The KEMET C420C681GAG5TA7200 is an axial-leaded ceramic capacitor from the AxiMax 400 Comm C0G series, offering 680 pF capacitance at 250V with ±2% tolerance. Built on C0G (NP0) dielectric technology, this component delivers near-zero temperature coefficient performance across its -55°C to 125°C operating range, making it suitable for precision timing circuits, RF applications, and filter networks where capacitance stability is non-negotiable.
The C0G dielectric eliminates piezoelectric effects and voltage coefficient variation, characteristics that distinguish it from X7R or Y5V alternatives. With a 250V rating, the C420C681GAG5TA7200 provides adequate headroom for circuits operating at standard industrial voltage levels while maintaining predictable behavior under transient conditions. The low equivalent series inductance (ESL) design minimizes parasitic effects in high-frequency applications, supporting signal integrity in bypass and coupling configurations where conventional leaded capacitors introduce unwanted phase shifts.
Physical implementation uses a through-hole axial package measuring 0.100" diameter by 0.200" length (2.54mm x 5.08mm) with straight leads, facilitating automated insertion equipment compatibility and hand assembly workflows. This form factor integrates cleanly into mixed-technology boards where surface-mount density is balanced against mechanical robustness requirements. The axial orientation supports horizontal mounting strategies that optimize board real estate in power supply stages, analog front ends, and legacy equipment retrofits.
RoHS3 compliance and REACH-unaffected status align with current environmental directives, while MSL-1 classification eliminates moisture-related storage constraints. The ±2% tolerance specification reduces the need for component screening in applications where calculated filter response or oscillator frequency must be tightly controlled without trimming. General-purpose positioning covers instrumentation, industrial controls, and communications hardware where long-term stability and thermal performance predictability drive component selection.
Active production status ensures availability for new designs and production continuity for existing platforms. The C420C base product number cross-references to multiple tolerance and voltage variants within the AxiMax 400 series, enabling design flexibility when adjusting specifications during prototype iterations or cost optimization phases. This capacitor serves circuits requiring 680pF nominal capacitance with voltage handling beyond standard 50V or 100V ratings common in consumer electronics, bridging the gap toward specialized high-voltage ceramic solutions.
C420C681GAG5TA7200 (1)
Replacement Challenges for KEMET C420C681GAG5TA7200 680 pF Axial C0G Capacitors
Replacing the KEMET C420C681GAG5TA7200 is not only a matter of matching “680 pF.” This part is a 250 V, ±2%, C0G/NP0 axial ceramic capacitor, so replacement decisions must consider capacitance tolerance, dielectric stability, voltage derating, axial body size, lead style, and assembly format. A substitute that fits the board may still introduce frequency drift, tolerance stack-up, or insufficient voltage margin.
The commonly referenced replacement and alternative part numbers for KEMET C420C681GAG5TA7200 include:
-
C410C681J1G5CA7200
C410C681J1G5CA7200
KEMET
CAP CER 680PF 100V C0G/NP0 AXIAL
142901
-
C410C681K1R5CA7200
C410C681K1R5CA7200
KEMET
CAP CER 680PF 100V X7R AXIAL
461878
-
C410C681J5G5CA7200
C410C681J5G5CA7200
KEMET
CAP CER 680PF 50V C0G/NP0 AXIAL
465734
These parts are related axial ceramic capacitor options, but they are not identical replacements in every design. The correct choice depends on whether the circuit uses the capacitor for timing, filtering, RF coupling, compensation, snubbing, or general-purpose decoupling.
What Defines the KEMET C420C681GAG5TA7200 Original Component
The KEMET C420C681GAG5TA7200 belongs to the AxiMax 400 Comm C0G series and is specified as a 680 pF ceramic capacitor with ±2% tolerance, 250 V rated voltage, and C0G/NP0 temperature coefficient. It uses an axial through-hole package with straight leads, supplied in Tape & Reel packaging.
