RL257-TP General Purpose Rectifier Diode Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The RL257-TP is a general purpose rectifier diode manufactured by Micro Commercial Co, rated for 1000 V DC reverse voltage and 2.5 A average rectified current in an R-3 axial through-hole package. This component is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent alternatives for ongoing design support and procurement continuity. Substitute parts must maintain electrical performance within the specified voltage, current, and thermal operating ranges while accommodating packaging and availability requirements.

Substiute Parts

RL257-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1181RL257-TP Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

RL257GP-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 820RL257GP-TP Datasheet

DirectRFQ

RL252

Rectron USAIn Stock: 7054RL252 Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the obsolete RL257-TP is determined by strict equivalence across the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Critical Matching Parameters:

• Voltage - DC Reverse (Vr) (Max): 1000 V
• Current - Average Rectified (Io): 2.5 A
• Package / Case: R-3, Axial
• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Operating Temperature - Junction: -55°C to 150°C
• Speed Classification: Standard Recovery >500ns, > 200mA (Io)

Acceptable Variation Ranges:

• Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If: ≤1.1 V @ 2.5 A
• Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr: ≤5 µA @ 1000 V
• Capacitance @ Vr, F: 35–40 pF @ 4V, 1MHz

Substitute parts must be active product status with current manufacturing availability. Packaging format (bulk or tape & reel) does not affect electrical substitution but impacts procurement and assembly processes.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

RL257GP-TP (Micro Commercial Co)

This substitute is the direct active equivalent from the original manufacturer. It maintains identical voltage and current ratings, operating temperature range, and package configuration. The forward voltage specification increases marginally to 1.1 V at 2.5 A (compared to 1 V for the main part), and capacitance increases to 40 pF. Both parameters remain within acceptable engineering tolerances for general purpose rectification applications. Product status is active with current manufacturing support. Packaging is supplied in tape & reel format, suitable for automated assembly processes. RoHS3 compliance and EAR99 export classification are maintained.

RL252 (Rectron USA)

This substitute is a parametric equivalent from an alternative manufacturer. Electrical specifications match or exceed the main part: forward voltage is 1 V at 2.5 A (identical to main part), and reverse leakage current is 1 µA at 1000 V (superior to the 5 µA specification). Voltage, current, temperature, and package specifications are identical. Product status is active with established manufacturing availability. Tape & reel packaging is standard. RoHS3 compliance and EAR99 classification apply. This option provides cross-manufacturer substitution with improved reverse leakage performance.

Both substitutes are suitable for direct replacement in applications requiring 1000 V, 2.5 A general purpose rectification with R-3 axial through-hole mounting. Selection between RL257GP-TP and RL252 depends on procurement source preference, supply chain continuity, and any existing qualification requirements for the specific application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can RL257GP-TP and RL252 be used interchangeably with RL257-TP?

A: Both substitutes meet the electrical and mechanical requirements for direct replacement. RL257GP-TP is the active equivalent from the original manufacturer. RL252 is a parametric equivalent from an alternative manufacturer with identical critical specifications. Selection depends on procurement availability and application qualification requirements.

Q: What is the significance of the forward voltage difference between RL257-TP (1 V) and RL257GP-TP (1.1 V)?

A: The forward voltage specification for RL257GP-TP increases by 0.1 V at 2.5 A. This represents a maximum specification value and does not indicate degraded performance. For general purpose rectification circuits, this variation is within normal design margins and does not affect functional compatibility.

Q: How does the reverse leakage current of RL252 (1 µA) compare to the main part (5 µA)?

A: RL252 exhibits lower reverse leakage current at 1 µA versus 5 µA for RL257-TP. This represents superior performance and does not create compatibility issues. Lower leakage current may provide marginal benefits in high-impedance or precision applications.

Q: What is the difference between bulk and tape & reel packaging for these diodes?

A: RL257-TP is supplied in bulk packaging. RL257GP-TP and RL252 are supplied in tape & reel format. Tape & reel packaging is optimized for automated pick-and-place assembly and high-volume production. Bulk packaging is suitable for manual assembly or lower-volume applications. Electrical performance is identical regardless of packaging format.

Q: Are all three parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. RL257-TP, RL257GP-TP, and RL252 are all ROHS3 compliant and suitable for applications requiring lead-free construction and restricted substance compliance.

Q: What is the operating temperature range for these diodes?

A: All three parts operate across a junction temperature range of -55°C to 150°C, providing performance across industrial and extended temperature applications.

Q: Can these diodes be used in high-frequency switching applications?

A: These diodes are classified as standard recovery rectifiers with recovery time >500 ns at >200 mA. They are designed for general purpose rectification and are not optimized for high-frequency switching. Applications requiring fast recovery characteristics require evaluation of fast recovery or ultrafast recovery diode alternatives.