RL256M-AP Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The RL256M-AP is a general-purpose rectifier diode rated for 800 V DC reverse voltage and 2.5 A average rectified current in a DO-15 axial through-hole package. This component is classified as obsolete product status. Identification of equivalent substitute parts is necessary to support ongoing maintenance, repair, and new design requirements where the original part is no longer in active production or inventory allocation is constrained.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Voltage - DC Reverse (Vr) (Max)	800 V
Current - Average Rectified (Io)	2.5 A
Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If	1 V @ 2.5 A
Speed	Standard Recovery >500ns, > 200mA (Io)
Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr	5 µA @ 800 V
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Operating Temperature - Junction	-55°C ~ 150°C
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the RL256M-AP is determined by electrical parameter equivalence and mechanical compatibility. The primary substitution criteria are:

Electrical Parameters (Must Match):

Voltage - DC Reverse (Vr) (Max): 800 V
Current - Average Rectified (Io): 2.5 A
Speed: Standard Recovery >500ns, > 200mA (Io)
Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr: 5 µA @ 800 V
Operating Temperature - Junction: -55°C ~ 150°C

Mechanical Parameters (Must Match):

Mounting Type: Through Hole
Package / Case: Axial configuration

Compliance Parameters (Must Match):

RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant

The RL256GP-AP meets all substitution criteria as a direct equivalent. Both parts share the same base product number (RL256), manufacturer (Micro Commercial Co), and core electrical specifications. Differences in forward voltage (1.1 V vs. 1 V) and capacitance (40 pF vs. 35 pF) fall within acceptable tolerance ranges for general-purpose rectifier applications and do not preclude substitution.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	RL256M-AP (Main Part)	RL256GP-AP (Substitute)
Manufacturer	Micro Commercial Co	Micro Commercial Co
Category	Diodes, Rectifiers	Diodes, Rectifiers
Voltage - DC Reverse (Vr) (Max)	800 V	800 V
Current - Average Rectified (Io)	2.5 A	2.5 A
Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If	1 V @ 2.5 A	1.1 V @ 2.5 A
Speed	Standard Recovery >500ns, > 200mA (Io)	Standard Recovery >500ns, > 200mA (Io)
Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr	5 µA @ 800 V	5 µA @ 800 V
Capacitance @ Vr, F	35 pF @ 4V, 1MHz	40 pF @ 4V, 1MHz
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole
Package / Case	DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial	R-3, Axial
Operating Temperature - Junction	-55°C ~ 150°C	-55°C ~ 150°C
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
Product Status	Obsolete	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The RL256GP-AP is a direct functional equivalent to the RL256M-AP. Both parts are manufactured by Micro Commercial Co, share identical electrical ratings for reverse voltage, average rectified current, reverse leakage current, and recovery speed, and maintain the same operating temperature range.

The RL256GP-AP holds active product status, ensuring continued availability and supply chain support. Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and carry identical regulatory classifications (ECCN: EAR99, HTSUS: 8541.10.0080).

The primary distinction is packaging format: the RL256M-AP uses DO-15 packaging while the RL256GP-AP uses R-3 packaging. Both are axial through-hole configurations suitable for identical PCB footprints and mounting procedures. The forward voltage specification of the RL256GP-AP (1.1 V @ 2.5 A) is marginally higher than the RL256M-AP (1 V @ 2.5 A), representing a 0.1 V difference that is negligible in general-purpose rectifier applications. Capacitance variance (40 pF vs. 35 pF) is similarly inconsequential for standard rectification circuits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the RL256GP-AP directly replace the RL256M-AP in existing designs?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical electrical specifications for voltage rating (800 V), current rating (2.5 A), reverse leakage (5 µA @ 800 V), and recovery speed (>500ns). Both are through-hole axial components with matching operating temperature ranges (-55°C ~ 150°C) and RoHS3 compliance.

Q: What is the difference between DO-15 and R-3 packaging?

A: Both are axial through-hole package formats for diodes. DO-15 (DO-204AC) and R-3 are industry-standard designations for the same physical form factor. Components in either package occupy identical PCB footprints and mounting positions.

Q: Why is the forward voltage specification different between these parts?

A: The RL256GP-AP specifies 1.1 V @ 2.5 A forward voltage compared to 1 V @ 2.5 A for the RL256M-AP. This 0.1 V difference is within normal manufacturing tolerance for general-purpose rectifier diodes and does not affect circuit functionality in standard applications.

Q: Is the RL256GP-AP suitable for new designs?

A: Yes. The RL256GP-AP carries active product status, ensuring ongoing manufacturing and supply availability. It meets all electrical and compliance requirements equivalent to the obsolete RL256M-AP.

Q: Are there any thermal or environmental differences between these parts?

A: No. Both parts operate across the identical temperature range (-55°C ~ 150°C) and carry identical moisture sensitivity level (MSL: 1, Unlimited). Both are ROHS3 compliant with no REACH restrictions.

Q: What inventory status should be considered for procurement?

A: The RL256M-AP (obsolete) has 904 pieces in stock. The RL256GP-AP (active) has 863 pieces in stock. For new procurement, the RL256GP-AP is the appropriate selection due to active product status and continued manufacturer support.

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