EPSON MA-306 20.0000M-C0 Crystal Oscillator Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The EPSON MA-306 20.0000M-C0 is a 20 MHz fundamental mode crystal oscillator designed for surface mount applications. This part operates at ±50ppm frequency tolerance with an 18pF load capacitance and 60 Ohms equivalent series resistance. The MA-306 series is classified as obsolete, making identification of compatible substitute parts essential for ongoing production and maintenance applications. The FA-238 20.0000MB-C0 represents an active alternative that maintains electrical equivalence while offering improved availability and modern packaging.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Frequency	20.0000	MHz
Frequency Tolerance	±50	ppm
Frequency Stability	±30	ppm
Load Capacitance	18	pF
Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR)	60	Ohms
Operating Mode	Fundamental	—
Operating Temperature Range	-20 to +70	°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	—
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	—
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MA-306 20.0000M-C0 with the FA-238 20.0000MB-C0 is based on electrical parameter equivalence across the following criteria:

Electrical Equivalence Parameters:

Frequency: 20.0000 MHz (identical)
Frequency Tolerance: ±50 ppm (identical)
Frequency Stability: ±30 ppm (identical)
Load Capacitance: 18 pF (identical)
Equivalent Series Resistance: 60 Ohms (identical)
Operating Mode: Fundamental (identical)
Operating Temperature Range: -20°C to +70°C (identical)

Compliance & Environmental Parameters:

RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant (both parts)
Moisture Sensitivity Level: 1 (Unlimited) (both parts)
ECCN Classification: EAR99 (both parts)
HTSUS Code: 8541.60.0050 (both parts)

The primary difference between these parts is the package form factor and mounting configuration, which does not affect electrical performance when circuit board layout accommodates the smaller footprint of the FA-238 series.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	MA-306 20.0000M-C0	FA-238 20.0000MB-C0	Compatibility
Manufacturer	EPSON	EPSON	Same
Frequency	20.0000 MHz	20.0000 MHz	Equivalent
Frequency Tolerance	±50 ppm	±50 ppm	Equivalent
Frequency Stability	±30 ppm	±30 ppm	Equivalent
Load Capacitance	18 pF	18 pF	Equivalent
ESR	60 Ohms	60 Ohms	Equivalent
Operating Mode	Fundamental	Fundamental	Equivalent
Operating Temperature	-20°C to +70°C	-20°C to +70°C	Equivalent
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Equivalent
Package / Case	4-SOJ, 5.50mm pitch	4-SMD, No Lead	Different form factor
Size / Dimension	8.00mm L x 3.20mm W	3.20mm L x 2.50mm W	FA-238 is smaller
Height - Seated (Max)	2.54 mm	0.70 mm	FA-238 is lower profile
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	FA-238 actively manufactured
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	Equivalent
MSL	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	Equivalent

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The FA-238 20.0000MB-C0 is the direct electrical substitute for the obsolete MA-306 20.0000M-C0. Both parts maintain identical electrical specifications across frequency, tolerance, stability, load capacitance, and ESR parameters. Both are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 rating and identical ECCN and HTSUS classifications.

Selection of the FA-238 is supported by:

Active Product Status: The FA-238 is actively manufactured by EPSON, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain continuity.
Regulatory Compliance: Both parts meet ROHS3 requirements and carry identical environmental certifications.
Electrical Equivalence: All critical oscillator parameters are identical, ensuring circuit performance equivalence.
Packaging Consideration: The FA-238 features a smaller footprint (3.20mm x 2.50mm vs. 8.00mm x 3.20mm) and lower profile (0.70mm vs. 2.54mm), which may require circuit board layout modification but provides space optimization benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the FA-238 20.0000MB-C0 be used as a direct replacement for the MA-306 20.0000M-C0?

A: Yes, from an electrical standpoint. Both parts operate at identical frequency, tolerance, stability, load capacitance, and ESR specifications. However, the FA-238 uses a different package form factor (4-SMD No Lead vs. 4-SOJ) and has different physical dimensions, requiring circuit board layout verification before implementation.

Q: What are the key electrical parameters that define substitution compatibility?

A: The critical parameters are frequency (20.0000 MHz), frequency tolerance (±50 ppm), load capacitance (18 pF), and ESR (60 Ohms). Any substitute part must match these specifications exactly to ensure circuit performance equivalence.

Q: Does the smaller size of the FA-238 affect performance?

A: No. The reduced physical dimensions and lower profile of the FA-238 do not impact electrical performance. The oscillator operates identically to the MA-306 when properly integrated into the circuit board layout.

Q: Are there any compliance differences between these parts?

A: No. Both parts are ROHS3 compliant, carry MSL 1 rating, and share identical ECCN (EAR99) and HTSUS (8541.60.0050) classifications.

Q: Why is the MA-306 obsolete while the FA-238 is active?

A: The FA-238 represents EPSON's current production line for this frequency and specification class. The MA-306 has been superseded in the manufacturer's product portfolio, making the FA-238 the recommended active alternative for new designs and ongoing production.

Q: What packaging format is the FA-238 supplied in?

A: The FA-238 20.0000MB-C0 is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) packaging, standard for high-volume surface mount production environments.

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