2N6488 PBFREE Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 2N6488 PBFREE is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by Central Semiconductor Corp, designed for through-hole applications in the TO-220-3 package. This device is rated for 80 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 15 A maximum collector current, with a maximum power dissipation of 75 W. The part is classified as obsolete, making identification of suitable substitute components necessary for ongoing design support and procurement continuity.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	—
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	80	V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	15	A
Power - Max	75	W
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	3.5V @ 5A, 15A	V
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	25 @ 1A, 4V	—
Frequency - Transition	5	MHz
Operating Temperature Range	-65 to 150	°C (TJ)
Package / Case	TO-220-3	—
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 2N6488 PBFREE is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Electrical Equivalence Criteria:

Transistor type: NPN configuration
Voltage rating: 80 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage (Vceo)
Current rating: 15 A maximum collector current (Ic)
Saturation voltage: 3.5 V @ 5A, 15A (Vce sat)
Transition frequency: 5 MHz (fT)
Operating temperature range: -65°C to 150°C (TJ)

Mechanical Equivalence Criteria:

Package type: TO-220-3
Mounting method: Through hole

Compliance Equivalence Criteria:

RoHS3 compliance
REACH unaffected status

The 2N6488G from onsemi meets all electrical and mechanical equivalence criteria and maintains identical compliance certifications, establishing it as a direct substitute for the obsolete 2N6488 PBFREE.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	2N6488 PBFREE (Central Semiconductor)	2N6488G (onsemi)	Match Status
Transistor Type	NPN	NPN	Equivalent
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	80 V	80 V	Equivalent
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	15 A	15 A	Equivalent
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	3.5V @ 5A, 15A	3.5V @ 5A, 15A	Equivalent
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	25 @ 1A, 4V	20 @ 5A, 4V	Compatible
Frequency - Transition	5 MHz	5 MHz	Equivalent
Operating Temperature Range	-65°C to 150°C (TJ)	-65°C to 150°C (TJ)	Equivalent
Package / Case	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	Equivalent
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Equivalent
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	Equivalent
REACH Status	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected	Equivalent
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Substitute Available

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The 2N6488G from onsemi is the direct substitute for the obsolete 2N6488 PBFREE. Selection of the 2N6488G is supported by the following factors:

Product Status: The 2N6488G maintains active product status with onsemi, ensuring ongoing availability and manufacturing support. The original 2N6488 PBFREE is classified as obsolete, necessitating transition to an active equivalent.

Compliance Certification: Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, satisfying regulatory requirements for new designs and procurement.

Electrical Performance: The 2N6488G delivers identical ratings across all critical electrical parameters: 80 V breakdown voltage, 15 A collector current, 3.5 V saturation voltage, and 5 MHz transition frequency. The DC current gain specification differs in test conditions (20 @ 5A, 4V versus 25 @ 1A, 4V) but remains within acceptable operating margins for the specified voltage and current ratings.

Mechanical Compatibility: Both parts use the TO-220-3 through-hole package, enabling direct board-level substitution without PCB redesign.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

A: Yes. The 2N6488G is electrically and mechanically equivalent to the 2N6488 PBFREE across all specified parameters. Both devices share identical voltage ratings (80 V), current ratings (15 A), saturation characteristics (3.5 V @ 5A, 15A), transition frequency (5 MHz), operating temperature range (-65°C to 150°C), and TO-220-3 package configuration. Direct substitution is supported without circuit modification.

Q: What is the difference in DC current gain between the two parts?

A: The 2N6488 PBFREE specifies a minimum DC current gain (hFE) of 25 measured at 1 A collector current and 4 V collector-emitter voltage. The 2N6488G specifies a minimum DC current gain of 20 measured at 5 A collector current and 4 V collector-emitter voltage. Both specifications are valid for their respective test conditions and do not affect circuit compatibility in applications designed for the 80 V, 15 A rating.

Q: Are there any packaging differences between these parts?

A: Both the 2N6488 PBFREE and 2N6488G use the TO-220-3 through-hole package. The primary packaging difference is that the 2N6488G is supplied in tube packaging, while the original part's packaging format is not specified. This difference does not affect electrical performance or board-level installation.

Q: Do both parts meet current regulatory requirements?

A: Yes. Both the 2N6488 PBFREE and 2N6488G are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, satisfying current regulatory requirements for electronic component procurement and use.

Q: Why is the 2N6488 PBFREE classified as obsolete?

A: The 2N6488 PBFREE is no longer manufactured by Central Semiconductor Corp. The 2N6488G from onsemi serves as the active equivalent, providing continued availability and manufacturing support for this device class.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message