2N690 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 2N690 is a silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) rated for 600V 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 substitute parts 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	600	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
Package / Case	TO-208AA, TO-48-3, Stud
Mounting Type	Chassis, Stud Mount

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 2N690 is determined by electrical and mechanical parameter equivalence within the thyristor category. The primary substitution criteria are:

Off-state voltage rating: 600V 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
Standard recovery SCR type classification
Chassis stud mount configuration with TO-48 or equivalent package footprint
Operating temperature range: -65°C to 125°C minimum

The VS-2N690 manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor meets these criteria as a direct functional equivalent, with active product status and modern compliance certifications.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	2N690 (Central Semiconductor)	VS-2N690 (Vishay)	Match Status
Voltage - Off State	600 V	600 V	Equivalent
Current - On State (It (RMS)) (Max)	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)	5 mA	2.5 mA	Substitute Superior
Operating Temperature Range	-65 to 125 °C	-65 to 125 °C	Equivalent
SCR Type	Standard Recovery	Standard Recovery	Equivalent
Package / Case	TO-208AA, TO-48-3, Stud	TO-208AA, TO-48-3, Stud	Equivalent
Mounting Type	Chassis, Stud Mount	Chassis, Stud Mount	Equivalent
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Substitute Current

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The VS-2N690 is the qualified substitute for the obsolete 2N690. Selection is based on:

Electrical parameter equivalence across all critical ratings
Active product status ensuring supply chain availability
RoHS3 compliance and EAR99 export classification for modern regulatory requirements
Identical thermal operating range and package configuration
Superior leakage current characteristics (2.5mA vs 5mA off-state) and reduced hold current (20mA vs 100mA), providing improved performance margins
TO-208AA (TO-48) package compatibility with existing mechanical designs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the VS-2N690 be used as a direct replacement for the 2N690 in existing designs?

A: Yes. The VS-2N690 meets or exceeds all electrical and mechanical parameters of the 2N690. The identical package footprint (TO-208AA/TO-48) and stud mount configuration enable direct substitution without circuit board modifications.

Q: What is the difference between TO-208AA and TO-48 package designations?

A: TO-208AA and TO-48 refer to the same physical package format for this component. Both designations describe the three-terminal stud mount configuration used for high-current thyristor applications.

Q: Why is the 2N690 classified as obsolete?

A: The 2N690 is no longer manufactured by Central Semiconductor Corp. The VS-2N690 from Vishay represents the current production equivalent with active availability.

Q: Are there compliance differences between the 2N690 and VS-2N690?

A: The VS-2N690 carries RoHS3 compliance certification and EAR99 export classification, reflecting current regulatory standards. The original 2N690 is marked as REACH Unaffected with OBSOLETE ECCN status.

Q: What are the hold current implications for circuit design?

A: The VS-2N690 has a lower hold current specification (20mA vs 100mA). This represents improved performance and does not create compatibility issues in applications designed for the 2N690.

Q: Is the VS-2N690 available in bulk packaging?

A: Yes. The VS-2N690 is supplied in bulk packaging with 666 pieces in current stock inventory.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message