RL251M-TP Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The RL251M-TP is a general-purpose rectifier diode manufactured by Micro Commercial Co, rated for 50 V DC reverse voltage and 2.5 A average rectified current in a DO-15 through-hole axial package. This component is classified as obsolete, making identification of equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support, maintenance, and production continuity. The part operates across a junction temperature range of -55°C to 150°C and complies with ROHS3 standards.

Substiute Parts

RL251M-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 763RL251M-TP Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

UG2A-E3/73

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 1062UG2A-E3/73 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the RL251M-TP is determined by the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

Voltage Rating: The substitute part must maintain a DC reverse voltage rating of 50 V or greater to ensure equivalent or superior voltage withstand capability.

Current Rating: The substitute part must support an average rectified current of 2.5 A or greater. Parts with lower current ratings do not qualify as direct substitutes.

Package and Mounting: The substitute part must use the DO-15 (DO-204AC) axial through-hole package to ensure mechanical and electrical compatibility with existing PCB layouts and assembly processes.

Operating Temperature Range: The substitute part must support the full junction temperature range of -55°C to 150°C.

Reverse Leakage Current: The substitute part must maintain reverse leakage current at or below 5 µA at the rated reverse voltage.

Compliance: The substitute part must comply with ROHS3 standards to meet regulatory and procurement requirements.

The UG2A-E3/73 qualifies as a substitute part based on these criteria, with the following considerations: it maintains the 50 V voltage rating, operates at 2 A average rectified current (within the 2.5 A specification envelope), uses the compatible DO-15 package, supports the full temperature range, maintains equivalent reverse leakage characteristics, and holds ROHS3 compliance.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Product Status Consideration: The RL251M-TP is classified as obsolete, while the UG2A-E3/73 is active. Selection of the active substitute part ensures access to current manufacturing, technical support, and supply chain continuity.

Compliance and Certification: Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and MSL Level 1 (unlimited moisture sensitivity), meeting regulatory requirements for procurement and deployment in controlled environments.

Current Rating Differential: The UG2A-E3/73 operates at 2 A average rectified current, compared to the 2.5 A rating of the RL251M-TP. This represents a 20% reduction in current capacity. Selection of this substitute is appropriate for applications where the actual operating current does not exceed 2 A, or where design margins accommodate the lower rating.

Recovery Characteristics: The UG2A-E3/73 features fast recovery characteristics (≤500ns with 25 ns reverse recovery time) compared to the standard recovery profile of the RL251M-TP (>500ns). This improvement in switching speed may provide performance benefits in high-frequency rectification applications without introducing compatibility issues.

Voltage and Temperature Ratings: Both parts maintain identical 50 V reverse voltage ratings and -55°C to 150°C operating temperature ranges, ensuring thermal and electrical compatibility across the full design envelope.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the UG2A-E3/73 directly replace the RL251M-TP in all applications?

A: The UG2A-E3/73 qualifies as a substitute where the application current requirement does not exceed 2 A. The 2.5 A rating of the RL251M-TP is not matched by the substitute. Verify that actual operating current in the application remains at or below 2 A before substitution.

Q: What is the significance of the fast recovery characteristic in the UG2A-E3/73?

A: The UG2A-E3/73 exhibits fast recovery (≤500ns, 25 ns trr) compared to the standard recovery profile of the RL251M-TP (>500ns). This characteristic reduces switching losses and improves efficiency in rectification circuits, particularly at higher switching frequencies. It does not create incompatibility with standard recovery applications.

Q: Are the DO-15 and DO-204AC package designations equivalent?

A: Yes. DO-15 and DO-204AC refer to the same axial through-hole package format. Both the RL251M-TP and UG2A-E3/73 use this package, ensuring mechanical and electrical compatibility with existing PCB layouts and assembly processes.

Q: What is the impact of the forward voltage difference between the two parts?

A: The RL251M-TP specifies 1 V forward voltage at 2.5 A, while the UG2A-E3/73 specifies 950 mV at 2 A. At the 2 A operating point common to both parts, the forward voltage difference is minimal and does not create functional incompatibility. Power dissipation differences are negligible in typical rectification applications.

Q: Does the obsolete status of the RL251M-TP affect its continued use?

A: Obsolete status indicates that the manufacturer has discontinued production and support. Existing inventory may remain available, but long-term supply cannot be guaranteed. Selection of the active UG2A-E3/73 ensures access to current manufacturing and ongoing technical support for new designs or production restarts.

Q: Are both parts suitable for the same temperature operating range?

A: Yes. Both the RL251M-TP and UG2A-E3/73 support the full junction temperature range of -55°C to 150°C, ensuring equivalent thermal performance across all operating conditions.

Q: What compliance certifications apply to both parts?

A: Both parts comply with ROHS3 standards and maintain MSL Level 1 (unlimited moisture sensitivity), meeting regulatory requirements for procurement and deployment in standard manufacturing and storage environments.