MKP1848C vs MKP1848e vs MKP1848Se | Vishay
Vishay MKP1848C, MKP1848e, and MKP1848Se are radial metallized polypropylene DC-link film capacitor series, but they target different design priorities:
MKP1848C: industrial-grade series with the widest capacitance range—up to 500 µF.
MKP1848e: high-temperature, AEC-Q200-qualified series for automotive and demanding industrial environments.
MKP1848Se: low-profile automotive series for height-constrained EV, charger, HVAC, and motor-drive assemblies.
For standard industrial inverters, MKP1848C is usually the starting point. Choose MKP1848e when temperature and humidity robustness are critical. Select MKP1848Se when PCB height is the primary mechanical constraint.
MKP1848C vs MKP1848e vs MKP1848Se Comparison
| Parameter | MKP1848C | MKP1848e | MKP1848Se |
| Product positioning | Industrial grade | High-temperature automotive grade | Low-profile automotive grade |
| Capacitance range | 1 µF to 500 µF | 1 µF to 140 µF | 1 µF to 75 µF |
| Rated voltages at 85°C | 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1200 VDC | 500, 700, 900, 1000, 1200, 1300 VDC | 500, 700, 900, 1200 VDC |
| Capacitance tolerance | ±5% | ±5%, ±10% | ±5%, ±10% |
| Rated temperature | 85°C | 85°C | 85°C |
| High-temperature operation | Up to 105°C with voltage derating | AEC-Q200 to 105°C; operation to 125°C for up to 500 hours with derating | AEC-Q200 to 105°C; limited 125°C operation available on request |
| AEC-Q200 | Not specified; industrial series | Revision E | Revision D |
| Humidity qualification | No specific THB grade stated | THB Grade III, IEC 60384-16 Edition 3 | THB: 60°C, 93% RH, 56 days at rated voltage |
| Available lead pitch | 27.5, 37.5, 52.5 mm | 22.5, 27.5, 37.5, 52.5 mm | 27.5, 37.5, 52.5 mm |
| Minimum catalog ESR | Down to approximately 1.5 mΩ | Down to approximately 1.0 mΩ | Down to approximately 3 mΩ |
| Maximum catalog ripple current | Up to approximately 50 A | Up to approximately 44.5 A | Up to approximately 27 A |
| Mechanical advantage | Very high capacitance availability | Compact cases and 22.5 mm pitch options | Fixed low-profile heights of 12, 15, 18 and 24 mm |
| Best suited for | Industrial inverters and bulk DC-link capacitance | High-temperature automotive power electronics | Height-constrained automotive assemblies |
1. Vishay MKP1848C: Industrial DC-Link Capacitor
The MKP1848C is the general-purpose industrial option in this comparison. Its main advantage is its broad capacitance range from 1 µF to 500 µF, making it suitable for designs requiring substantial DC-link energy storage.
According to the Vishay MKP1848C datasheet, the series offers low ESR, low ESL, high ripple-current capability and an estimated useful life exceeding 100,000 hours at rated DC voltage and 70°C.
Typical applications include:
Solar and renewable-energy inverters
Industrial motor drives
UPS power stages
Battery chargers
General-purpose power converters
MKP1848C should normally be selected when automotive qualification is unnecessary and capacitance density, service life and industrial voltage coverage are the main requirements.
2. Vishay MKP1848e: High-Temperature Automotive DC-Link Capacitor
MKP1848e is the most environmentally robust series of the three. It is AEC-Q200 Revision E qualified up to 105°C and supports operation at temperatures up to 125°C for a cumulative maximum of 500 hours, subject to the specified voltage derating.
The Vishay MKP1848e datasheet specifies THB Grade III performance according to IEC 60384-16 Edition 3 Annex A. It also expands the voltage range to 1300 VDC and adds compact 22.5 mm lead-pitch options.
Recommended applications include:
EV and PHEV power electronics
Onboard charging systems
DC/DC converters
Automotive HVAC and electric compressors
Fast-charging equipment
High-temperature industrial converters
MKP1848e is generally the best choice when the capacitor must handle elevated ambient temperatures, high humidity or automotive qualification requirements.
3. Vishay MKP1848Se: Low-Profile Automotive DC-Link Capacitor
MKP1848Se is designed around one clear mechanical requirement: reduced component height. Standard case heights are limited to 12, 15, 18 or 24 mm, helping designers fit DC-link capacitance into thin power modules and compact cooling assemblies.
The Vishay MKP1848Se datasheet specifies AEC-Q200 Revision D qualification up to 105°C and a temperature-humidity-bias test of 60°C, 93% relative humidity and 56 days at rated voltage.
Typical uses include:
Low-profile EV traction converters
Onboard and inductive chargers
Automotive HVAC systems
Compact motor drives
Power modules installed under covers or heat sinks
Choose MKP1848Se when component height is more restrictive than maximum capacitance or the absolute lowest ESR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MKP1848e a direct replacement for MKP1848C?
Not necessarily. MKP1848e adds automotive, humidity and high-temperature capabilities, but available capacitance values, voltages, lead pitches and case dimensions differ. A complete electrical and mechanical comparison is required.
Which series offers the highest capacitance?
MKP1848C offers the highest catalog capacitance, reaching 500 µF. MKP1848e reaches 140 µF, while MKP1848Se reaches 75 µF.
Which series is best for operation near 125°C?
MKP1848e is the preferred series. Vishay specifies operation up to 125°C for a maximum cumulative duration of 500 hours with the applicable voltage derating. It should not be interpreted as a full rated-voltage condition at 125°C.
Which series has the lowest component height?
MKP1848Se. It is available in standardized 12, 15, 18 and 24 mm case heights.
Is MKP1848C AEC-Q200 qualified?
The MKP1848C datasheet identifies it as an industrial-grade series and does not specify AEC-Q200 qualification. Use MKP1848e or MKP1848Se when automotive qualification is required.
Is MKP1848Se THB Grade III qualified?
Vishay specifies a THB test of 60°C, 93% relative humidity and 56 days at rated voltage for MKP1848Se. However, its datasheet does not present the same explicit IEC 60384-16 Edition 3 Grade III statement used for MKP1848e.
Stock and RFQ
DataStorageIC can assist with Vishay MKP1848C, MKP1848e and MKP1848Se part-number selection, quotation and alternative evaluation.
For an accurate RFQ, provide:
Full Vishay part number
Required capacitance and voltage
Quantity
Target delivery date
Lead pitch or maximum component dimensions
Automotive or THB qualification requirements
Availability, lead time, pricing and date-code requirements are subject to confirmation at the time of quotation. Visit the Vishay capacitor product page to submit your inquiry.
