2N686A SCR Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 2N686A is a silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) rated for 250V off-state voltage and 25A RMS on-state current in a TO-48 stud mount package. Manufactured by Central Semiconductor Corp, this component is classified as obsolete and no longer in active production. Due to its obsolete status and non-compliance with current RoHS regulations, identifying functionally equivalent active alternatives is necessary for new designs and ongoing system maintenance.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Voltage - Off State	250	V
Current - On State (It (RMS)) (Max)	25	A
Voltage - Gate Trigger (Vgt) (Max)	2	V
Current - Gate Trigger (Igt) (Max)	40	mA
Voltage - On State (Vtm) (Max)	2	V
Current - Hold (Ih) (Max)	50	mA
Operating Temperature Range	-65 to 125	°C
Mounting Type	Chassis, Stud Mount	—
Package / Case	TO-208AA, TO-48-3, Stud	—
SCR Type	Standard Recovery	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The VS-2N686 manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division qualifies as a direct substitute for the 2N686A based on the following critical parameters:

Matching Electrical Specifications:

Off-state voltage: 250V (identical)
Gate trigger voltage (Vgt): 2V maximum (identical)
Gate trigger current (Igt): 40mA maximum (identical)
On-state voltage (Vtm): 2V maximum (identical)
RMS on-state current: 25A maximum (identical)
Operating temperature range: -65°C to 125°C (identical)
SCR type: Standard Recovery (identical)

Matching Mechanical Specifications:

Package / Case: TO-208AA, TO-48-3, Stud (identical)
Mounting type: Chassis, Stud Mount (identical)

The VS-2N686 maintains electrical and mechanical compatibility while offering active product status and current regulatory compliance.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	2N686A (Main Part)	VS-2N686 (Substitute)	Match
Voltage - Off State	250 V	250 V	✓
Voltage - Gate Trigger (Vgt) (Max)	2 V	2 V	✓
Current - Gate Trigger (Igt) (Max)	40 mA	40 mA	✓
Voltage - On State (Vtm) (Max)	2 V	2 V	✓
Current - On State (It (RMS)) (Max)	25 A	25 A	✓
Current - Hold (Ih) (Max)	50 mA	20 mA	Compatible*
Current - Off State (Max)	11 mA	6 mA	Compatible*
Operating Temperature	-65°C ~ 125°C	-65°C ~ 125°C	✓
Mounting Type	Chassis, Stud Mount	Chassis, Stud Mount	✓
Package / Case	TO-208AA, TO-48-3, Stud	TO-208AA, TO-48-3, Stud	✓
SCR Type	Standard Recovery	Standard Recovery	✓
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	—
RoHS Status	Non-compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	—

*Compatible: VS-2N686 parameters are more stringent (lower values), ensuring operation within 2N686A design margins.

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The VS-2N686 is the direct functional equivalent for the obsolete 2N686A. Selection is based on:

Product Status: The VS-2N686 maintains active product status with ongoing manufacturer support, whereas the 2N686A is obsolete and subject to supply discontinuation.

Regulatory Compliance: The VS-2N686 is ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements. The 2N686A is RoHS non-compliant, creating compliance risk in new designs and regulated applications.

Electrical Equivalence: All critical electrical parameters match or exceed the 2N686A specification. The VS-2N686 exhibits lower hold current (20mA vs. 50mA) and lower off-state leakage current (6mA vs. 11mA), both favorable characteristics that maintain design margin.

Mechanical Compatibility: Identical package designation (TO-208AA, TO-48-3, Stud) and mounting type ensure direct physical substitution without PCB or mechanical redesign.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the VS-2N686 be used as a direct replacement for the 2N686A in existing designs?

A: Yes. The VS-2N686 matches all critical electrical parameters (250V off-state voltage, 25A RMS on-state current, 2V gate trigger voltage, 40mA gate trigger current) and uses identical packaging (TO-208AA, TO-48-3, Stud mount). No circuit redesign is required.

Q: What are the key differences between the 2N686A and VS-2N686?

A: The primary differences are product status and regulatory compliance. The 2N686A is obsolete and RoHS non-compliant. The VS-2N686 is active production and ROHS3 compliant. The VS-2N686 also exhibits lower hold current (20mA vs. 50mA) and lower off-state leakage (6mA vs. 11mA).

Q: Are there any electrical performance differences that affect circuit operation?

A: No. The VS-2N686 maintains identical gate trigger specifications and on-state current ratings. The lower hold current and leakage current in the VS-2N686 are advantageous and do not degrade performance.

Q: Is the package physically identical?

A: Yes. Both parts use TO-208AA (TO-48-3) stud mount packaging. Physical dimensions and mounting interfaces are identical, allowing direct PCB substitution.

Q: Why should I transition from the 2N686A to the VS-2N686?

A: The 2N686A is obsolete with no active manufacturing. The VS-2N686 ensures long-term supply availability, regulatory compliance (ROHS3), and manufacturer technical support. For new designs, the VS-2N686 is the required choice.

Q: Are there any certifications or compliance differences?

A: Yes. The VS-2N686 is ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected. The 2N686A is RoHS non-compliant. For applications subject to environmental or regulatory requirements, the VS-2N686 is mandatory.

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