SF163 Diode Array Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SF163 is a general-purpose diode array manufactured by Diodes Incorporated, configured as a 1 Pair Common Cathode with 150V reverse voltage rating and 16A average rectified current per diode. The device is packaged in TO-220-3 through-hole configuration and features fast recovery characteristics with 35 ns reverse recovery time.

The SF163 is classified as obsolete. Substitute parts are necessary to maintain design continuity and ensure continued availability for new production and field replacements. Active alternatives with equivalent or superior electrical characteristics are available from multiple manufacturers.

Substiute Parts

SF163

Diodes IncorporatedIn Stock: 1030SF163 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SBR20150CT

Diodes IncorporatedIn Stock: 54229SBR20150CT Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

FEP16CT-E3/45

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 2222FEP16CT-E3/45 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SF1603G C0G

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 982SF1603G C0G Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

GI2403-E3/45

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 1013GI2403-E3/45 Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the SF163 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

• Diode Configuration: 1 Pair Common Cathode
• Voltage - DC Reverse (Vr) (Max): 150 V
• Package / Case: TO-220-3
• Mounting Type: Through Hole

Performance-Determining Parameters:

• Current - Average Rectified (Io) (per Diode): 16A minimum
• Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Max) @ If: 975 mV @ 8 A or lower
• Speed: Fast Recovery ≤ 500ns, > 200mA (Io)
• Reverse Recovery Time (trr): 35 ns or lower
• Current - Reverse Leakage @ Vr: 10 µA @ 150 V or lower

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Category 1: Direct Functional Equivalents — Parts matching all mandatory parameters and maintaining identical or superior performance specifications. These include FEP16CT-E3/45, GI2403-E3/45, and SF1603G C0G.

Category 2: Reduced Current Rating Alternatives — Parts matching mandatory parameters but with reduced current capacity. The SBR20150CT operates at 10A per diode, representing a current derating of 37.5% from the original 16A specification. This category is suitable only for applications where the reduced current rating is acceptable.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (Direct Equivalents):

FEP16CT-E3/45 and GI2403-E3/45 are the preferred substitutes for the SF163. Both parts maintain the 16A current rating, 150V reverse voltage, fast recovery characteristics, and TO-220-3 package configuration. FEP16CT-E3/45 offers a marginal improvement in forward voltage (950 mV vs. 975 mV @ 8A). Both parts are manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor and carry REACH Unaffected status, eliminating regulatory compliance concerns associated with the original SF163 (REACH Affected).

SF1603G C0G from Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation provides electrical equivalence with identical current and voltage ratings, fast recovery speed, and 35 ns reverse recovery time. This part is REACH Unaffected and carries active product status.

Secondary Substitute (Current Derating Required):

SBR20150CT is suitable only for applications where the 10A per-diode current rating is acceptable. This part employs Super Barrier technology, resulting in lower forward voltage (880 mV @ 10A) and improved thermal characteristics. The SBR20150CT transitions from fast recovery to standard recovery characteristics (>500ns), which may affect switching performance in high-frequency applications. This part maintains REACH Unaffected status and active product availability.

Compliance Considerations:

All substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant. The SF163 carries REACH Affected status; all recommended substitutes are REACH Unaffected, providing regulatory advantage for new designs and long-term supply chain stability.

Temperature Range Considerations:

The SF163 operates across -65°C to 175°C. FEP16CT-E3/45 and SF1603G C0G are limited to -55°C to 150°C. GI2403-E3/45 extends to -65°C minimum, matching the original specification. Applications requiring the full -65°C lower temperature limit should specify GI2403-E3/45 or SBR20150CT.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can FEP16CT-E3/45 be used as a direct replacement for SF163?

A: Yes. FEP16CT-E3/45 matches all mandatory parameters: 1 Pair Common Cathode configuration, 150V reverse voltage rating, 16A current per diode, fast recovery characteristics, and TO-220-3 package. The forward voltage is marginally lower (950 mV vs. 975 mV @ 8A), representing improved performance. Operating temperature range is -55°C to 150°C, which is narrower than the original -65°C to 175°C specification.

Q: What is the difference between GI2403-E3/45 and FEP16CT-E3/45?

A: Both parts are electrically equivalent with identical voltage, current, and speed ratings. The primary difference is reverse leakage current: GI2403-E3/45 specifies 50 µA @ 150V compared to 10 µA @ 150V for FEP16CT-E3/45. GI2403-E3/45 maintains the full -65°C lower temperature limit of the original SF163, while FEP16CT-E3/45 is limited to -55°C minimum.

Q: Why is SBR20150CT listed as a substitute if it has only 10A rating?

A: SBR20150CT is a parametric equivalent suitable for applications where the reduced 10A per-diode current rating is acceptable. It provides superior forward voltage characteristics (880 mV @ 10A) and maintains the 150V reverse voltage and TO-220-3 package. This part is not a direct replacement for 16A applications but serves as an alternative for lower-current designs.

Q: What is the significance of "Fast Recovery" versus "Standard Recovery" in these diodes?

A: Fast Recovery (≤500ns) and Standard Recovery (>500ns) refer to reverse recovery time characteristics. SF163, FEP16CT-E3/45, GI2403-E3/45, and SF1603G C0G all feature fast recovery with 35 ns reverse recovery time, suitable for high-frequency switching applications. SBR20150CT employs standard recovery characteristics, which may introduce additional switching losses in high-frequency circuits.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same packaging?

A: Yes. All substitute parts are packaged in TO-220-3 through-hole configuration, matching the original SF163 package. Physical pin configuration and mounting footprint are identical, enabling direct board-level substitution without layout modifications.

Q: What is the impact of REACH Affected versus REACH Unaffected status?

A: REACH Affected status indicates the part may contain substances of concern under European REACH regulations. REACH Unaffected status confirms compliance with current regulations. All substitute parts carry REACH Unaffected status, providing regulatory advantage for designs intended for European markets and ensuring long-term supply chain compliance.

Q: Can SF1603G C0G be used in all applications where SF163 is specified?

A: SF1603G C0G provides electrical equivalence with identical current and voltage ratings. However, this part is configured as a single diode rather than a diode array pair. Applications requiring the 1 Pair Common Cathode configuration must verify circuit compatibility before substitution. Operating temperature range is limited to -55°C to 150°C.

Q: Which substitute offers the best thermal performance?

A: SBR20150CT employs Super Barrier technology, which typically provides superior thermal characteristics and lower forward voltage drop. However, this advantage is offset by the reduced 10A current rating. For full 16A applications, FEP16CT-E3/45 and GI2403-E3/45 maintain thermal performance equivalent to the original SF163.