MBRF20L120CTH Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MBRF20L120CTH is a Schottky diode array manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation, configured as 1 pair common cathode with 120 V reverse voltage rating and 20 A average rectified current per diode. The device is packaged in TO-220-3 Full Pack with isolated tab and features fast recovery characteristics suitable for automotive applications with AEC-Q101 qualification.

This part is discontinued at DiGi Electronics. Equivalent and substitute parts are available from Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division within the TMBS® series, offering active product status with comparable electrical and mechanical specifications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Diode Configuration	1 Pair Common Cathode
Technology	Schottky
Voltage - DC Reverse (Vr) (Max)	120 V
Current - Average Rectified (Io) (per Diode)	20 A
Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If	900 mV @ 20 A
Speed	Fast Recovery ≤ 500 ns, > 200 mA (Io)
Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr	20 µA @ 120 V
Operating Temperature - Junction	-55°C ~ 150°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	TO-220-3 Full Pack, Isolated Tab
Supplier Device Package	ITO-220AB
Grade	Automotive
Qualification	AEC-Q101
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MBRF20L120CTH is determined by the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

Diode Configuration: 1 Pair Common Cathode
Technology: Schottky
Voltage - DC Reverse (Vr) (Max): 120 V
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Package / Case: TO-220-3 Full Pack, Isolated Tab
Supplier Device Package: ITO-220AB

Current Rating Consideration: The MBRF20L120CTH is rated for 20 A average rectified current per diode. Substitute parts are grouped by current rating:

10 A rated parts (VF20120C-E3/4W, VF20M120C-M3/4W): Lower current capacity
15 A rated parts (VF30120C-E3/4W, VF30120C-M3/4W): Intermediate current capacity
20 A rated parts (VF40120C-E3/4W, VF40120C-M3/4W, VF40M120C-M3/4W): Direct current equivalents
30 A rated parts (VF60120C-M3/4W): Higher current capacity

Forward Voltage Variation: Forward voltage specifications vary across substitute parts within the range of 880 mV to 970 mV at their respective current ratings. This variation is inherent to the Schottky technology and manufacturing process.

Reverse Leakage Current: The MBRF20L120CTH specifies 20 µA @ 120 V. Substitute parts specify 500 µA to 800 µA @ 120 V, representing higher leakage characteristics.

Operating Temperature Range: The MBRF20L120CTH operates from -55°C to 150°C. Substitute parts operate from -40°C to 150°C, with a narrower lower temperature limit.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Io (per Diode)	Vf (Max) @ If	Vr (Max)	Ir @ Vr	Tj (Operating)	Product Status
MBRF20L120CTH	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	20 A	900 mV @ 20 A	120 V	20 µA @ 120 V	-55°C ~ 150°C	Discontinued
VF20120C-E3/4W	Vishay General Semiconductor	10 A	900 mV @ 10 A	120 V	700 µA @ 120 V	-40°C ~ 150°C	Active
VF20M120C-M3/4W	Vishay General Semiconductor	10 A	910 mV @ 10 A	120 V	700 µA @ 120 V	-40°C ~ 150°C	Active
VF30120C-E3/4W	Vishay General Semiconductor	15 A	970 mV @ 15 A	120 V	800 µA @ 120 V	-40°C ~ 150°C	Active
VF30120C-M3/4W	Vishay General Semiconductor	15 A	970 mV @ 15 A	120 V	800 µA @ 120 V	-40°C ~ 150°C	Active
VF40120C-E3/4W	Vishay General Semiconductor	20 A	880 mV @ 20 A	120 V	500 µA @ 120 V	-40°C ~ 150°C	Active
VF40120C-M3/4W	Vishay General Semiconductor	20 A	880 mV @ 20 A	120 V	500 µA @ 120 V	-40°C ~ 150°C	Active
VF40M120C-M3/4W	Vishay General Semiconductor	20 A	890 mV @ 20 A	120 V	500 µA @ 120 V	-40°C ~ 150°C	Active
VF60120C-M3/4W	Vishay General Semiconductor	30 A	950 mV @ 30 A	120 V	500 µA @ 120 V	-40°C ~ 150°C	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Equivalents (20 A Current Rating):

VF40120C-E3/4W, VF40120C-M3/4W, and VF40M120C-M3/4W are direct current equivalents to the MBRF20L120CTH. All three parts maintain the 20 A average rectified current specification and 120 V reverse voltage rating. These parts are manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor and carry active product status with ROHS3 compliance and AEC-Q101 qualification equivalent performance.

