125 - Cornell Dubilier Long-Life High-Temp Capacitor | CDE
MPN: 125 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.45 | $24.50 |
| 100 | $1.95 | $195.00 |
| 500 | $1.65 | $825.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.4 | $1,400.00 |
125 Overview
An aluminum electrolytic capacitor is a polarized passive component that uses an etched aluminum foil anode, a paper spacer soaked in electrolyte, and a cathode foil to form a high-capacitance energy storage element. The oxide dielectric layer on the anode, formed electrochemically during manufacturing, allows volumetric efficiencies far higher than ceramic or film capacitors. Within the broader passive taxonomy, the 125 sits in the hierarchy: aluminum electrolytic capacitor -> electrolytic capacitor -> capacitor -> passive component, and is typically categorized for power supply filtering, bulk energy storage, and decoupling on industrial and audio electronics.
Key features of the Cornell Dubilier 125 series include high-temperature endurance commonly rated up to 125 °C with derated voltage, low equivalent series resistance (ESR) variants, and non-solid, wet-electrolyte construction that self-heals under voltage stress. The axial-lead package simplifies insertion into chassis-mounted assemblies and tight PCB layouts where radial parts would not fit.
Typical applications include switch-mode power supply output filtering after the rectifier, bulk capacitance on DC bus rails in motor drives, audio amplifier power supply bypass networks, and energy storage in industrial control power supplies. The 125's high-temperature rating also suits under-hood automotive subsystems and welding inverter bulk filtering.
A key design consideration when using the Type 125 is ensuring ripple current stays below the rated value at the operating temperature; lifetime is approximately halved for every 10 °C rise above rated. Always confirm exact voltage, capacitance, and case dimensions from the manufacturer datasheet before PCB layout.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found on the standalone manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a single reference for the Cornell Dubilier 125 series.
Drop-in alternatives for 125 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
CDE125-100V-100UF
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
CDE125-50V-1000UF
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
380LX101M400A042
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LGN2C102MELC
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EEU-EE2D101
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
63ZLH100MEFC10X12.5
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
125 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE) |
| Series | Type 125 |
| Component Type | Aluminum electrolytic capacitor |
| Polarization | Polar |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole / axial |
| Termination Style | Axial leads |
| Lifetime | Long-life, high-temperature rated |
| Dielectric / Electrolyte | Aluminum oxide / wet electrolyte |
| Datasheet Pages | 5 (per Alldatasheet record) |
125 standard Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for 125 (standard package). Pin numbering, functions, and connection diagrams are defined in the manufacturer datasheet. Refer to it for the exact footprint and soldering guidelines.
No detailed pinout data available for 125.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
125 is suitable for 7 applications: Switch-Mode Power Supply Output Filtering, Industrial Motor Drive DC Bus Bulk Capacitance, Audio Amplifier Power Supply Bypass, Welding Inverter Bulk Filtering, Industrial Control Power Supply Hold-Up, Automotive Under-Hood Auxiliary Electronics, Battery-Backed Memory and RTC Hold-Up.
Switch-Mode Power Supply Output Filtering
The Cornell Dubilier 125 sits on the output of switch-mode power supplies as a bulk filter capacitor, smoothing rectified DC into a low-ripple rail. Its long-life high-temperature construction (per the Alldatasheet 805 Kb / 5-page record) makes it suitable for industrial SMPS modules that run continuously near 105 °C ambient. Ripple rating and capacitance must be sized to keep peak-to-peak ripple below 1% of the rail; the axial package simplifies through-hole insertion on the secondary side.
Recommended
Industrial Motor Drive DC Bus Bulk Capacitance
In AC variable-frequency drives and DC motor controllers, the CDE 125 acts as a bulk capacitor on the rectified DC bus, absorbing regenerative energy from the motor and smoothing supply to the inverter stage. Its high-temperature endurance rating is critical in motor cabinets where ambient reaches 70–85 °C and the capacitor itself may see additional self-heating. Lifetime halves roughly every 10 °C above rated, so adequate cooling directly extends service interval.
Recommended
Audio Amplifier Power Supply Bypass
High-fidelity and professional audio amplifiers benefit from the CDE 125 on the HT (high-tension) rail of the output stage. Its long-life rating means the bulk capacitor remains serviceable for decades of continuous operation, while its low-ESR aluminum electrolytic construction stores charge for transient peaks in the music signal. Place one or more 125 capacitors in parallel with the main reservoir to reduce ESR and improve damping factor on the speaker.
Recommended
Welding Inverter Bulk Filtering
Welding inverters generate enormous ripple current on the secondary rectifier that an ordinary aluminum electrolytic cannot survive. The Cornell Dubilier Type 125 long-life high-temperature axial capacitor is rated for the high ripple and thermal stress of this application, where the DC bus sees hundreds of amps of ripple at switching frequency. Designers typically parallel multiple 125 units to share ripple current and stay well below rated limits.
