYPE-1 grade, offering a straightforward upgrade path for improved tonal characteristics.
• Mounting & Package — Snap-in terminal type in a radial can (snap-in) package for secure mechanical retention and straightforward installation in power assemblies.
• Ripple Handling — Rated low-frequency ripple current of 3.35 A at 120 Hz, supporting power-supply smoothing in audio and related circuits.
• Environmental & Reliability — RoHS compliant and specified with an operating temperature range of −40 °C to +85 °C and a lifetime of 1000 hours at 85 °C.
• Leakage Current Specification — Leakage current limited to not more than 3√(C·V) μA after 5 minutes' application of rated voltage at 20 °C, per the datasheet specification.
• Physical Size — Compact footprint with dimensions listed as L: 3 × D: 3.5 cm for space-constrained board designs.

Typical Applications

• Audio Equipment — Power-supply filtering and decoupling in amplifiers and other audio modules where tonal quality and stable filtering are important.
• General-Purpose Electronics — Bulk energy storage and smoothing in electronics requiring polarized electrolytic capacitance and robust ripple handling.
• Design Upgrades & Replacements — Drop-in replacement for smaller standard capacitors to achieve improved tone quality and electrical performance in existing audio designs.

Unique Advantages

• Audio-Optimized Design — Specified for audio equipment and noted for higher-tone quality versus comparable LKG TYPE-1 products, enabling straightforward performance upgrades.
• High Ripple Capability — 3.35 A ripple current rating at 120 Hz supports sustained filtering duties in power stages without overstressing the component.
• Robust Temperature Performance — Rated for −40 °C to +85 °C operation with a 1000-hour endurance at 85 °C, providing predictable lifing in typical electronic environments.
• Secure Snap-in Mounting — Radial can with snap-in terminals simplifies board assembly and mechanical retention for heavier or high-current capacitor applications.
• Measured Leakage Specification — Leakage current governed by the 3√(C·V) μA rule after voltage application ensures predictable standby and bias behavior.
• Regulatory Compliance — RoHS compliant (2011/65/EU, (EU)2015/863), supporting environmentally constrained designs.

Why Choose LKS1E183MESC?

The LKS1E183MESC is positioned for designers seeking a compact, audio-oriented aluminum electrolytic capacitor that balances high capacitance with solid ripple capability and predictable leakage performance. Its snap-in radial package and specified endurance at elevated temperature make it suitable for upgrades and new designs where tonal quality and reliable power filtering are priorities.

Manufactured by Nichicon as part of the LKS series, this capacitor is a practical choice for engineers and procurement teams focused on long-term robustness, regulatory compliance, and straightforward integration into audio and general-purpose electronic systems.

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