Key original characteristics:
| Parameter | KEMET C420C681GAG5TA7200 specification | Replacement impact |
|---|---|---|
| Capacitance | 680 pF | Must match closely in timing, resonance, RF, and compensation circuits |
| Tolerance | ±2% | Wider-tolerance substitutes may shift circuit behavior |
| Voltage rating | 250 V | Lower-voltage alternatives require derating review |
| Dielectric | C0G/NP0 | Provides low capacitance drift, low loss, and stable frequency behavior |
| Operating temperature | -55°C to +125°C | Suitable for industrial and commercial temperature ranges |
| Mounting style | Through-hole axial | Replacement must match lead-forming and board layout needs |
| Package size | 0.100" diameter x 0.200" length, approximately 2.54 mm x 5.08 mm | Body clearance and lead stress should be checked |
| Feature | Low ESL | Useful in high-frequency bypassing, pulse response, and compact axial layouts |
| Compliance | RoHS3 compliant, REACH unaffected, MSL 1 | Supports standard production and storage workflows |
The C0G/NP0 dielectric is one of the main reasons this capacitor may be selected over higher-capacitance ceramic dielectrics. It offers stable capacitance over temperature, voltage, and time. Therefore, if the original capacitor is used in an oscillator, filter pole, resonant circuit, or frequency-sensitive analog network, a replacement using a different dielectric can affect performance even if the nominal capacitance is the same.
The 250 V rating also affects replacement suitability. In low-voltage signal circuits, a lower-voltage substitute may be acceptable after derating analysis. In high-impedance, transient-prone, tube, telecom, instrumentation, or high-voltage bias circuits, keeping equal or higher voltage rating is usually preferred.
Typical applications include general-purpose signal filtering, RF coupling, timing networks, impedance compensation, bypassing in through-hole assemblies, and replacement in legacy axial capacitor layouts.
Engineering Evaluation of KEMET C420C681GAG5TA7200 Replacement Part Numbers
The alternatives below should be evaluated as engineering substitutes rather than automatic drop-in equivalents. Each candidate shares the same nominal 680 pF value, but tolerance, dielectric code, voltage class, and mechanical family may differ from the KEMET C420C681GAG5TA7200.
| Manufacturer | Part Number | Key Specifications | Product Features | Typical Applications | Why It Can Replace the Original Part | Main Differences or Limitations | Recommended Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KEMET | C420C681GAG5TA7200 | 680 pF, ±2%, 250 V, C0G/NP0, axial through-hole, -55°C to +125°C | Low ESL, stable dielectric, Tape & Reel, RoHS3 | RF networks, timing circuits, precision filters, compensation, general-purpose through-hole designs | Original reference part | None as original device | Best choice when the design depends on ±2% tolerance, 250 V rating, and C0G/NP0 stability |
| KEMET |
| 680 pF, J tolerance class typically ±5%, axial ceramic, C0G/NP0 indicated by G dielectric code, voltage class should be verified against the latest datasheet | Similar axial ceramic construction, stable dielectric behavior if confirmed C0G/NP0 | General signal filtering, coupling, non-critical timing, through-hole replacement | Same nominal capacitance and compatible axial ceramic family make it a practical substitute in many layouts | Wider tolerance than ±2%; voltage rating may differ from 250 V; body size may differ from C420 series | Suitable where ±5% capacitance tolerance is acceptable and operating voltage is comfortably below the confirmed rating |
| KEMET |
| 680 pF, K tolerance class typically ±10%, axial ceramic, R dielectric code commonly associated with X7R-type behavior, voltage class should be verified | Higher tolerance band, ceramic axial format | Bypass, general filtering, non-frequency-critical circuits | Same nominal capacitance and through-hole axial style may allow physical replacement | Dielectric stability may be lower than C0G/NP0; ±10% tolerance may be unsuitable for precision networks; voltage rating confirmation required | Consider only for general-purpose filtering or decoupling where capacitance drift and tolerance are acceptable |
| KEMET |
| 680 pF, J tolerance class typically ±5%, axial ceramic, C0G/NP0 indicated by G dielectric code, voltage class should be checked | Stable dielectric option with looser tolerance than original | Signal coupling, analog filtering, moderate-accuracy timing, legacy axial PCB service | Same capacitance value and likely C0G/NP0 dielectric alignment support replacement in stable analog circuits | Tolerance wider than original; voltage code differs from C420C681GAG5TA7200; mechanical dimensions may not be identical | Good candidate when C0G/NP0 behavior is needed but ±2% tolerance and 250 V rating are not mandatory |
Among the listed substitutes,
C410C681J1G5CA7200
and
C410C681J1G5CA7200
KEMET
CAP CER 680PF 100V C0G/NP0 AXIAL
142901
C410C681J5G5CA7200
are generally more suitable when dielectric stability matters, because their G dielectric code aligns with C0G/NP0-style selection.
