Bivar Inc. 3BC LED GREEN/RED DIFFUSED T-1 T/H Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Bivar Inc. 3BC is an active bidirectional LED indicator featuring green and red light emission in a T-1 through-hole package. This component provides discrete 2.1V green and 2V red indication with 6mcd brightness in both colors, housed in a 3mm diffused white lens with domed top. The part is ROHS3 compliant and maintains unlimited moisture sensitivity rating (MSL 1). Substitute parts are necessary to address inventory availability, extended lead times, or specific application requirements while maintaining electrical and mechanical compatibility within the T-1 through-hole LED category.

Substiute Parts

3BC

Bivar Inc.In Stock: 10983BC Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

3BC-F

Bivar Inc.In Stock: 219043BC-F Datasheet

DirectRFQ

4301F1/5

Visual Communications Company - VCCIn Stock: 29434301F1/5 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

5219628F

DialightIn Stock: 32855219628F Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

XLUGR37M

SunLEDIn Stock: 6244XLUGR37M Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the Bivar Inc. 3BC is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

• Bidirectional green/red color configuration
• Through-hole radial mounting type
• T-1 package form factor (3mm lens diameter)
• Diffused white lens transparency
• Round domed lens style
• 20mA test current for both colors
• ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating

Allowable Parameter Variations:

• Forward voltage (Vf): ±0.3V tolerance acceptable for green (2.1V ±0.3V = 1.8V to 2.4V) and red (2V ±0.3V = 1.7V to 2.3V)
• Millicandela rating: Variations permitted within application brightness requirements
• Viewing angle: Variations from 45° to 100° acceptable for general indication applications
• Height: Variations within PCB clearance constraints (4.50mm to 5.70mm range)
• Wavelength: Minor shifts acceptable within green (565nm to 568nm) and red (617nm to 660nm) spectrum ranges

Non-Negotiable Parameters:

• Bidirectional configuration mandatory
• Through-hole radial package required
• T-1 form factor required
• Diffused lens required
• 20mA test current required
• ROHS3 and MSL 1 compliance required

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Bivar Inc. 3BC-F

The 3BC-F is a direct manufacturer equivalent from Bivar Inc. with identical electrical specifications (2.1V green, 2V red forward voltage; 6mcd brightness for both colors; 20mA test current). The primary difference is maximum height of 5.30mm compared to 4.50mm for the original 3BC. This part maintains active product status and full ROHS3 compliance. Selection is appropriate when inventory of the original 3BC is unavailable and PCB clearance accommodates the additional 0.80mm height.

Visual Communications Company 4301F1/5

The 4301F1/5 exhibits electrical compatibility within acceptable tolerance ranges (2.1V green matches specification; 1.8V red is within ±0.3V tolerance). However, this part carries "Not For New Designs" product status, indicating discontinued or obsolete classification. Brightness characteristics differ significantly (12.6mcd green, 3.7mcd red versus 6mcd for both colors in the original). Viewing angle expands to 100° from 45°. Selection is restricted to legacy system maintenance or replacement applications where new design qualification is not required.

Dialight 5219628F

The 5219628F from Dialight Series 521 maintains active product status and full compliance certifications. This part provides bidirectional green/red indication in 3mm diffused white T-1 package with 20mA test current. Forward voltage specifications are not provided in available documentation. Brightness characteristics show inverse distribution (3.7mcd green, 12.6mcd red) relative to the original 3BC. Maximum height reaches 5.70mm. Selection requires verification of forward voltage compatibility and acceptance of brightness distribution inversion for the application.

SunLED XLUGR37M

The XLUGR37M maintains active product status with full ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating. Forward voltage specifications are within acceptable tolerance (2.2V green is +0.1V from 2.1V specification; 2V red matches specification exactly). Brightness increases to 13mcd green and 9mcd red. Viewing angle expands to 60° from 45°. Maximum height is 4.60mm, providing minimal height increase over the original 3BC. This part demonstrates the closest overall electrical and mechanical alignment with the original specification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 3BC-F be used as a direct replacement for the 3BC?

A: Yes. The 3BC-F is electrically identical to the 3BC with matching forward voltages (2.1V green, 2V red), brightness (6mcd both colors), and test current (20mA). The only difference is maximum height (5.30mm versus 4.50mm). Substitution is valid provided PCB layout accommodates the additional 0.80mm height clearance.

Q: Why is the 4301F1/5 marked "Not For New Designs"?

A: This designation indicates the part is in obsolete or discontinued status from the manufacturer. While electrically functional within tolerance ranges, it should not be selected for new product development. Use is limited to legacy system maintenance or replacement applications where existing designs already incorporate this component.

Q: What is the significance of brightness (millicandela) differences between substitute parts?

A: Millicandela rating determines LED brightness intensity. The original 3BC provides 6mcd for both green and red. Substitute parts show variations: 4301F1/5 provides 12.6mcd green but only 3.7mcd red; 5219628F provides 3.7mcd green but 12.6mcd red; XLUGR37M provides 13mcd green and 9mcd red. Selection depends on application brightness requirements for each color. Higher brightness increases visibility but may require current-limiting resistor adjustment.

Q: Are all substitute parts through-hole radial packages?

A: Yes. All listed substitutes maintain through-hole radial mounting in T-1 form factor with 3mm diffused white domed lens. PCB footprint compatibility is preserved across all alternatives.

Q: What does the ±0.3V forward voltage tolerance mean for substitution?

A: Forward voltage tolerance establishes acceptable operating range. The original 3BC specifies 2.1V green and 2V red. A ±0.3V tolerance permits green operation from 1.8V to 2.4V and red from 1.7V to 2.3V. The 4301F1/5 red voltage of 1.8V falls within this range. The XLUGR37M green voltage of 2.2V also remains within tolerance. Parts outside this range may require circuit redesign.

Q: Can I substitute a part with higher viewing angle (100° versus 45°)?

A: Yes. Viewing angle describes the cone of light emission. A wider viewing angle (100° versus 45°) provides broader visibility but lower intensity in the direct viewing direction. Substitution is valid if the application does not require the narrow 45° beam concentration of the original 3BC.

Q: What is MSL 1 rating and why is it important?

A: MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level) 1 indicates unlimited shelf life without moisture control requirements. All listed parts maintain MSL 1, meaning they can be stored and handled without desiccant packaging or moisture-controlled environments. This simplifies logistics and inventory management.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance certification, matching the original 3BC. This ensures compliance with European Union Restriction of Hazardous Substances regulations and equivalent global standards.

Q: What height considerations apply when selecting substitutes?

A: The original 3BC has maximum height of 4.50mm. Substitutes range from 4.60mm (XLUGR37M) to 5.70mm (5219628F). PCB clearance must accommodate the selected part's height. Taller components may interfere with overlying components or enclosure constraints. Verify mechanical fit before final selection.

Q: Which substitute offers the closest match to the original 3BC?

A: The Bivar Inc. 3BC-F provides identical electrical specifications. The SunLED XLUGR37M offers the closest overall profile with minimal height increase (4.60mm versus 4.50mm), forward voltages within tolerance, and active product status. Selection between these two depends on availability, lead time, and specific brightness requirements.