Vicor 30234-220 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Vicor 30234-220 is a 220 V, 2.5 kA varistor in a 10mm disc form factor, designed for transient voltage suppression in through-hole applications. This component is part of the ENMods™ series and is classified as obsolete. Due to its obsolete status, identifying functionally equivalent substitute parts is essential for ongoing system maintenance, repair, and redesign efforts. The substitute identified maintains electrical compatibility while offering improved availability and active product support.

Substiute Parts

30234-220

Vicor CorporationIn Stock: 90330234-220 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

ERZ-E08A221

Panasonic Electronic ComponentsIn Stock: 3413ERZ-E08A221 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the Vicor 30234-220 is determined by the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

• Varistor Voltage (Typical): Must remain 220 V to maintain circuit protection thresholds
• Maximum AC/DC Volts: Must not exceed 140 V AC and 180 V DC respectively
• Varistor Voltage Range: Must fall within 198 V (Min) to 242 V (Max)
• Operating Temperature: Must support -40°C to 85°C range
• Mounting Type: Must be through-hole compatible
• RoHS Compliance: Must maintain ROHS3 compliance status
• Number of Circuits: Must be single circuit (1 circuit)

The Panasonic ERZ-E08A221 meets all these substitution criteria. While it features a higher surge current rating (4.6 kA versus 2.5 kA) and a slightly larger disc diameter (10.5mm versus 10mm), these differences represent improvements in performance and thermal capability without compromising electrical compatibility or circuit protection function.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The Panasonic ERZ-E08A221 is the direct substitute for the obsolete Vicor 30234-220. Selection of this substitute is supported by:

• Regulatory Compliance: Both components maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, ensuring compatibility with current environmental and regulatory requirements
• Active Product Status: The Panasonic component is actively manufactured and supported, eliminating supply chain risk associated with the obsolete Vicor part
• Electrical Equivalence: Identical varistor voltage specifications (198 V to 242 V range, 220 V typical) and maximum voltage ratings ensure circuit protection performance remains unchanged
• Thermal Compatibility: Matching operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) and energy rating (39 J) confirm thermal behavior equivalence
• Enhanced Surge Capability: The higher surge current rating (4.6 kA versus 2.5 kA) provides additional margin for transient protection without introducing incompatibility

The 0.5mm increase in disc diameter (10.5mm versus 10mm) requires verification of available PCB footprint space. If space constraints exist, alternative solutions should be evaluated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the Panasonic ERZ-E08A221 be used as a direct replacement for the Vicor 30234-220?

A: Yes. The ERZ-E08A221 meets all critical electrical parameters: identical varistor voltage range (198 V to 242 V), matching maximum AC/DC voltage ratings (140 V AC, 180 V DC), equivalent energy dissipation (39 J), and identical operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C). Both are single-circuit through-hole components with ROHS3 compliance.

Q: What is the difference in surge current rating between these parts?

A: The Vicor 30234-220 is rated for 2.5 kA surge current, while the Panasonic ERZ-E08A221 is rated for 4.6 kA. This represents a 40% increase in surge capability, providing enhanced transient protection margin without affecting circuit compatibility.

Q: Will the larger package size (10.5mm versus 10mm disc) cause installation issues?

A: The 0.5mm diameter increase requires verification that the PCB footprint and mounting hole spacing accommodate the larger disc. Physical layout review is necessary before implementation. If space constraints exist, alternative 220 V varistor solutions should be evaluated.

Q: Are both components RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. Both the Vicor 30234-220 and Panasonic ERZ-E08A221 are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current environmental and regulatory standards.

Q: Why is the Vicor part listed as obsolete?

A: The Vicor 30234-220 is no longer actively manufactured. The Panasonic ERZ-E08A221 provides equivalent functionality with active manufacturing support and improved availability.

Q: Are the capacitance specifications equivalent?

A: The Vicor part specifies 410 pF @ 1 MHz, while the Panasonic part specifies 380 pF @ 1 kHz. These measurements are taken at different frequencies and represent minor variations in parasitic capacitance. For most transient voltage suppression applications, this difference is not functionally significant.