VF40120C-E3/4W and VF40120C-M3/4W specify forward voltage of 880 mV @ 20 A, which is 20 mV lower than the MBRF20L120CTH specification of 900 mV @ 20 A. VF40M120C-M3/4W specifies 890 mV @ 20 A, representing a 10 mV difference. All three parts exhibit reverse leakage current of 500 µA @ 120 V, which is higher than the MBRF20L120CTH specification of 20 µA @ 120 V.

The operating temperature range for these parts is -40°C to 150°C, compared to the MBRF20L120CTH range of -55°C to 150°C. Applications requiring operation below -40°C require evaluation against the narrower temperature specification.

Higher Current Capacity Alternative:

VF60120C-M3/4W provides 30 A average rectified current per diode, exceeding the MBRF20L120CTH specification by 50%. This part is suitable for applications where higher current capacity is required within the same 120 V reverse voltage and TO-220-3 package constraints. Forward voltage is specified at 950 mV @ 30 A.

Lower Current Capacity Alternatives:

VF20120C-E3/4W and VF20M120C-M3/4W are rated for 10 A average rectified current, and VF30120C-E3/4W and VF30120C-M3/4W are rated for 15 A. These parts are suitable only for applications where the required current does not exceed their respective ratings.

Compliance and Certification:

All substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance, MSL 1 (Unlimited), and REACH Unaffected status consistent with the MBRF20L120CTH. Automotive grade qualification is maintained across the Vishay TMBS® series.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can VF40120C-E3/4W directly replace MBRF20L120CTH in all applications?

A: VF40120C-E3/4W matches the 20 A current rating and 120 V reverse voltage specification. The forward voltage is 20 mV lower (880 mV vs. 900 mV @ 20 A), and reverse leakage current is higher (500 µA vs. 20 µA @ 120 V). The operating temperature range is narrower (-40°C to 150°C vs. -55°C to 150°C). Applications operating below -40°C or requiring the lower reverse leakage specification require evaluation against these differences.

Q: What is the difference between VF40120C-E3/4W and VF40120C-M3/4W?

A: Both parts specify identical electrical parameters: 20 A current rating, 880 mV forward voltage @ 20 A, 120 V reverse voltage, and 500 µA reverse leakage @ 120 V. The difference is in packaging designation (E3/4W vs. M3/4W), which relates to manufacturing process or tape/reel configuration. Electrical performance is equivalent.

Q: Why does VF60120C-M3/4W have higher forward voltage than VF40120C-M3/4W?

A: Forward voltage in Schottky diodes increases with current rating due to the semiconductor junction characteristics. VF60120C-M3/4W is rated for 30 A and specifies 950 mV @ 30 A, while VF40120C-M3/4W is rated for 20 A and specifies 880 mV @ 20 A. The forward voltage is measured at the respective rated currents, not at equivalent current levels.

Q: Can I use VF30120C-E3/4W if my application only requires 15 A?

A: VF30120C-E3/4W is rated for 15 A average rectified current. If your application requires only 15 A, this part is suitable. However, if your application requires 20 A, this part is not adequate. The current rating represents the maximum continuous current specification.

Q: What is the significance of the reverse leakage current difference between MBRF20L120CTH and substitute parts?

A: The MBRF20L120CTH specifies 20 µA @ 120 V reverse leakage, while Vishay substitute parts specify 500 µA to 800 µA @ 120 V. Higher reverse leakage increases power dissipation in reverse bias conditions. Applications sensitive to reverse leakage current or operating at elevated temperatures require evaluation of this parameter.

Q: Are all substitute parts qualified for automotive applications?

A: All Vishay TMBS® series substitute parts listed maintain automotive grade qualification and AEC-Q101 compliance consistent with the MBRF20L120CTH. Compliance documentation should be verified for specific application requirements.

Q: What does the TO-220-3 Full Pack, Isolated Tab package specification mean?

A: TO-220-3 indicates a three-lead through-hole package. Full Pack refers to the complete diode array configuration. Isolated Tab means the mounting tab is electrically isolated from the diode circuit, allowing independent grounding or thermal management without electrical connection to the diode array.

Q: Can I substitute MBRF20L120CTH with a lower current rated part like VF20120C-E3/4W?

A: VF20120C-E3/4W is rated for 10 A, which is 50% of the MBRF20L120CTH specification of 20 A. Substitution is only valid if your application current requirement does not exceed 10 A. Using an undersized current rating results in excessive power dissipation and potential device failure.

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