2N688 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 2N688 is a silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) rated for 400V 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, making equivalent substitutes necessary for new designs and production continuity. The standard recovery SCR type and chassis mount configuration make it suitable for industrial power control applications requiring reliable thyristor switching at moderate voltage and current levels.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Voltage - Off State	400	V
Current - On State (It (RMS))	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)	100	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 2N688 is determined by electrical and mechanical parameter alignment within the thyristor category. The primary substitution criteria are:

Off-state voltage rating: 400V minimum
RMS on-state current capability: 25A minimum
Gate trigger voltage and current: Vgt ≤ 2V, Igt ≤ 40mA
On-state voltage drop: Vtm ≤ 2V
Hold current: Ih ≤ 100mA
SCR type classification: Standard Recovery
Mounting configuration: Chassis, Stud Mount
Package compatibility: TO-208AA (TO-48) equivalent

The VS-2N688 from Vishay General Semiconductor meets all specified electrical parameters and maintains mechanical compatibility through equivalent stud mount packaging. The substitute part is classified as active product status with current manufacturing support and RoHS3 compliance.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	2N688 (Central Semiconductor)	VS-2N688 (Vishay)	Match Status
Voltage - Off State	400 V	400 V	Equivalent
Current - On State (It (RMS))	25 A	25 A	Equivalent
Voltage - Gate Trigger (Vgt) (Max)	2 V	2 V	Equivalent
Current - Gate Trigger (Igt) (Max)	40 mA	40 mA	Equivalent
Voltage - On State (Vtm) (Max)	2 V	2 V	Equivalent
Current - Hold (Ih) (Max)	100 mA	20 mA	Substitute Superior
Current - Off State (Max)	8 mA	4 mA	Substitute Superior
Operating Temperature Range	-65 to 125 °C	-65 to 125 °C	Equivalent
SCR Type	Standard Recovery	Standard Recovery	Equivalent
Mounting Type	Chassis, Stud Mount	Chassis, Stud Mount	Equivalent
Package / Case	TO-208AA, TO-48-3, Stud	TO-208AA, TO-48-3, Stud	Equivalent

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The VS-2N688 is the manufacturer-recommended substitute for the obsolete 2N688. Selection is based on the following factors:

Product Status: The 2N688 is obsolete with no active manufacturing. The VS-2N688 maintains active product status with ongoing supply availability.
Electrical Equivalence: All critical electrical parameters match or exceed the original specification, ensuring functional compatibility in existing circuit designs.
Compliance: The VS-2N688 is RoHS3 compliant and carries EAR99 ECCN classification, meeting current regulatory requirements. The original 2N688 is marked as REACH Unaffected with obsolete ECCN status.
Mechanical Compatibility: Both parts use identical stud mount chassis configuration and TO-208AA (TO-48) packaging, allowing direct board-level substitution without mechanical redesign.
Performance Characteristics: The substitute part demonstrates improved leakage current performance (4mA vs. 8mA off-state) and lower hold current (20mA vs. 100mA), providing enhanced efficiency in power control applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the VS-2N688 be used as a direct replacement for the 2N688 in existing designs?

A: Yes. The VS-2N688 meets all electrical specifications of the 2N688 and uses identical stud mount packaging. No circuit modifications are required for substitution.

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

A: The 2N688 specifies a maximum hold current of 100mA, while the VS-2N688 specifies 20mA maximum. The lower hold current of the substitute part reduces gate drive requirements and improves circuit efficiency.

Q: Are there packaging differences between the 2N688 and VS-2N688?

A: Both parts use TO-208AA (TO-48-3) stud mount packaging. The mechanical form factor and mounting interface are identical, enabling direct substitution on existing PCBs.

Q: What is the product status difference, and why does it matter?

A: The 2N688 is classified as obsolete with no active manufacturing. The VS-2N688 is active product with current production and supply chain support. For new designs and production continuity, the active substitute is the appropriate selection.

Q: Does the VS-2N688 meet current regulatory compliance standards?

A: Yes. The VS-2N688 is RoHS3 compliant and carries EAR99 ECCN classification. The original 2N688 is marked obsolete with outdated compliance status.

Q: Are the gate trigger parameters identical between the two parts?

A: Yes. Both the 2N688 and VS-2N688 specify maximum gate trigger voltage of 2V and maximum gate trigger current of 40mA, ensuring compatible gate drive circuit design.

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