6A6 General Purpose Rectifier Diode – Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Micro Commercial Co 6A6 is a general purpose rectifier diode rated for 600 V DC reverse voltage and 6 A average rectified current in an R-6 axial through-hole package. This component is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for ongoing production and maintenance applications. The 6A6 operates across a junction temperature range of -55°C to 125°C with standard recovery characteristics and is RoHS non-compliant. Substitute parts must maintain electrical equivalence across voltage, current, and thermal specifications while accommodating modern compliance requirements.

Substiute Parts

6A6

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 8146A6 Datasheet

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6A6-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 14296A6-TP Datasheet

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1N5552

Solid State Inc.In Stock: 21141N5552 Datasheet

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6A06-G

Comchip TechnologyIn Stock: 10936A06-G Datasheet

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6A06B-G

Comchip TechnologyIn Stock: 6646A06B-G Datasheet

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GI756-E3/54

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 5809GI756-E3/54 Datasheet

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GI756-E3/73

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 6316GI756-E3/73 Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 6A6 rectifier diode is determined by strict equivalence across the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Voltage – DC Reverse (Vr) (Max): 600 V minimum
• Current – Average Rectified (Io): 6 A minimum
• Speed: Standard Recovery >500ns, > 200mA (Io)
• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Package / Case: R-6 or compatible axial configuration

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

• Forward voltage (Vf) within acceptable operating range
• Reverse leakage current within specified limits
• Operating temperature range encompassing -55°C to 125°C
• RoHS compliance status for regulatory alignment

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: Direct Equivalents (identical electrical and mechanical specifications with improved compliance) and Functional Equivalents (meeting or exceeding all critical parameters with alternative package configurations).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Equivalents (Preferred for 6A6 Replacement):

The 6A6-TP (Micro Commercial Co) provides direct electrical and mechanical equivalence to the 6A6 with identical voltage, current, and thermal specifications. The primary advantage is ROHS3 compliance, addressing regulatory requirements for new production. The 6A6-TP is classified as "Not For New Designs," indicating it remains available for legacy system support.

The 6A06-G and 6A06B-G (Comchip Technology) deliver full electrical equivalence at 600 V, 6 A with active product status and ROHS3 compliance. Both parts maintain R-6 axial package compatibility. The 6A06-G is supplied in Tape & Box packaging, while 6A06B-G is supplied in Bulk packaging. Forward voltage specification is 1 V @ 6 A, representing a 50 mV increase over the 6A6 baseline.

Functional Equivalents (Alternative Package Configurations):

The GI756-E3/73 and GI756-E3/54 (Vishay General Semiconductor) meet all electrical requirements with 600 V, 6 A ratings and active product status. These parts employ the P600 axial package instead of R-6, requiring mechanical verification for board layout compatibility. Forward voltage is specified at 900 mV @ 6 A, matching the 6A6 baseline. Reverse leakage is reduced to 5 µA @ 600 V. Operating temperature range extends to 150°C maximum junction temperature.

Current-Limited Substitute (Lower Current Rating):

The 1N5552 (Solid State Inc.) is rated for 3 A average rectified current, representing a 50% reduction from the 6A6 specification. This part is suitable only for applications where the actual circuit current demand does not exceed 3 A. The 1N5552 provides superior reverse leakage performance at 1 µA @ 600 V and extended operating temperature range to 200°C. RoHS3 compliance and active product status are confirmed.

Compliance Considerations:

All substitute parts except the 6A6 original are ROHS3 compliant, addressing modern regulatory requirements. The 6A6-TP remains the closest legacy-compatible option. For new designs, the 6A06-G, 6A06B-G, GI756-E3/73, or GI756-E3/54 are recommended based on packaging requirements and supply chain availability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 6A6-TP directly replace the 6A6 in existing designs?

A: Yes. The 6A6-TP maintains identical electrical specifications (600 V, 6 A, 950 mV forward voltage) and R-6 axial package configuration. The primary difference is ROHS3 compliance and packaging format (Cut Tape versus bulk). No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What is the difference between the 6A06-G and 6A06B-G?

A: Both parts are manufactured by Comchip Technology with identical electrical specifications. The difference is packaging: 6A06-G is supplied in Tape & Box format, while 6A06B-G is supplied in Bulk. Electrical performance and board-level compatibility are equivalent.

Q: Can the GI756-E3/73 or GI756-E3/54 be used as direct replacements?

A: Electrical substitution is valid; both parts meet 600 V, 6 A requirements. However, the P600 package differs from the R-6 package. Physical board layout verification is required to confirm mechanical fit. The parts are functionally equivalent but may require PCB modification.

Q: Why is the 1N5552 listed as a substitute if it is only rated for 3 A?

A: The 1N5552 is a functional equivalent for applications where circuit current does not exceed 3 A. It is not a universal replacement for the 6A6. Use this part only after confirming that actual circuit current demand is 3 A or less.

Q: What is the significance of forward voltage differences between substitutes?

A: Forward voltage affects power dissipation and heat generation. The 6A6 and 6A6-TP specify 950 mV @ 6 A, while the 6A06-G and 6A06B-G specify 1 V @ 6 A (50 mV higher). The GI756 series specifies 900 mV @ 6 A (50 mV lower). These differences are within acceptable operating margins for most applications but should be verified in high-power or thermally constrained designs.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. All substitute parts listed (6A6-TP, 6A06-G, 6A06B-G, GI756-E3/73, GI756-E3/54, and 1N5552) are ROHS3 compliant. The original 6A6 is RoHS non-compliant.

Q: What is the operating temperature range difference between the 6A6 and substitutes?

A: The 6A6 operates from -55°C to 125°C junction temperature. The GI756 series extends to 150°C. The 1N5552 extends to 200°C. For applications operating near the upper temperature limit of the 6A6 specification, the extended-range alternatives provide additional thermal margin.

Q: Which substitute offers the best reverse leakage performance?

A: The 1N5552 provides the lowest reverse leakage at 1 µA @ 600 V. The GI756-E3/73 and GI756-E3/54 provide 5 µA @ 600 V. The 6A6, 6A6-TP, 6A06-G, and 6A06B-G specify 10 µA @ 600 V. Lower reverse leakage reduces standby current and improves circuit efficiency in low-current applications.

Q: Is inventory availability a factor in substitute selection?

A: Yes. Current inventory levels are: 6A6 (743 pcs), 6A6-TP (1393 pcs), 6A06-G (1070 pcs), 6A06B-G (652 pcs), GI756-E3/73 (6252 pcs), GI756-E3/54 (5770 pcs), and 1N5552 (2100 pcs). The GI756 series offers the highest stock levels for immediate availability.