EPSON MA-406 20.0000M-C3 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The EPSON MA-406 20.0000M-C3 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 40 Ohms equivalent series resistance. The MA-406 series is classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent alternatives necessary for ongoing production and maintenance applications. Substitute parts must maintain the same frequency, load capacitance, operating temperature range, and fundamental operating mode to ensure direct compatibility in existing circuit designs.

Substiute Parts

MA-406 20.0000M-C3: ROHS

EPSONIn Stock: 889MA-406 20.0000M-C3: ROHS Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

FA-238 20.0000MB-C3

EPSONIn Stock: 740FA-238 20.0000MB-C3 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

ECS-200-18-7SX-TR

ECS Inc.In Stock: 2920ECS-200-18-7SX-TR Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the MA-406 20.0000M-C3 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Matching Criteria:

• Frequency: 20 MHz (exact match required)
• Load Capacitance: 18pF (exact match required)
• Operating Mode: Fundamental (exact match required)
• RoHS Compliance: ROHS3 Compliant (required for regulatory alignment)

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

• Operating Temperature Range: Must encompass or match -20°C to 70°C
• Frequency Tolerance: ±50ppm or better
• ESR: Acceptable range 40-60 Ohms for circuit compatibility
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount (required)
• Package Type: 4-lead configurations with compatible pitch spacing

The identified substitute parts meet these criteria with variations in ESR values and package dimensions that remain within acceptable engineering tolerances for direct circuit substitution.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

FA-238 20.0000MB-C3 (EPSON - Active Status)

This part is the primary substitute for the MA-406 20.0000M-C3. Both parts are manufactured by EPSON and share identical frequency, load capacitance, operating temperature range, and fundamental operating mode. The FA-238 maintains ROHS3 compliance and active product status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain stability. The ESR difference of 20 Ohms (60 Ohms vs. 40 Ohms) falls within acceptable circuit tolerance ranges. The primary design consideration is the package transition from 4-SOJ with 9.60mm pitch to 4-SMD No Lead format, which requires PCB layout modification but maintains equivalent electrical performance.

ECS-200-18-7SX-TR (ECS Inc. - Not For New Designs)

This part meets all critical electrical parameters: 20 MHz frequency, 18pF load capacitance, fundamental operating mode, and ROHS3 compliance. The ESR of 50 Ohms is within acceptable tolerance. However, the product status is classified as "Not For New Designs," indicating limited future availability. The operating temperature range extends only to -10°C minimum (versus -20°C for the original part), which may restrict use in applications requiring full temperature coverage. The 4-SOJ package with 9.40mm pitch provides closer mechanical compatibility to the original MA-406 than the FA-238, requiring minimal PCB layout changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the FA-238 20.0000MB-C3 be used as a direct replacement for the MA-406 20.0000M-C3?

A: The FA-238 is electrically equivalent and maintains all critical parameters: 20 MHz frequency, 18pF load capacitance, ±50ppm tolerance, and -20°C to 70°C operating range. The primary consideration is the package change from 4-SOJ to 4-SMD No Lead format, which requires PCB layout modification. The 60 Ohms ESR is acceptable for circuit compatibility.

Q: What is the impact of ESR differences between substitute parts?

A: The original MA-406 specifies 40 Ohms ESR. The FA-238 operates at 60 Ohms and the ECS-200-18-7SX-TR at 50 Ohms. These variations affect oscillator startup characteristics and power consumption but remain within acceptable ranges for 20 MHz fundamental mode crystals in standard circuit applications. Circuit simulation or bench testing is appropriate for critical applications.

Q: Why is the ECS-200-18-7SX-TR marked "Not For New Designs"?

A: This designation indicates the manufacturer has discontinued active development and support for this product line. While the part meets electrical specifications, future availability cannot be guaranteed. For new production designs, the FA-238 20.0000MB-C3 is the recommended choice due to its active product status.

Q: Does the operating temperature range difference affect compatibility?

A: The MA-406 and FA-238 both operate from -20°C to 70°C. The ECS-200-18-7SX-TR operates from -10°C to 70°C, restricting its use in applications requiring full -20°C minimum temperature operation. Verify application temperature requirements before selecting this substitute.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. The MA-406 20.0000M-C3, FA-238 20.0000MB-C3, and ECS-200-18-7SX-TR are all ROHS3 compliant, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements.

Q: What PCB layout considerations apply when switching from MA-406 to FA-238?

A: The FA-238 uses a 4-SMD No Lead package with significantly smaller dimensions (3.20mm x 2.50mm vs. 11.70mm x 4.80mm). PCB footprint redesign is required. The reduced height (0.70mm vs. 3.70mm) may affect component placement density and clearance considerations in compact designs.