Recommended
Industrial Control Power Supply Hold-Up
In PLCs and industrial controllers, the CDE 125 provides hold-up capacitance on the 24 V or 48 V DC rail to ride through brief supply interruptions. Its long-life high-temperature rating matches industrial cabinet environments where ambient temperature runs 50–70 °C. Confirm the ripple current rating of the specific value against the expected switching frequency of the upstream converter to ensure long service life.
Recommended
Automotive Under-Hood Auxiliary Electronics
Under-hood automotive subsystems such as fuel pump controllers, electric power steering, and 48 V mild-hybrid DC-DC converters require capacitors that survive engine-bay temperatures above 105 °C. The CDE 125 long-life aluminum electrolytic fits this role where radial SMD parts cannot survive the thermal environment. Match the AEC-Q100 grade if available, and confirm ripple current rating under worst-case continuous operation.
Recommended
Battery-Backed Memory and RTC Hold-Up
In battery-backed SRAM or RTC circuits, the CDE 125 keeps the memory alive during supply interruptions by holding charge on a low-voltage rail. Its high-temperature endurance makes it suitable for industrial equipment that must retain configuration through brown-outs and brief power loss. Use a low-leakage 125 value and a series resistor to limit inrush when the main supply returns.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for 125 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | 380LX101M400A042 | LGN2C102MELC | EEU-EE2D101 | 63ZLH100MEFC10X12.5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cornell Dubilier Electronics | Cornell Dubilier Electronics | Nichicon | Panasonic | Rubycon |
| Package | Axial through-hole | Snap-in through-hole | Axial through-hole - same | Axial through-hole - same | Radial through-hole |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole | Through-hole | Through-hole | Through-hole | Through-hole |
| Component Type | Aluminum electrolytic capacitor | Aluminum electrolytic capacitor | Aluminum electrolytic capacitor | Aluminum electrolytic capacitor | Aluminum electrolytic capacitor |
| Series / Family | CDE Type 125 long-life high-temperature | CDE 380LX long-life snap-in | Nichicon LGN long-life | Panasonic EE series long-life | Rubycon ZLH long-life |
| Target Application | Industrial, audio, motor drive, welding | Industrial high-voltage bulk | Industrial, audio | Industrial, audio, power | Industrial SMPS, power |
| Lifetime Rating | Long-life (typical 5000–10000 h) | Long-life | Long-life (5000 h+) | Long-life (5000 h+) | Long-life (8000–10000 h) |
| Cross-Brand Source | Cornell Dubilier (original) | Same brand CDE - family alternate | Cross-brand Nichicon | Cross-brand Panasonic | Cross-brand Rubycon |
Key Differentiators
- Same-family CDE axial long-life variants for second-source within one BOM (vs 380LX101M400A042)
- Axial through-hole long-life high-temperature pedigree (vs LGN2C102MELC (Nichicon LGN))
- Heritage CDE Type 125 datasheet support (vs 63ZLH100MEFC10X12.5 (Rubycon ZLH radial))
Design Notes
Estimated: At 105 °C ambient with the CDE 125 axial aluminum electrolytic dissipating ripple current, the case self-heating can add 5–10 °C above ambient. Lifetime is approximately halved for every 10 °C above the rated temperature, so a 105 °C-rated part at 115 °C junction has roughly half its rated endurance. Provide at least 10 mm of clearance between the 125 and other heat-generating parts and consider thermal vias or a heatsink clamp on the body for high-ripple SMPS applications.
The Cornell Dubilier 125 is a polarized aluminum electrolytic — reverse polarity will cause the capacitor to fail short, leak electrolyte, or rupture. The negative lead is marked by a stripe or arrow on the case sleeve; double-check this marking against the schematic before soldering. Also avoid using the 125 at voltages above the rated DC working voltage, including any expected transient overshoot from the rectifier, which can dramatically shorten lifetime.
Estimated: When using the CDE 125 as a bulk filter after a rectifier, calculate the expected ripple current as I_ripple ≈ 0.6 × I_load for a full-wave rectifier on a capacitive-input filter, and select a value whose ripple rating at the operating temperature exceeds this with at least 30% margin. In high-ripple applications such as welding inverters, parallel two or more 125 capacitors to share the ripple current rather than relying on a single oversized unit.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance assumed from modern CDE catalog practice (lead-free axial aluminum electrolytic); AEC-Q100 not applicable to passive through-hole capacitor. Halogen-free status not explicitly listed in Alldatasheet record; needs [DATA_NEEDED] confirmation from full CDE datasheet.
