2N6488 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 2N6488 is an NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT) manufactured by onsemi, designed for general-purpose switching and amplification applications. The device features a maximum collector current of 15 A, collector-emitter breakdown voltage of 80 V, and maximum power dissipation of 1.8 W in a Through Hole TO-220-3 package. The 2N6488 is classified as obsolete, making identification of equivalent substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and component procurement. The 2N6488G represents the active production equivalent with identical electrical specifications and enhanced compliance status.

Substiute Parts

2N6488

onsemiIn Stock: 25452N6488 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

2N6488G

onsemiIn Stock: 73072N6488G Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 2N6488 with equivalent parts is determined by strict electrical and mechanical parameter matching. The following criteria establish valid substitution:

Electrical Parameters (Must Match):

• Transistor Type: NPN
• Maximum Collector Current (Ic): 15 A
• Collector-Emitter Breakdown Voltage: 80 V
• Vce Saturation: 3.5 V @ 5A, 15A
• Collector Cutoff Current: 1 mA
• DC Current Gain (hFE): 20 @ 5A, 4V (minimum)
• Maximum Power Dissipation: 1.8 W
• Transition Frequency: 5 MHz
• Operating Temperature Range: -65°C to 150°C

Mechanical Parameters (Must Match):

• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Package / Case: TO-220-3

The 2N6488G meets all electrical and mechanical requirements for direct substitution. Packaging format (Tube versus standard packaging) does not affect electrical compatibility or circuit performance.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

2N6488G (Active Substitute)

The 2N6488G is the recommended substitute for the obsolete 2N6488. Both devices share identical electrical specifications and mechanical packaging. The 2N6488G holds Active product status, ensuring continued availability and manufacturing support. The 2N6488G is RoHS3 compliant, whereas the 2N6488 is RoHS non-compliant. For applications subject to RoHS requirements or environmental compliance mandates, the 2N6488G provides the necessary regulatory alignment. Both parts maintain REACH Unaffected status and EAR99 export classification. The 2N6488G is supplied in Tube packaging, suitable for automated assembly and high-volume production environments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 2N6488G directly replace the 2N6488 in existing circuit designs?

A: Yes. The 2N6488G provides direct electrical and mechanical compatibility. All electrical parameters, including collector current, breakdown voltage, saturation characteristics, current gain, power rating, and frequency response, are identical. The TO-220-3 package footprint and pin configuration are unchanged, enabling direct PCB substitution without circuit modification.

Q: What is the primary reason to transition from 2N6488 to 2N6488G?

A: The 2N6488 is classified as obsolete, limiting long-term component availability. The 2N6488G is in active production, ensuring reliable procurement for current and future designs. Additionally, the 2N6488G is RoHS3 compliant, meeting environmental and regulatory requirements that may be mandated by end-use applications or regional standards.

Q: Are there packaging differences between the 2N6488 and 2N6488G?

A: Both devices use the TO-220-3 Through Hole package. The 2N6488G is supplied in Tube packaging format, which is standard for high-volume and automated assembly operations. This packaging difference does not affect electrical performance or circuit compatibility.

Q: What are the critical electrical parameters for substitution verification?

A: Substitution validity depends on matching the following parameters: NPN transistor type, 15 A maximum collector current, 80 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage, 3.5 V saturation voltage at specified bias conditions, 1 mA collector cutoff current, 20 minimum DC current gain, 1.8 W maximum power dissipation, 5 MHz transition frequency, and -65°C to 150°C operating temperature range.

Q: Is the 2N6488G suitable for applications requiring RoHS compliance?

A: Yes. The 2N6488G is RoHS3 compliant, meeting the Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive requirements. The original 2N6488 is RoHS non-compliant. For designs subject to RoHS mandates, the 2N6488G is the appropriate selection.

Q: Can the 2N6488 and 2N6488G be used interchangeably in the same circuit?

A: Yes. Identical electrical specifications and mechanical packaging enable interchangeable use. Circuit performance, thermal characteristics, and signal integrity remain unchanged when substituting between these parts.