S3A-13 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The S3A-13 is a general-purpose rectifier diode manufactured by Diodes Incorporated, rated for 50 V DC reverse voltage and 3 A average rectified current in a surface mount SMC (DO-214AB) package. The part is currently discontinued at DiGi Electronics, necessitating identification of equivalent and substitute components for ongoing design requirements and production needs. Alternative parts must maintain electrical compatibility across voltage, current, and thermal specifications while accommodating packaging and compliance requirements.

Substiute Parts

S3A-13

Diodes IncorporatedIn Stock: 4118S3A-13 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

S3A-13-F

Diodes IncorporatedIn Stock: 15250S3A-13-F Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

ES3A

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 17208ES3A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

ES3A-E3/57T

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 5356ES3A-E3/57T Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

ES3A-E3/9AT

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 2191ES3A-E3/9AT Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

S10A-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 2252S10A-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

S3A

Diodes IncorporatedIn Stock: 922S3A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SMLJ60S05-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 12885SMLJ60S05-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the S3A-13 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Requirements:

• Voltage - DC Reverse (Vr) (Max): 50 V minimum
• Current - Average Rectified (Io): 3 A minimum
• Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If: Must not exceed application forward voltage requirements
• Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr: 10 µA maximum at 50 V
• Operating Temperature - Junction: Must span -65°C to 150°C or equivalent range

Mechanical Compatibility Requirements:

• Mounting Type: Surface Mount
• Package / Case: DO-214AB, SMC compatible footprint
• Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL): 1 (Unlimited)

Compliance Requirements:

• RoHS Status: Compliance status must be evaluated for end-application requirements
• REACH Status: REACH Unaffected acceptable

Substitute parts are grouped into three categories:

1. Direct Parametric Equivalents – Identical electrical specifications and packaging, differing only in manufacturer or packaging format (tape & reel vs. bulk)
2. Functional Equivalents – Meet or exceed all electrical requirements with improved performance characteristics (faster recovery, lower forward voltage) while maintaining package compatibility
3. Higher Current Rated Alternatives – Exceed current requirements but maintain voltage and package compatibility for applications requiring design margin

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: S3A-13-F

The S3A-13-F is the direct equivalent of the S3A-13, manufactured by Diodes Incorporated with identical electrical specifications and package format. The part is currently active with 15,200 units in stock. The S3A-13-F differs from the original S3A-13 only in RoHS compliance status (ROHS3 Compliant vs. RoHS non-compliant) and packaging format (Tape & Reel vs. bulk). This part is suitable for applications where RoHS compliance is required and standard recovery speed characteristics are acceptable.

Secondary Recommendation: ES3A or ES3A-E3/57T (Vishay)

The ES3A series from Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation and Vishay General Semiconductor offers improved electrical performance with lower forward voltage (0.90–0.95 V vs. 1.15 V) and faster recovery characteristics (≤500 ns vs. >500 ns). Both parts maintain 50 V reverse voltage rating and 3 A current rating with identical package compatibility. ES3A-E3/57T and ES3A-E3/9AT are available in Tape & Reel packaging with ROHS3 compliance. These parts are suitable for applications where reduced power dissipation and faster switching are beneficial.

Alternative for Higher Current Margin: SMLJ60S05-TP

The SMLJ60S05-TP provides 6 A average rectified current at 50 V reverse voltage, offering design margin for applications requiring higher current capacity. This part is marked "Not For New Designs" and should be used only when higher current rating is a specific design requirement. Lower reverse leakage current (5 µA vs. 10 µA) is an additional benefit.

Parts to Avoid:

• S3A (Diodes Incorporated): Obsolete status; S3A-13-F is the active replacement
• S10A-TP (Micro Commercial Co): Obsolete status; current rating (10 A) exceeds S3A-13 specification and is not a direct substitute

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

A: Yes. The S3A-13-F is electrically and mechanically identical to the S3A-13. Both parts have 50 V reverse voltage rating, 3 A average rectified current, and DO-214AB SMC package compatibility. The primary difference is RoHS compliance status (ROHS3 Compliant for S3A-13-F). Packaging format differs (Tape & Reel for S3A-13-F vs. bulk for S3A-13), but the component itself is identical.

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

A: Recovery speed refers to the time required for a diode to transition from forward conduction to reverse blocking. The S3A-13 specifies standard recovery (>500 ns), while ES3A series parts specify fast recovery (≤500 ns). Fast recovery reduces switching losses and is beneficial in high-frequency applications. For low-frequency rectification applications, standard recovery is sufficient.

Q: Can ES3A-E3/57T replace S3A-13 in all applications?

A: ES3A-E3/57T meets all electrical requirements of S3A-13 with improved performance (lower forward voltage, faster recovery). Package compatibility is identical (DO-214AB SMC). The part is suitable for direct substitution in applications where improved efficiency is acceptable. Operating temperature range differs slightly (-55°C to 150°C vs. -65°C to 150°C); verify minimum temperature requirement for your application.

Q: Why is SMLJ60S05-TP listed as a substitute if it has 6 A rating instead of 3 A?

A: SMLJ60S05-TP is listed as a functional alternative for applications requiring higher current capacity or design margin. The 6 A rating exceeds the 3 A requirement of S3A-13, making it suitable for designs where additional current headroom is beneficial. This part is not a direct replacement but rather an upgrade option. It maintains 50 V reverse voltage rating and DO-214AB SMC package compatibility.

Q: What does "Not For New Designs" mean for SMLJ60S05-TP?

A: "Not For New Designs" indicates that the manufacturer has designated this part as obsolete or end-of-life for new product development. While the part remains available in inventory (12,800 units), it should not be selected for new designs. Use this part only if existing designs require it or if higher current rating is a specific requirement and no active alternative exists.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: No. The original S3A-13 is RoHS non-compliant. All active substitute parts listed (S3A-13-F, ES3A, ES3A-E3/57T, ES3A-E3/9AT, SMLJ60S05-TP) are ROHS3 Compliant. If RoHS compliance is required for your application, select from the active, compliant alternatives. If RoHS compliance is not required, the original S3A-13 specification remains valid.

Q: What is the significance of Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) 1?

A: MSL 1 (Unlimited) indicates that the component has unlimited shelf life and does not require special moisture control during storage or handling. All listed substitute parts have MSL 1 rating, ensuring compatibility with standard storage and assembly processes.

Q: Can I use S3A (base part number) instead of S3A-13?

A: S3A is marked as obsolete. While it has identical electrical specifications to S3A-13, the active replacement is S3A-13-F. Use S3A only if existing inventory is available and product status requirements permit obsolete components. For new designs or ongoing production, S3A-13-F is the recommended choice.