2N6401 Silicon Controlled Rectifier Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 2N6401 is a Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) rated for 100V off-state voltage and 16A RMS on-state current in a TO-220AB through-hole package. This component is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for new designs and production continuity. The 2N6401G represents the active production equivalent from the same manufacturer, while the TYN616RG from STMicroelectronics offers a higher voltage-rated alternative within the same package family.

Substiute Parts

2N6401

onsemiIn Stock: 10002N6401 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

2N6401G

onsemiIn Stock: 18332N6401G Datasheet

DirectRFQ

2N6401G

onsemiIn Stock: 18332N6401G Datasheet

DirectRFQ

TYN616RG

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 28563TYN616RG Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 2N6401 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Direct Equivalence Criteria:

• Voltage - Off State: 100V minimum
• Current - On State (It RMS): 16A minimum
• SCR Type: Standard Recovery
• Package / Case: TO-220-3
• Mounting Type: Through Hole

2N6401G (onsemi): Direct equivalent meeting all electrical and mechanical specifications. Identical voltage and current ratings with active product status.

TYN616RG (STMicroelectronics): Similar substitute with higher voltage rating (600V off-state). Maintains identical current ratings (16A RMS), gate trigger characteristics, and TO-220-3 package. Suitable for applications where higher voltage margin is acceptable or required.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Recommended Primary Choice): The 2N6401G is the preferred substitute for the obsolete 2N6401. It maintains identical electrical specifications and mechanical packaging while offering active product status and continuous supply availability. No circuit redesign is required.

For Higher Voltage Applications: The TYN616RG from STMicroelectronics provides a viable alternative when circuit conditions permit higher voltage rating (600V vs. 100V). This part offers improved voltage margin and ROHS3 compliance. Gate trigger current is slightly lower (25mA vs. 30mA), and off-state leakage current is reduced (5µA vs. 10µA), both favorable characteristics. Electrical compatibility is maintained across all critical on-state and surge current parameters.

Compliance Considerations: If RoHS compliance is a design requirement, the TYN616RG (ROHS3 compliant) is the appropriate selection. The 2N6401G compliance status is not specified in available documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 2N6401G be used as a direct drop-in replacement for the 2N6401? A: Yes. The 2N6401G is electrically and mechanically identical to the 2N6401, with the same voltage rating (100V), current rating (16A RMS), gate trigger characteristics, and TO-220-3 package. No circuit modifications are necessary.

Q: What is the primary difference between the 2N6401G and TYN616RG? A: The TYN616RG has a higher off-state voltage rating (600V vs. 100V). Both maintain the same 16A RMS current rating and Standard Recovery SCR type. The TYN616RG is suitable for applications where higher voltage margin is beneficial or required.

Q: Can the TYN616RG replace the 2N6401 in all applications? A: The TYN616RG is electrically compatible for applications operating at or below 100V, as it exceeds the voltage requirement. However, circuit validation is necessary to confirm that the higher voltage rating does not introduce unintended behavior in specific application contexts.

Q: Are there packaging differences between these parts? A: All three parts use the TO-220-3 package with through-hole mounting. The 2N6401 and 2N6401G use TO-220AB supplier packaging, while the TYN616RG uses standard TO-220 packaging. Both are mechanically compatible with TO-220-3 footprints.

Q: Which substitute should be selected for new designs? A: The 2N6401G is recommended for new designs as the direct equivalent with active product status. If RoHS compliance is required, the TYN616RG (ROHS3 compliant) is the appropriate choice, provided the higher voltage rating is acceptable for the application.