GTCR37-551M-P10-FS Gas Discharge Tube Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The GTCR37-551M-P10-FS is a 3-pole gas discharge tube (GDT) manufactured by Littelfuse, rated for 550V DC spark-over voltage with 10kA impulse discharge current capacity. This component is designed for through-hole mounting and provides fail-short protection characteristics. The product is currently obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent alternatives necessary for ongoing system support and new design implementations where this specification remains applicable.

Substiute Parts

GTCR37-551M-P10-FS

LittelfuseIn Stock: 819GTCR37-551M-P10-FS Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

2036-60-B2LF

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 17602036-60-B2LF Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the GTCR37-551M-P10-FS is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Impulse Discharge Current: Must be 10kA (10000A at 8/20µs waveform)
• Number of Poles: Must be 3-pole configuration
• Mounting Type: Must be through-hole
• Voltage Rating: Acceptable range is 550V nominal, with tolerance consideration allowing operation within ±20% specification window
• Fail Mode: Fail-short characteristic preferred for circuit protection continuity
• Compliance: RoHS3 and REACH compliance required for modern supply chain compatibility

The identified substitute, 2036-60-B2LF from Bourns Inc., meets the core electrical and mechanical requirements with a 600V spark-over rating, which falls within acceptable operating parameters for applications designed around the 550V specification.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The 2036-60-B2LF serves as a functional equivalent for the GTCR37-551M-P10-FS based on matching impulse discharge current (10kA), pole configuration (3-pole), and through-hole mounting requirement. Both components maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, supporting modern supply chain requirements.

The 50V voltage differential (600V vs. 550V) represents a 9% increase in spark-over rating. This higher voltage threshold provides additional margin in applications where the original 550V specification was selected. Circuits designed for 550V operation will experience delayed spark-over with the 600V substitute, requiring verification that system protection thresholds remain acceptable.

The package geometry differs between components: the original uses a radial cylinder configuration while the substitute employs an axial cylinder with radial bend. PCB layout and mounting hole spacing must be evaluated for mechanical compatibility.

The fail-short characteristic differs: the original fails short while the substitute does not. This distinction affects post-fault circuit behavior and must be assessed against system protection requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 2036-60-B2LF directly replace the GTCR37-551M-P10-FS in existing designs?

A: Electrical compatibility exists for the core protection function (10kA discharge, 3-pole configuration). Physical compatibility requires verification of PCB layout, mounting hole spacing, and lead geometry. The 50V voltage difference and different fail-short characteristic must be evaluated against specific circuit requirements.

Q: What is the significance of the voltage difference between 550V and 600V?

A: The 600V rating means spark-over will occur at a higher voltage threshold. In a 550V-designed circuit, the substitute will not trigger protection until approximately 600V is reached. This may be acceptable depending on system overvoltage margins and protection strategy.

Q: Does the package geometry difference affect electrical performance?

A: Package geometry (radial cylinder vs. axial cylinder with radial bend) is a mechanical consideration affecting PCB mounting and layout. Electrical performance characteristics remain equivalent for the specified impulse discharge current and voltage ratings.

Q: Are both components suitable for new designs?

A: The GTCR37-551M-P10-FS is obsolete and not recommended for new designs. The 2036-60-B2LF is active and available, making it the appropriate choice for new implementations requiring 3-pole, 10kA gas discharge tube protection.

Q: What compliance certifications apply to both components?

A: Both components are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current regulatory requirements for electronic component supply.