S3A General Purpose Rectifier Diode – Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The onsemi S3A is a general purpose rectifier diode rated for 50 V DC reverse voltage and 3 A average rectified current in a surface mount SMC (DO-214AB) package. This component is classified as "Not For New Designs," indicating it has reached end-of-life status. Organizations using this diode in active production or maintenance applications require qualified substitute parts that maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility while offering active product status and continued supply availability.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Voltage – DC Reverse (Vr) (Max)	50	V
Current – Average Rectified (Io)	3	A
Voltage – Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If	1.2 V @ 3 A	V
Reverse Recovery Time (trr)	2.5	µs
Current – Reverse Leakage @ Vr	5	µA @ 50 V
Package / Case	DO-214AB, SMC	—
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	—
Operating Temperature – Junction	-55 to 150	°C
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the S3A are grouped based on strict electrical and mechanical compatibility criteria. The primary substitution parameters are:

Critical Matching Parameters:

Voltage – DC Reverse (Vr) (Max): 50 V
Current – Average Rectified (Io): 3 A
Package / Case: DO-214AB, SMC
Mounting Type: Surface Mount

Secondary Compatibility Parameters:

Voltage – Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If: ≤ 1.2 V @ 3 A
Current – Reverse Leakage @ Vr: ≤ 5 µA @ 50 V
Operating Temperature – Junction: -55°C to 150°C minimum
RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute parts are classified into two categories:

Category A – Direct Electrical Equivalents (50 V, 3 A, Standard Recovery): Parts that match all critical parameters and maintain standard recovery characteristics (>500 ns). These parts are pin-compatible and functionally interchangeable in applications where recovery speed is not a limiting factor.

Category B – Functional Equivalents (50 V, 3 A, Fast Recovery): Parts that match critical parameters but feature faster recovery times (≤500 ns). These parts provide improved performance in high-frequency switching applications while maintaining mechanical and electrical compatibility.

Category C – Related Ratings (50 V, Different Current Ratings): Parts that share the same voltage rating and package but differ in current capacity. These are listed for reference in applications where current requirements differ from the original specification.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Vr (Max)	Io	Vf (Max) @ If	trr	Package	Product Status	Inventory
S3A	onsemi	50 V	3 A	1.2 V @ 3 A	2.5 µs	DO-214AB, SMC	Not For New Designs	2996 Pcs
S3A-13-F	Diodes Incorporated	50 V	3 A	1.15 V @ 3 A	>500 ns	DO-214AB, SMC	Active	15200 Pcs
S3A-E3/57T	Vishay General Semiconductor	50 V	3 A	1.15 V @ 2.5 A	2.5 µs	DO-214AB, SMC	Active	15100 Pcs
ES3A-13-F	Diodes Incorporated	50 V	3 A	900 mV @ 3 A	25 ns	DO-214AB, SMC	Active	10300 Pcs
ES3A-E3/57T	Vishay General Semiconductor	50 V	3 A	900 mV @ 3 A	30 ns	DO-214AB, SMC	Active	5250 Pcs
ES3A-E3/9AT	Vishay General Semiconductor	50 V	3 A	900 mV @ 3 A	30 ns	DO-214AB, SMC	Active	2177 Pcs
ES3A-M3/57T	Vishay General Semiconductor	50 V	3 A	900 mV @ 3 A	30 ns	DO-214AB, SMC	Active	824 Pcs
RS3A-13-F	Diodes Incorporated	50 V	3 A	1.3 V @ 3 A	150 ns	DO-214AB, SMC	Active	5545 Pcs
S5AC-13-F	Diodes Incorporated	50 V	5 A	1.15 V @ 5 A	>500 ns	DO-214AB, SMC	Active	30200 Pcs
S10A-TP	Micro Commercial Co	50 V	10 A	1.2 V @ 10 A	>500 ns	DO-214AB, SMC	Obsolete	2203 Pcs
MURS120T3G	onsemi	200 V	1 A	875 mV @ 1 A	35 ns	DO-214AA, SMB	Active	340400 Pcs

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (Direct Replacement – Active Status):

S3A-13-F (Diodes Incorporated) is the recommended primary substitute. This part maintains identical voltage and current ratings, DO-214AB SMC package, and surface mount configuration. It features active product status with high inventory availability (15200 Pcs). Forward voltage is slightly lower (1.15 V vs. 1.2 V), and recovery characteristics remain in the standard range (>500 ns), ensuring compatibility with existing circuit designs without performance degradation.

S3A-E3/57T (Vishay General Semiconductor – Diodes Division) is an alternative direct substitute with active status and substantial inventory (15100 Pcs). This part matches the original reverse recovery time specification (2.5 µs) and maintains identical voltage and current ratings. Forward voltage is reduced to 1.15 V @ 2.5 A, providing improved efficiency characteristics.

Secondary Substitutes (Enhanced Performance – Active Status):

ES3A-13-F (Diodes Incorporated) provides enhanced performance through fast recovery characteristics (25 ns trr) while maintaining 50 V, 3 A ratings and DO-214AB SMC packaging. Forward voltage is reduced to 900 mV @ 3 A. This part is suitable for applications requiring improved switching performance and is available with active status (10300 Pcs inventory).

