Bourns G5500AS Gas Discharge Tube - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Bourns G5500AS is a 2-pole surface mount gas discharge tube (GDT) rated for 200V DC spark-over voltage with 2000A (2kA) impulse discharge current capacity. This component is classified as obsolete, making substitute parts necessary for new designs and ongoing production requirements. The G5500AS operates in the 1812 (4532 Metric) package and provides overvoltage protection in two-pole configurations.

Substiute Parts

G5500AS

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 1203G5500AS Datasheet

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2030-23T-SM-RPLF

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 76532030-23T-SM-RPLF Datasheet

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2031-23T-SM-RPLF

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 18032031-23T-SM-RPLF Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the G5500AS is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Voltage Rating (DC Spark Over): Substitute parts must operate within acceptable voltage ranges for the application circuit
• Impulse Discharge Current: The current handling capacity must meet or exceed application requirements
• Number of Poles: The G5500AS is a 2-pole device; substitutes must maintain 2-pole configuration for circuit compatibility
• Mounting Type: All substitutes must be surface mount to maintain PCB assembly compatibility
• Fail Short Characteristic: All parts maintain the "No" fail short specification for safety consistency

The provided substitute parts (2031-23T-SM-RPLF and 2030-23T-SM-RPLF) are listed as equivalent options by the manufacturer. However, these substitutes differ in voltage rating, current capacity, and pole configuration, requiring circuit-level evaluation for suitability in specific applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

2031-23T-SM-RPLF Evaluation: This part maintains the 2-pole configuration and surface mount characteristics of the G5500AS. However, the voltage rating is reduced from 200V to 185V, and the impulse discharge current is reduced from 2000A to 1000A. This substitute is suitable only for applications where the lower voltage and current specifications are acceptable. The active product status and MSL 1 rating provide improved availability and handling characteristics compared to the obsolete G5500AS.

2030-23T-SM-RPLF Evaluation: This part provides higher impulse discharge current (4000A) and improved MSL rating (1), but introduces a 3-pole configuration versus the 2-pole requirement of the G5500AS. The voltage rating is also reduced to 185V. The 3-pole configuration requires circuit redesign and is not a direct substitute for 2-pole applications. This part is suitable only for new designs requiring 3-pole protection at 185V with 4kA capacity.

Both substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant and carry EAR99 export classification, maintaining regulatory consistency with the original G5500AS.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 2031-23T-SM-RPLF directly replace the G5500AS in existing designs?

A: Direct replacement is not recommended without circuit evaluation. The 2031-23T-SM-RPLF operates at 185V spark-over voltage versus 200V for the G5500AS, and provides 1000A impulse current versus 2000A. Both parts maintain 2-pole configuration and surface mount mounting, but the reduced voltage and current ratings must be verified as acceptable for the specific application circuit.

Q: Why is the 2030-23T-SM-RPLF listed as a substitute if it has 3 poles instead of 2?

A: The 2030-23T-SM-RPLF is listed as a manufacturer-provided equivalent option for applications requiring higher impulse discharge current (4000A) and improved moisture sensitivity characteristics. The 3-pole configuration is suitable for new designs requiring multi-pole protection but requires circuit redesign and is not suitable for direct replacement in 2-pole applications.

Q: What are the package differences between these parts?

A: The G5500AS uses a 1812 (4532 Metric) package. The 2031-23T-SM-RPLF uses a 2-SMD Cylinder Square End package, and the 2030-23T-SM-RPLF uses a 3-SMD Cylinder Square End package. These package differences require PCB layout modifications for physical mounting.

Q: Are all three parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes, all three parts are ROHS3 compliant and carry identical ECCN (EAR99) and HTSUS (8536.30.8000) classifications.

Q: What is the significance of the MSL rating difference?

A: The G5500AS has MSL 3 (168 Hours), while both substitute parts have MSL 1 (Unlimited). MSL 1 indicates superior moisture resistance and allows unlimited shelf life without baking requirements, providing handling and storage advantages for the substitute parts.