2N686 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 2N686 is a standard recovery SCR (silicon-controlled rectifier) rated for 250V off-state voltage and 25A RMS on-state current in a TO-48 chassis mount stud package. Manufactured by Central Semiconductor Corp, this component is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitutes necessary for new designs and production continuity. The obsolete status requires identification of active alternatives that maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Voltage - Off State	250	V
Voltage - Gate Trigger (Vgt) Max	2	V
Current - Gate Trigger (Igt) Max	40	mA
Voltage - On State (Vtm) Max	2	V
Current - On State (It RMS) Max	25	A
Current - Hold (Ih) Max	100	mA
Current - Off State Max	11	mA
Operating Temperature Range	-65 to 125	°C
SCR Type	Standard Recovery	-
Mounting Type	Chassis, Stud Mount	-
Package / Case	TO-208AA, TO-48-3, Stud	-

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 2N686 is determined by matching the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

Voltage Rating: Off-state voltage must equal 250V
Current Rating: On-state RMS current must equal or exceed 25A
Gate Characteristics: Gate trigger voltage (Vgt) and current (Igt) must not exceed 2V and 40mA respectively
On-State Performance: On-state voltage drop (Vtm) must not exceed 2V
Hold Current: Hold current (Ih) specifications must be compatible with circuit requirements
Package Compatibility: Mounting type must be chassis stud mount with TO-48 or equivalent footprint
Temperature Range: Operating temperature range must span -65°C to 125°C
SCR Type: Standard recovery classification must be maintained

The VS-2N686 from Vishay General Semiconductor meets these substitution criteria while offering active product status and improved compliance certifications.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	2N686 (Central Semiconductor)	VS-2N686 (Vishay)	Match Status
Voltage - Off State	250 V	250 V	Matched
Voltage - Gate Trigger (Vgt) Max	2 V	2 V	Matched
Current - Gate Trigger (Igt) Max	40 mA	40 mA	Matched
Voltage - On State (Vtm) Max	2 V	2 V	Matched
Current - On State (It RMS) Max	25 A	25 A	Matched
Current - Hold (Ih) Max	100 mA	20 mA	Compatible (VS-2N686 lower)
Current - Off State Max	11 mA	6 mA	Compatible (VS-2N686 lower)
Operating Temperature Range	-65 to 125 °C	-65 to 125 °C	Matched
SCR Type	Standard Recovery	Standard Recovery	Matched
Mounting Type	Chassis, Stud Mount	Chassis, Stud Mount	Matched
Package / Case	TO-208AA, TO-48-3, Stud	TO-208AA, TO-48-3, Stud	Matched

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The VS-2N686 is the direct substitute for the obsolete 2N686. Selection is based on the following factors:

Product Status: The 2N686 is obsolete and no longer manufactured. The VS-2N686 maintains active product status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain continuity.

Compliance & Certifications: The VS-2N686 is ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting modern regulatory requirements. The original 2N686 is RoHS non-compliant, making the substitute necessary for applications subject to environmental regulations.

Electrical Compatibility: All critical electrical parameters match or exceed the original specification. The VS-2N686 exhibits lower hold current (20mA vs. 100mA) and lower off-state leakage current (6mA vs. 11mA), representing improved performance characteristics.

Mechanical Compatibility: Both components share identical mounting type (chassis stud mount) and package designation (TO-208AA, TO-48-3, Stud), ensuring direct physical replacement without circuit board modification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the VS-2N686 directly replace the 2N686 in existing designs?

A: Yes. The VS-2N686 matches all critical electrical parameters (voltage rating, current rating, gate characteristics, on-state voltage) and shares identical mounting and package specifications. Direct substitution is possible without circuit modification.

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

A: The 2N686 specifies a maximum hold current of 100mA, while the VS-2N686 specifies 20mA maximum. The lower hold current of the substitute represents improved performance and does not create compatibility issues in standard applications.

Q: Are there package differences between the 2N686 and VS-2N686?

A: Both components use the same package designation: TO-208AA (also referenced as TO-48-3) with stud mount configuration. Physical footprint and mounting requirements are identical.

Q: Why is the 2N686 obsolete?

A: The 2N686 is classified as obsolete by the original manufacturer, Central Semiconductor Corp. This status indicates the component is no longer in active production. The VS-2N686 from Vishay provides equivalent functionality with active manufacturing status.

Q: Does the VS-2N686 meet current regulatory requirements?

A: Yes. The VS-2N686 is ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current environmental and regulatory standards. The original 2N686 is RoHS non-compliant.

Q: What is the temperature operating range for both parts?

A: Both the 2N686 and VS-2N686 operate across the same temperature range: -65°C to 125°C.

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