2N689A Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 2N689A 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 substitute parts necessary for new designs and production continuity. The 2N689A serves in high-voltage switching and power control applications requiring standard recovery characteristics and robust thermal management through stud mounting.

Substiute Parts

2N689A

Central Semiconductor CorpIn Stock: 12542N689A Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

VS-2N689

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 1015VS-2N689 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 2N689A is determined by electrical and mechanical parameter alignment within the thyristor category. The primary substitute, VS-2N689 from Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division, qualifies as an equivalent based on the following criteria:

Matching Parameters:

• Off-state voltage: 500V (identical)
• Gate trigger voltage (Vgt): 2V maximum (identical)
• Gate trigger current (Igt): 40mA maximum (identical)
• On-state voltage (Vtm): 2V maximum (identical)
• On-state current (It RMS): 25A maximum (identical)
• Operating temperature range: -65°C to 125°C (identical)
• SCR type: Standard Recovery (identical)
• Mounting type: Chassis, Stud Mount (identical)
• Package designation: TO-208AA (TO-48) equivalent form factor (compatible)

Allowable Parameter Variations:

• Current - Hold (Ih): VS-2N689 rated 20mA maximum versus 2N689A at 50mA maximum (lower value acceptable for hold current)
• Current - Off State: VS-2N689 rated 3mA maximum versus 2N689A at 6mA maximum (lower leakage acceptable)
• Current - Non Rep. Surge: VS-2N689 rated 145A/150A versus 2N689A at 200A (lower surge rating noted but within standard recovery class parameters)
• Current - On State (It AV): VS-2N689 specifies 16A average current rating (additional parameter not present in 2N689A specification)

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Product Status Consideration: The 2N689A is classified as obsolete. The VS-2N689 is classified as active, ensuring ongoing availability, technical support, and manufacturing continuity for new production and field replacements.

Compliance and Certification: The 2N689A is RoHS non-compliant and REACH unaffected. The VS-2N689 is ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current regulatory requirements for electronic components in regulated markets and applications subject to RoHS directives.

Electrical Equivalence: The VS-2N689 maintains all critical electrical parameters at identical or superior specifications. Lower hold current and off-state leakage in the VS-2N689 represent improved performance characteristics. The slightly lower non-repetitive surge rating (145–150A versus 200A) remains within acceptable margins for standard recovery SCR applications and does not compromise functional equivalence for typical circuit designs.

Physical and Thermal Compatibility: Both devices employ identical mounting methodology (chassis stud mount) and compatible package designations (TO-208AA equivalent to TO-48), ensuring direct mechanical and thermal interface compatibility in existing designs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can VS-2N689 directly replace 2N689A in existing circuits? A: Yes. The VS-2N689 meets or exceeds all critical electrical parameters of the 2N689A. Identical gate trigger thresholds, on-state voltage, and RMS current ratings ensure functional equivalence. Stud mount packaging and thermal characteristics are compatible.

Q: Why does VS-2N689 have a lower hold current specification? A: Lower hold current (20mA versus 50mA) represents improved device characteristics and does not affect substitution suitability. Hold current is the minimum current required to maintain conduction; lower values indicate more efficient gate control and are acceptable in standard recovery SCR applications.

Q: Is the lower non-repetitive surge rating (145–150A versus 200A) a concern? A: No. Both ratings fall within the standard recovery SCR classification. The VS-2N689 surge rating remains adequate for typical switching and power control applications. Circuit design margins should be verified for applications requiring maximum surge capability.

Q: Are there packaging differences between 2N689A and VS-2N689? A: Both use TO-208AA (TO-48) stud mount packages. The designations are equivalent and physically compatible. Mounting hardware and thermal interface requirements are identical.

Q: What is the compliance advantage of VS-2N689? A: VS-2N689 is ROHS3 compliant, meeting current regulatory requirements in the European Union and other regulated markets. The 2N689A is RoHS non-compliant, limiting its use in new designs subject to RoHS directives.

Q: Is inventory availability a factor in substitution? A: Yes. The 2N689A is obsolete with limited remaining stock (1152 pcs). The VS-2N689 is active with ongoing production (986 pcs in current inventory), ensuring long-term availability for production and field service requirements.