2N2323 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 2N2323 is a sensitive gate SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier) rated for 50 V off-state operation in a TO-5 through-hole package. Manufactured by Microchip Technology, this component is classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of functionally equivalent alternatives for ongoing system support and new designs. The 2N2323 operates within a military-grade qualification framework (MIL-PRF-19500/276) and is non-RoHS compliant, reflecting its legacy status in the thyristor component market.

Substiute Parts

2N2323

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 23632N2323 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

S402ES

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 3750S402ES Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 2N2323 is determined by alignment of the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

Gate Trigger Characteristics: Both the main part and substitute must share identical gate trigger voltage (Vgt Max = 800 mV) and gate trigger current (Igt Max = 200 µA) specifications. These parameters define the sensitivity and control characteristics of the SCR and are non-negotiable for functional equivalence.

SCR Type Classification: Both components must be classified as sensitive gate SCRs, ensuring consistent gate drive requirements and control behavior in existing circuit designs.

Mounting and Package Compatibility: The 2N2323 uses through-hole mounting in a TO-5 metal can package. Substitute parts must also employ through-hole mounting technology to maintain compatibility with legacy PCB layouts and assembly processes.

Operating Temperature Range: The 2N2323 operates across -65°C to 125°C. Substitute parts must support this full temperature envelope or a superset thereof to ensure reliable operation across all specified conditions.

Current Ratings: While the 2N2323 specifies a maximum on-state average current of 220 mA and hold current of 2 mA, substitute parts may exceed these ratings without compromising substitution validity, provided all other parameters align.

Voltage Rating: The 2N2323 is rated for 50 V off-state operation. Substitute parts with higher voltage ratings remain functionally compatible in circuits designed for 50 V operation.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The S402ES (Littelfuse Inc.) qualifies as a functional substitute for the 2N2323 based on alignment of critical gate trigger parameters (Vgt Max and Igt Max both at 800 mV and 200 µA respectively) and SCR type classification (sensitive gate). Both components employ through-hole mounting technology and share the same ECCN and HTSUS classifications.

Product Status Consideration: The 2N2323 is obsolete, while the S402ES is active and in production. Selection of the S402ES ensures long-term component availability and supply chain continuity.

Compliance Consideration: The S402ES is ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, whereas the 2N2323 is non-RoHS compliant. For applications subject to environmental or regulatory compliance requirements, the S402ES provides superior compliance posture.

Package Consideration: The S402ES uses a TO-92 package, which differs from the 2N2323 TO-5 package. PCB layout modifications are required for physical integration. Pin configuration must be verified against the specific application schematic.

Temperature Range Consideration: The S402ES operates across -40°C to 125°C, which is narrower than the 2N2323 range of -65°C to 125°C. Applications requiring operation below -40°C require alternative solutions.

Current Rating Consideration: The S402ES supports higher on-state current (950 mA average, 1.5 A RMS) compared to the 2N2323 (220 mA average). This provides design margin in current-limited applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why is the S402ES considered equivalent to the 2N2323 despite different voltage ratings (400 V vs. 50 V)?

A: Voltage rating equivalence in SCR substitution is determined by the off-state voltage specification. The 2N2323 is rated for 50 V off-state operation. The S402ES, rated for 400 V, can safely operate in any circuit designed for 50 V operation, as the higher rating provides additional margin. The critical matching parameters are gate trigger voltage and current, which are identical between both parts.

Q: Can the S402ES be used in a circuit originally designed for the 2N2323 without circuit modifications?

A: Gate drive and control characteristics are identical, enabling direct functional substitution. However, physical package differences (TO-5 vs. TO-92) require PCB layout modifications. Pin-to-pin correspondence must be verified against the application schematic before assembly.

Q: What is the significance of the sensitive gate classification for substitution?

A: Sensitive gate SCRs are designed for low gate trigger current operation (200 µA in this case). Both the 2N2323 and S402ES share this classification, ensuring compatible gate drive circuit requirements and control behavior. Substitution with non-sensitive gate SCRs would require gate drive circuit redesign.

Q: Does the narrower operating temperature range of the S402ES (-40°C to 125°C vs. -65°C to 125°C) affect substitution validity?

A: For applications operating within the -40°C to 125°C envelope, the S402ES is fully equivalent. Applications requiring operation below -40°C cannot use the S402ES and require alternative components rated to -65°C.

Q: Are there any compliance implications when substituting the 2N2323 with the S402ES?

A: The S402ES is ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, whereas the 2N2323 is non-RoHS compliant. For applications subject to RoHS or REACH regulations, the S402ES provides superior compliance. For legacy systems with no compliance requirements, both parts are functionally equivalent.

Q: How do the current ratings affect component selection between the 2N2323 and S402ES?

A: The S402ES supports higher on-state current (950 mA average vs. 220 mA for the 2N2323). In current-limited applications, the S402ES provides additional design margin. In applications where the 2N2323 current rating is fully utilized, the S402ES remains compatible and does not introduce risk of over-current operation.