2N6515 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 2N6515 is an NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT) manufactured by onsemi, designed for general-purpose switching and amplification applications. It features a maximum collector current of 500 mA, collector-emitter breakdown voltage of 250 V, and maximum power dissipation of 625 mW in a through-hole TO-92 package. The 2N6515 is classified as obsolete, making identification of suitable substitute components necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity. Active alternatives with compatible electrical and mechanical characteristics are available to maintain circuit functionality in legacy and new applications.

Substiute Parts

2N6515

onsemiIn Stock: 12422N6515 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

KSP43TA

onsemiIn Stock: 3087KSP43TA Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 2N6515 is determined by strict equivalence in the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Transistor type: NPN configuration
• Collector current rating: 500 mA maximum
• Power dissipation: 625 mW maximum
• Package type: TO-92-3 through-hole configuration
• Mounting compatibility: Through-hole PCB mounting

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

• Collector-emitter breakdown voltage: Substitute must equal or exceed 250 V
• DC current gain (hFE): Substitute must meet or exceed minimum specified gain
• Operating temperature range: Substitute must support the required thermal envelope

The KSP43TA meets the primary substitution criteria with identical collector current (500 mA), power rating (625 mW), and package type (TO-92-3). The KSP43TA operates within compatible temperature ranges and maintains NPN configuration. Voltage rating differences and frequency characteristics are secondary considerations when primary electrical and mechanical parameters align.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

KSP43TA as Primary Substitute:

The KSP43TA is the designated substitute for the 2N6515 based on matching primary electrical and mechanical specifications. Both devices share identical collector current (500 mA), power dissipation (625 mW), and TO-92-3 package configuration. The KSP43TA is classified as active product status, ensuring ongoing availability and manufacturing support, whereas the 2N6515 is obsolete.

Compliance Considerations:

The KSP43TA carries ROHS3 compliance certification, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements for electronic components. The 2N6515 is RoHS non-compliant. For applications subject to RoHS directives or procurement policies requiring compliant components, the KSP43TA provides regulatory alignment.

Voltage Rating Differential:

The KSP43TA features a maximum collector-emitter breakdown voltage of 200 V, compared to 250 V for the 2N6515. Circuit designs operating at voltages below 200 V experience no functional limitation. Applications requiring voltage margins above 200 V must evaluate circuit operating conditions to confirm compatibility.

Frequency Performance:

The 2N6515 specifies 200 MHz transition frequency, while the KSP43TA specifies 50 MHz. High-frequency switching applications operating above 50 MHz require verification that the reduced frequency specification does not impact circuit performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the KSP43TA directly replace the 2N6515 in existing designs?

A: The KSP43TA is electrically and mechanically compatible for applications where the circuit operates below 200 V collector-emitter voltage and does not require transition frequencies above 50 MHz. Pin configuration and package dimensions are identical (TO-92-3). Verify circuit operating conditions against the KSP43TA datasheet specifications before implementation.

Q: What is the significance of the voltage rating difference between these devices?

A: The 2N6515 supports 250 V maximum collector-emitter breakdown voltage, while the KSP43TA supports 200 V. If your circuit operates at voltages between 200 V and 250 V, the KSP43TA cannot be used. For circuits operating below 200 V, this difference has no impact on device selection.

Q: Why is the KSP43TA recommended despite lower frequency specification?

A: The KSP43TA is recommended because it matches all primary substitution criteria: collector current (500 mA), power rating (625 mW), and package type (TO-92-3). The 50 MHz transition frequency is sufficient for most general-purpose switching applications. Applications requiring higher frequency performance must evaluate alternative devices with higher transition frequency specifications.

Q: Are there packaging differences between the 2N6515 and KSP43TA?

A: Both devices use the TO-92-3 through-hole package. The KSP43TA is supplied in cut tape (CT) packaging format, while the 2N6515 was supplied in standard through-hole format. PCB mounting and lead configuration are identical.

Q: What is the impact of RoHS compliance on component selection?

A: The KSP43TA is ROHS3 compliant, meeting environmental and regulatory requirements for lead-free manufacturing. The 2N6515 is RoHS non-compliant. For new designs or applications subject to RoHS directives, the KSP43TA provides regulatory compliance. For legacy systems without RoHS requirements, both devices are functionally equivalent within their respective voltage and frequency operating ranges.

Q: How do saturation voltage differences affect circuit performance?

A: The 2N6515 specifies 1 V saturation voltage at 5 mA base current and 50 mA collector current. The KSP43TA specifies 500 mV saturation voltage at 2 mA base current and 20 mA collector current. Lower saturation voltage in the KSP43TA results in reduced power dissipation during saturation. Switching circuits benefit from this characteristic. Verify base drive requirements for your specific application.

Q: Is the KSP43TA the only available substitute for the 2N6515?

A: Based on the provided substitute list, the KSP43TA is the identified equivalent part. Additional alternatives may exist from other manufacturers, but only the KSP43TA is specified in this reference documentation.