C410C681J5G5CA7200
KEMET
CAP CER 680PF 50V C0G/NP0 AXIAL
465734
C410C681K1R5CA7200
requires more caution because the R dielectric code suggests a less stable ceramic dielectric class than C0G/NP0. That does not make it unsuitable in all cases, but it changes the replacement decision from precision substitution to general-purpose substitution.
C410C681K1R5CA7200
KEMET
CAP CER 680PF 100V X7R AXIAL
461878
Comparing KEMET C420C681GAG5TA7200 Alternatives for Real Circuit Decisions
The most practical way to compare replacements is to separate electrical risk from mechanical and sourcing risk. A capacitor that is acceptable in a bypass location may not be acceptable in an oscillator or tuned filter.
| Evaluation factor | C420C681GAG5TA7200 | C410C681J1G5CA7200 | C410C681K1R5CA7200 | C410C681J5G5CA7200 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical compatibility | Baseline: 680 pF, ±2%, 250 V, C0G/NP0 | Good if confirmed voltage rating is adequate; ±5% tolerance changes precision margin | Limited for precision use due to ±10% tolerance and likely non-C0G dielectric behavior | Good for many C0G/NP0 applications if voltage rating is adequate |
| Mechanical compatibility | Original axial C420 body, 0.100" dia x 0.200" length | Axial C410 family may fit many boards but body dimensions should be checked | Axial C410 family; verify body diameter, length, and lead forming | Axial C410 family; verify clearance and lead stress |
| Performance difference | Highest precision among listed parts | Slightly wider capacitance spread; stable if C0G/NP0 confirmed | Capacitance may vary more with temperature, voltage, and aging | Stable dielectric behavior likely, but tolerance is wider than original |
| Reliability considerations | Original voltage and dielectric margin maintained | Acceptable with correct derating and thermal review | Better for non-critical filtering than precision or high-stability functions | Acceptable when derating and tolerance are reviewed |
| Package and assembly | Tape & Reel axial through-hole | Packaging suffix differs; confirm bulk, ammo, or reel format | Packaging suffix differs; confirm production handling format | Packaging suffix differs; confirm assembly compatibility |
| Cost and availability | Best technical match, but availability may vary | Often attractive if ±5% tolerance is acceptable | May be cost-effective for general-purpose use | Useful balance when C0G behavior is needed without ±2% precision |
| Best-fit scenarios | Precision timing, RF, compensation, high-voltage margin | General analog circuits needing stable dielectric but not ±2% accuracy | Decoupling, bypassing, non-tuned filtering | Stable signal circuits where ±5% is acceptable |
| Main limitation | May be harder to source than broader-tolerance options | Not an exact tolerance match | Not recommended for C0G-sensitive circuits without redesign validation | Voltage and dimension differences must be checked |
For a precision circuit, the preferred replacement path is to keep C0G/NP0 dielectric behavior first, then check tolerance and voltage rating. In that case,
C410C681J1G5CA7200
or
C410C681J1G5CA7200
KEMET
CAP CER 680PF 100V C0G/NP0 AXIAL
142901
C410C681J5G5CA7200
may be more suitable than
C410C681J5G5CA7200
KEMET
CAP CER 680PF 50V C0G/NP0 AXIAL
465734
C410C681K1R5CA7200
, provided the confirmed voltage rating and mechanical dimensions meet the design requirements.
C410C681K1R5CA7200
KEMET
CAP CER 680PF 100V X7R AXIAL
461878
For a non-critical bypass or general-purpose filter position,
C410C681K1R5CA7200
may be acceptable if the circuit can tolerate wider capacitance variation and possible dielectric shift. However, it should not be treated as an equal electrical substitute for the KEMET C420C681GAG5TA7200 in temperature-stable timing, RF, or precision analog networks.
C410C681K1R5CA7200
KEMET
CAP CER 680PF 100V X7R AXIAL
461878
Before approving any replacement, confirm the latest manufacturer datasheet, voltage derating, dielectric class, tolerance impact, lead spacing or forming requirements, and production packaging. For quotations and sourcing support for KEMET C420C681GAG5TA7200 replacement parts, use the professional electronic components website IC-Components.com or email Info@IC-Components.com.




