Diodes Incorporated MB156

Overview

MB156 from Diodes Incorporated is a high-current silicon bridge rectifier with 600 V maximum recurrent peak reverse voltage, 15.0 A average rectified output current at TC = 55°C, and 1.1 V typical forward voltage drop at 7.5 A. It features solderable universal terminals (0.25" Faston), metal case for superior thermal conduction, and is RoHS-compliant with lead-free finish (Date Code 0514+). Used in industrial AC/DC power supplies requiring robust 60 Hz rectification.

For engineers reviewing the MB156 datasheet, MB156 pinout, MB156 application, or MB156 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 600 V VRRM rating, 300 A non-repetitive surge capability, thermal resistance of 2.5 °C/W (junction-to-case), bolt-down mounting requirement with thermal compound, and explicit manufacturer guidance to migrate to GBPC15 series for new designs.

Technical Context

This single-phase full-wave bridge rectifier integrates four silicon diodes in a common metal case with AC input terminals (two), positive DC output (+), and negative DC output (–). Its design centers on high thermal efficiency: junction-to-case thermal resistance is 2.5 °C/W, and it requires direct bolt-down mounting to a heatsink with silicone thermal compound for rated current operation.

Rated for 60 Hz resistive or inductive loads, the device delivers 15.0 A average output current at case temperature ≤55°C, derating to zero at ~125°C per Fig. 2. Reverse leakage is limited to 10 µA at 25°C and 1.0 mA at 100°C under rated DC blocking voltage - critical for stable hold-up in unregulated supplies.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MB156 uses a high-conductivity metal case package with four terminals: two AC inputs, one positive DC output (+), and one negative DC output (–). Mounting requires #10 screw (hole dimension H: 4.85–5.59 mm) and 20 in·lb max torque. Thermal interface with heatsink is mandatory for rated current.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bridge rectifier applications.

Compared with MB156, GBPC1506 trades thermal performance for smaller footprint and lower cost, while GBU1506 offers mid-tier thermal resistance but lacks the mechanical ruggedness and universal termination of the metal-cased MB156 - making MB156 preferred for industrial environments demanding long-term reliability under thermal stress.

Availability

MB156 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial AC/DC power supplies, motor drive front-end rectifiers, and welding equipment power stages requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for MB156 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Diodes Incorporated is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, headquartered in Plano, Texas, with design, manufacturing, and sales operations across Asia, Europe, and North America.

The MB series bridges belong to Diodes' high-current rectifier product line, engineered specifically for industrial and commercial power conversion systems where thermal robustness, surge resilience, and mechanical durability are prioritized over miniaturization.

FAQ

Is MB156 RoHS-compliant?

Yes, MB156 is RoHS-compliant with lead-free finish for date codes 0514 and later, meeting EC Directive 2002/95/EC. Exemptions for high-temperature solder and glass passivation apply per EU Annex Notes 5 and 7, documented in the official DS21303 datasheet revision notes.

What is the recommended mounting method for MB156?

MB156 must be bolted directly to a heatsink using a #10 screw at ≤20 in·lb torque, with silicone thermal compound applied between the metal case and heatsink surface. This mounting is mandatory to achieve the rated 15.0 A output current; free-air operation is not supported.

Why does the datasheet state "NOT RECOMMENDED FOR NEW DESIGN"?

Diodes Incorporated recommends migrating new designs to the GBPC15 series due to improved thermal efficiency, wider package availability, and enhanced long-term supply assurance. MB156 remains fully supported for legacy repair and existing production, with no announced obsolescence.

Can MB156 replace MB154 or MB158 in an existing layout?

Yes - all MB15x variants share identical mechanical dimensions, terminal layout, and mounting interface. Only electrical ratings differ: MB154 is rated for 400 V VRRM, MB156 for 600 V, and MB158 for 800 V. Physical interchangeability is confirmed by Diodes' mechanical drawings in DS21303 Rev. 7.