2N689 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 2N689 is a silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) rated for 500V off-state voltage and 25A RMS on-state current in a TO-48 chassis 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 thermal operating range of -65°C to 125°C define its application scope in industrial switching and power control circuits.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Voltage - Off State	500	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)	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 2N689 is determined by electrical and mechanical parameter equivalence within the thyristor category. The primary substitution criteria are:

Voltage Rating: Off-state voltage must equal or exceed 500V
Current Rating: RMS on-state current must support 25A minimum
Gate Characteristics: Gate trigger voltage and current must remain within specified maximums (Vgt ≤ 2V, Igt ≤ 40mA)
On-State Voltage: Forward voltage drop (Vtm) must not exceed 2V
Hold Current: Must not exceed 100mA
Recovery Type: Standard recovery classification
Package Compatibility: TO-48 or equivalent mechanical form factor with stud mount capability
Temperature Range: Operating range must encompass -65°C to 125°C

The VS-2N689 manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor meets all electrical parameter requirements and maintains mechanical compatibility through the TO-208AA (TO-48) package designation.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	2N689 (Central Semiconductor)	VS-2N689 (Vishay)	Match Status
Voltage - Off State	500 V	500 V	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 - On State (It (RMS)) (Max)	25 A	25 A	Equivalent
Current - Hold (Ih) (Max)	100 mA	20 mA	Substitute Superior
Current - Off State (Max)	6 mA	3 mA	Substitute Superior
Operating Temperature	-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-2N689 is the direct manufacturer-recommended substitute for the obsolete 2N689. All critical electrical parameters match or exceed the original specification. The VS-2N689 offers additional advantages in product status and compliance:

Product Status: VS-2N689 is active and in production, ensuring long-term availability
RoHS Compliance: VS-2N689 is ROHS3 compliant, whereas the 2N689 is non-compliant
REACH Status: Both parts are REACH unaffected
Leakage Current: VS-2N689 demonstrates lower off-state leakage (3mA vs. 6mA), improving efficiency
Hold Current: VS-2N689 specifies lower hold current (20mA vs. 100mA), reducing gate drive requirements

For new designs and production applications, the VS-2N689 is the appropriate selection. For legacy system maintenance where the original 2N689 is required, the VS-2N689 provides electrical and mechanical compatibility with improved performance characteristics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the VS-2N689 be used as a direct replacement for the 2N689 in existing circuits?

A: Yes. The VS-2N689 meets all electrical specifications of the 2N689 and maintains identical package and mounting configuration. No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What is the significance of the lower hold current in the VS-2N689?

A: The VS-2N689 specifies a maximum hold current of 20mA compared to the 2N689's 100mA. This reduces gate drive circuit requirements and improves overall system efficiency without affecting switching performance.

Q: Are there differences in surge current ratings between these parts?

A: Yes. The 2N689 specifies non-repetitive surge current of 200A at 60Hz, while the VS-2N689 specifies 145A or 150A at 50/60Hz. Circuit design must account for this difference if surge protection is critical.

Q: Does the TO-208AA package designation indicate a different physical form factor than TO-48?

A: No. TO-208AA and TO-48 are equivalent designations for the same stud mount package. Both parts use identical mechanical interfaces.

Q: Why is RoHS compliance important for this substitution?

A: RoHS3 compliance of the VS-2N689 ensures compatibility with modern manufacturing and environmental regulations. The obsolete 2N689 is non-compliant, making the VS-2N689 necessary for regulated applications and new production.

Q: What is the impact of lower off-state leakage current in the VS-2N689?

A: The VS-2N689's 3mA maximum off-state leakage versus the 2N689's 6mA reduces standby power consumption and heat generation, improving system efficiency in applications with extended off-state periods.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message