EPC2202 Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The EPC2202 is an N-Channel GaNFET (Gallium Nitride) transistor rated for 80V drain-to-source voltage with 18A continuous drain current at 25°C. This device is supplied as a surface mount die in tape and reel packaging and is qualified to AEC-Q101 automotive standards. The EPC2202 carries a product status of "Not For New Designs," which necessitates identification of equivalent substitute components for ongoing applications and new design implementations. The part remains in inventory with 10,300 pieces available as new original stock.

Substiute Parts

EPC2202

EPCIn Stock: 10373EPC2202 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

EPC2252

EPCIn Stock: 41342EPC2252 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the EPC2202 is determined by the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

Voltage Rating Compatibility: The substitute part must maintain the 80V Vdss rating to ensure safe operation within the same voltage domain.

Current Handling Capability: The substitute must support the required continuous drain current specification. The EPC2202 specifies 18A at 25°C; substitute parts must meet or exceed this current rating to maintain equivalent performance in the application circuit.

On-Resistance (Rds On): The maximum on-resistance directly affects power dissipation and thermal performance. The EPC2202 specifies 17 mOhm maximum at 11A and 5V gate-source voltage.

Gate Charge (Qg): Gate charge affects switching speed and driver requirements. The EPC2202 specifies 4 nC maximum at 5V.

Threshold Voltage (Vgs(th)): The threshold voltage determines gate drive requirements and must remain within compatible ranges for the same driver circuitry.

Input Capacitance (Ciss): Input capacitance affects gate drive current and switching characteristics.

Package and Mounting: Both the main part and substitute must be supplied as surface mount dies to maintain mechanical and thermal interface compatibility.

Compliance and Qualification: AEC-Q101 automotive qualification ensures reliability in automotive applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

EPC2252 as Primary Substitute:

The EPC2252 is the manufacturer-recommended substitute for the EPC2202. Both devices share identical voltage ratings (80V Vdss), identical operating temperature ranges (-40°C to +150°C), and identical threshold voltage specifications (2.5V maximum). Both are AEC-Q101 qualified, ROHS3 compliant, and supplied as surface mount dies with MSL 1 rating.

The EPC2252 carries an "Active" product status, making it suitable for new design implementations and ongoing production where the EPC2202 is no longer recommended.

Current Rating Consideration:

The EPC2252 specifies a continuous drain current of 8.2A at 25°C, which is lower than the EPC2202's 18A rating. This difference must be evaluated against the application's actual current requirements. If the application circuit operates at or below 8.2A continuous drain current, the EPC2252 provides full electrical compatibility.

On-Resistance Advantage:

The EPC2252 exhibits superior on-resistance performance at 11 mOhm maximum (compared to 17 mOhm for the EPC2202), resulting in lower power dissipation and improved thermal efficiency in equivalent current operating conditions.

Gate Charge and Input Capacitance:

The EPC2252 specifies slightly higher gate charge (4.3 nC versus 4 nC) and higher input capacitance (576 pF versus 415 pF). These differences are within normal manufacturing tolerances for GaNFET technology and do not preclude substitution in standard gate drive circuits designed for 5V logic levels.

Compliance and Regulatory:

Both parts maintain identical compliance certifications (AEC-Q101, ROHS3, REACH Unaffected, EAR99 ECCN classification), ensuring regulatory and quality requirements are preserved in substitution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the EPC2252 directly replace the EPC2202 in all applications?

A: Direct substitution is valid when the application's continuous drain current requirement does not exceed 8.2A at 25°C. The EPC2252's lower current rating is the primary limiting factor. If the circuit operates within this current envelope, all other electrical parameters (voltage, temperature, gate drive, and compliance) are compatible.

Q: Why does the EPC2202 have a "Not For New Designs" status?

A: This status indicates that EPC has transitioned the EPC2202 to end-of-life or obsolescence management. The EPC2252, with its active status, represents the current generation equivalent and is the recommended choice for new circuit designs and production planning.

Q: Are there differences in gate drive requirements between the EPC2202 and EPC2252?

A: Both devices specify identical maximum gate-source voltage limits (+5.75V / -4V for EPC2202; +6V / -4V for EPC2252) and identical threshold voltage (2.5V maximum). Standard 5V logic-level gate drivers are compatible with both parts. The slightly higher gate charge (4.3 nC versus 4 nC) and input capacitance (576 pF versus 415 pF) of the EPC2252 represent minor variations within normal GaNFET manufacturing tolerances and do not require gate driver circuit modifications.

Q: What is the significance of the lower on-resistance in the EPC2252?

A: The EPC2252's 11 mOhm on-resistance (versus 17 mOhm for the EPC2202) directly reduces conduction losses. In applications operating at equivalent current levels, this translates to lower power dissipation, reduced thermal load, and improved overall circuit efficiency. This represents a performance improvement in the substitute part.

Q: Are both parts qualified for automotive applications?

A: Yes. Both the EPC2202 and EPC2252 carry AEC-Q101 automotive qualification, confirming compliance with automotive reliability and quality standards. Both maintain identical operating temperature ranges (-40°C to +150°C junction temperature).

Q: What packaging considerations apply to these die-format parts?

A: Both the EPC2202 and EPC2252 are supplied as surface mount dies in tape and reel packaging. Die-level components require specialized assembly equipment and handling procedures. The identical package format ensures mechanical and thermal interface compatibility when substituting between these parts.

Q: How does the higher input capacitance of the EPC2252 affect circuit performance?

A: The EPC2252's input capacitance of 576 pF (versus 415 pF for the EPC2202) represents a 39% increase. This affects gate charge distribution and switching transient behavior. In circuits with adequate gate drive current capacity, this difference is accommodated within normal design margins. Gate driver selection should be verified to ensure sufficient current sourcing capability for the EPC2252's capacitive load.

Q: Are there inventory or lead-time advantages to selecting the EPC2252?

A: The EPC2252 is listed with 41,232 pieces in new original stock inventory, compared to 10,300 pieces for the EPC2202. The EPC2252's active product status also ensures continued availability and supply chain stability for future production requirements.