S2A-M3/5BT Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The S2A-M3/5BT is a general-purpose rectifier diode manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division. This surface mount component operates at 50 V DC reverse voltage with 1.5 A average rectified current in a DO-214AA (SMB) package. The part is currently active and widely used in power supply and rectification applications.

Substitute parts are necessary when the primary part becomes unavailable due to supply constraints, inventory limitations, or when alternative packaging formats are required for manufacturing processes. The parts listed below maintain electrical compatibility within defined parameter ranges while offering different availability, packaging options, or performance characteristics.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Voltage - DC Reverse (Vr) (Max)	50	V
Current - Average Rectified (Io)	1.5	A
Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If	1.15 V @ 1.5 A	V
Reverse Recovery Time (trr)	2	µs
Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr	1	µA @ 50 V
Package / Case	DO-214AA, SMB	—
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	—
Operating Temperature - Junction	-55 to 150	°C
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the S2A-M3/5BT is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Voltage - DC Reverse (Vr) (Max): Must equal 50 V
Package / Case: Must be DO-214AA or SMB
Mounting Type: Must be Surface Mount
RoHS Status: Must be ROHS3 Compliant

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

Current - Average Rectified (Io): Acceptable at or above 1.5 A
Operating Temperature Range: Must encompass or exceed -55°C to 150°C
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL): Must be rated 1 (Unlimited) or equivalent

Substitute parts are grouped into three categories based on current rating and recovery characteristics:

Direct Parametric Equivalents – Identical electrical specifications and packaging
Higher Current Rated Alternatives – Same voltage and package with increased current capacity
Alternative Manufacturer Sources – Different manufacturers meeting the same electrical and mechanical requirements

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Vr (Max)	Io	Vf (Max)	trr	Package	Temp Range	Status
S2A-M3/5BT	Vishay	50 V	1.5 A	1.15 V @ 1.5 A	2 µs	DO-214AA	-55 to 150°C	Active
S2A-E3/52T	Vishay	50 V	1.5 A	1.15 V @ 1.5 A	2 µs	DO-214AA	-55 to 150°C	Active
ES2A-13-F	Diodes Incorporated	50 V	2 A	920 mV @ 2 A	25 ns	DO-214AA	-55 to 150°C	Active
ES3AB-13-F	Diodes Incorporated	50 V	3 A	900 mV @ 3 A	25 ns	DO-214AA	-55 to 150°C	Active
RS1AB-13-F	Diodes Incorporated	50 V	1 A	1.3 V @ 1 A	150 ns	DO-214AA	-65 to 150°C	Active
S2A	Diotec Semiconductor	50 V	2 A	1.15 V @ 2 A	1.5 µs	DO-214AA	-50 to 150°C	Active
S3AB	Diodes Incorporated	50 V	3 A	1.15 V @ 3 A	2 µs	DO-214AA	-55 to 150°C	Obsolete
S3AB-TP	Micro Commercial Co	50 V	3 A	1.15 V @ 3 A	Not Specified	DO-214AA	Not Specified	Not For New Designs

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Recommended Primary Substitute: S2A-E3/52T

The S2A-E3/52T is a direct parametric equivalent to the S2A-M3/5BT, manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division. Both parts share identical electrical specifications: 50 V reverse voltage, 1.5 A average rectified current, 1.15 V forward voltage at 1.5 A, and 2 µs reverse recovery time. The primary difference is packaging format: S2A-E3/52T is supplied in Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel® format versus Tape & Reel (TR) for the S2A-M3/5BT. Both are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 (Unlimited) rating. This substitute is suitable for direct replacement in applications where tape format compatibility exists.

Alternative Substitutes for Higher Current Applications:

When circuit design permits increased current capacity, the ES2A-13-F (2 A) and ES3AB-13-F (3 A) from Diodes Incorporated provide higher current ratings while maintaining 50 V reverse voltage and DO-214AA packaging. These parts feature fast recovery characteristics (25 ns trr) compared to the standard recovery of the S2A-M3/5BT. Both are active products with full ROHS3 compliance.

Lower Current Alternative:

The RS1AB-13-F from Diodes Incorporated operates at 1 A average rectified current with 50 V reverse voltage in DO-214AA package. This part is suitable only when circuit requirements permit reduced current capacity. It features fast recovery (150 ns trr) and extended temperature range (-65°C to 150°C).

Parts to Avoid for New Designs:

The S3AB (Diodes Incorporated) is marked as Obsolete. The S3AB-TP (Micro Commercial Co) is marked as Not For New Designs. These parts should not be selected for new circuit development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can S2A-E3/52T directly replace S2A-M3/5BT in production?

A: Yes, provided the manufacturing process accepts Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel® packaging format. Both parts are electrically identical with matching 50 V, 1.5 A, and DO-214AA specifications. Verify tape format compatibility with your assembly equipment before implementation.

Q: What is the difference between standard recovery and fast recovery diodes in these substitutes?

A: The S2A-M3/5BT has a reverse recovery time (trr) of 2 µs (standard recovery). Substitutes like ES2A-13-F and ES3AB-13-F have trr of 25 ns (fast recovery). Fast recovery diodes switch more quickly, reducing switching losses in high-frequency applications. Standard recovery diodes are suitable for lower-frequency rectification. Selection depends on circuit operating frequency.

Q: Can I use ES3AB-13-F (3 A) instead of S2A-M3/5BT (1.5 A)?

A: Yes, from an electrical compatibility standpoint. Both maintain 50 V reverse voltage and DO-214AA packaging. The ES3AB-13-F has higher current capacity (3 A versus 1.5 A), which does not create incompatibility in circuits designed for 1.5 A operation. However, verify that the higher current rating does not introduce thermal or layout considerations in your specific application.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: All active and recommended substitute parts listed are ROHS3 compliant. The obsolete S3AB and Not For New Designs S3AB-TP are also ROHS3 compliant but should not be used for new designs.

Q: What is MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating?

A: MSL 1 (Unlimited) indicates the component has no moisture sensitivity limitations. These parts do not require special moisture control during storage, handling, or assembly. Standard warehouse conditions are acceptable.

Q: Can I substitute RS1AB-13-F (1 A) for S2A-M3/5BT (1.5 A)?

A: No. The RS1AB-13-F is rated for 1 A average rectified current, which is below the 1.5 A requirement of the S2A-M3/5BT. This substitute is only suitable for circuits designed for 1 A or lower current operation.

Q: What is the difference between Tape & Reel (TR) and Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel® packaging?

A: Tape & Reel (TR) supplies components on continuous tape wound on a reel, suitable for high-volume automated assembly. Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel® provides components on tape segments or alternative reel formats. Both formats contain the same component in DO-214AA package. Verify your assembly equipment compatibility before selecting either format.

Q: Why is S3AB marked as Obsolete?

A: Product status reflects manufacturer discontinuation. Obsolete parts have limited or no remaining inventory and should not be selected for new designs. Use active alternatives such as ES3AB-13-F or S3AB-TP (if inventory permits non-new-design applications).

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message