2N690A SCR Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 2N690A is a silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) rated for 600V off-state voltage with 25A RMS on-state current capability. Manufactured by Central Semiconductor Corp, this component features a standard recovery characteristic and chassis/stud mount configuration in TO-48 packaging. The part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitutes necessary for new designs and ongoing production requirements.

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)	50	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 2N690A is determined by electrical and mechanical parameter equivalence within the thyristor category. The critical parameters governing substitutability 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 ≤ 50mA
SCR recovery type: Standard Recovery
Mounting configuration: Chassis, Stud Mount
Package compatibility: TO-208AA (TO-48) equivalent

The VS-2N690 manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor meets these electrical specifications and maintains mechanical compatibility through equivalent TO-208AA (TO-48) packaging.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	2N690A (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)	50 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
Mounting Type	Chassis, Stud Mount	Chassis, Stud Mount	Equivalent
Package / Case	TO-208AA, TO-48-3, Stud	TO-208AA, TO-48-3, Stud	Equivalent
RoHS Status	RoHS Non-Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	Substitute Superior

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The VS-2N690 is the manufacturer-recommended substitute for the obsolete 2N690A. Both components share identical electrical ratings for voltage, current, and gate trigger specifications, ensuring direct functional equivalence in circuit applications.

The VS-2N690 offers additional advantages: it maintains active product status with current manufacturing support, achieves ROHS3 compliance compared to the non-compliant 2N690A, and demonstrates superior leakage current characteristics (2.5mA vs. 5mA off-state maximum) and lower hold current (20mA vs. 50mA maximum). These improvements provide enhanced reliability margins without compromising circuit performance.

Mechanical compatibility is maintained through identical TO-208AA (TO-48) stud mount packaging, enabling direct board-level substitution without layout modifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can VS-2N690 directly replace 2N690A in existing designs?

A: Yes. The VS-2N690 meets or exceeds all electrical specifications of the 2N690A, including voltage ratings, current ratings, and gate trigger parameters. Identical TO-208AA (TO-48) stud mount packaging ensures mechanical compatibility without PCB redesign.

Q: What are the key electrical differences between these parts?

A: The primary electrical differences are leakage current and hold current. The VS-2N690 exhibits lower off-state leakage (2.5mA maximum vs. 5mA) and lower hold current (20mA maximum vs. 50mA). These represent performance improvements that enhance circuit reliability.

Q: Why is the 2N690A classified as obsolete?

A: The 2N690A is no longer manufactured by Central Semiconductor Corp. The VS-2N690 represents the active equivalent in the market, manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor.

Q: Are there compliance differences between these parts?

A: Yes. The 2N690A is RoHS non-compliant, while the VS-2N690 is ROHS3 compliant. For applications requiring RoHS compliance, the VS-2N690 is the appropriate selection.

Q: Is the TO-208AA package identical to TO-48?

A: TO-208AA and TO-48 refer to the same physical package configuration. Both designations describe a three-terminal stud mount thyristor package with identical mechanical and electrical interface specifications.

Q: What is the current availability status of these parts?

A: The 2N690A is obsolete with limited remaining inventory. The VS-2N690 is an active product with current manufacturing and distribution support.

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