ES3A-E3/57T and ES3A-E3/9AT (Vishay General Semiconductor – Diodes Division) offer identical electrical specifications to ES3A-13-F with fast recovery (30 ns trr) and reduced forward voltage (900 mV @ 3 A). Both maintain active product status with adequate inventory levels.

Alternative Substitutes (Different Current Ratings – Reference Only):

S5AC-13-F (Diodes Incorporated) is rated for 50 V, 5 A with standard recovery characteristics. This part is suitable for applications where higher current capacity is required while maintaining the same voltage rating and package type. Product status is active with high inventory (30200 Pcs).

S10A-TP (Micro Commercial Co) is rated for 50 V, 10 A but carries obsolete product status. This part is not recommended for new applications despite matching voltage and package specifications.

Non-Recommended Substitutes:

MURS120T3G (onsemi) differs significantly in voltage rating (200 V vs. 50 V), current rating (1 A vs. 3 A), and package type (DO-214AA SMB vs. DO-214AB SMC). This part is not electrically or mechanically compatible and is listed for reference only.

RS3A-13-F (Diodes Incorporated) maintains 50 V, 3 A ratings but exhibits higher forward voltage (1.3 V @ 3 A) and intermediate recovery time (150 ns). While mechanically compatible, the elevated forward voltage may impact circuit performance and is not recommended as a primary substitute.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can S3A-13-F be used as a direct replacement for the onsemi S3A?

A: Yes. S3A-13-F (Diodes Incorporated) is a direct electrical and mechanical substitute. Both parts share identical voltage (50 V), current (3 A), and package specifications (DO-214AB SMC). S3A-13-F offers active product status and superior inventory availability, making it the recommended replacement for end-of-life S3A applications.

Q: What is the difference between standard recovery and fast recovery diodes in this product line?

A: Standard recovery diodes (S3A, S3A-13-F, S5AC-13-F) exhibit reverse recovery times exceeding 500 ns or in the microsecond range. Fast recovery diodes (ES3A series) exhibit reverse recovery times of 25–30 ns. Fast recovery characteristics reduce switching losses and improve efficiency in high-frequency applications. Selection depends on circuit operating frequency and switching requirements.

Q: Are the ES3A series parts (ES3A-13-F, ES3A-E3/57T) compatible with the original S3A application?

A: ES3A series parts are mechanically and electrically compatible with the S3A in terms of voltage (50 V), current (3 A), and package (DO-214AB SMC). However, they feature significantly faster recovery times (25–30 ns vs. 2.5 µs). In applications sensitive to switching transients or EMI, the improved recovery characteristics may alter circuit behavior. Circuit validation is necessary if switching performance is critical to application function.

Q: Why is the MURS120T3G listed if it is not compatible?

A: MURS120T3G is included in the reference data but is not a suitable substitute. It differs in voltage rating (200 V vs. 50 V), current rating (1 A vs. 3 A), and package type (SMB vs. SMC). It is listed to clarify that voltage and current ratings must match the original specification for proper substitution.

Q: What packaging options are available for S3A substitutes?

A: All recommended substitutes use the DO-214AB SMC surface mount package, matching the original S3A configuration. Packaging is consistent across S3A-13-F, S3A-E3/57T, ES3A-13-F, ES3A-E3/57T, ES3A-E3/9AT, and ES3A-M3/57T. This ensures compatibility with existing PCB layouts and assembly processes.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All substitute parts listed in this reference document carry ROHS3 Compliant certification, matching the original S3A specification. Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) is 1 (Unlimited) for all parts, indicating no special moisture handling requirements during storage or assembly.

Q: What inventory considerations should guide part selection?

A: S3A-13-F offers the highest inventory availability (15200 Pcs), followed by S3A-E3/57T (15100 Pcs) and S5AC-13-F (30200 Pcs). ES3A-13-F provides 10300 Pcs. For applications requiring immediate supply or long-term availability assurance, S3A-13-F is the optimal choice. ES3A series parts offer lower inventory levels but provide enhanced performance characteristics.

Q: Can S5AC-13-F (5 A) be used in place of S3A (3 A)?

A: S5AC-13-F is mechanically compatible (DO-214AB SMC package, 50 V rating) but rated for higher current (5 A vs. 3 A). In applications where the circuit is designed for 3 A operation, using a 5 A-rated diode introduces no functional risk and may provide additional thermal margin. However, this substitution is not necessary unless higher current capacity is required.

Q: What is the significance of forward voltage differences among substitute parts?

A: Forward voltage variations (1.15 V to 1.3 V @ 3 A) affect power dissipation and circuit efficiency. Lower forward voltage (900 mV in ES3A series) reduces heat generation and improves efficiency, particularly in high-current or continuous-duty applications. Higher forward voltage (1.3 V in RS3A-13-F) increases power loss. Selection should consider thermal design and efficiency requirements.

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