3BWC-F Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 3BWC-F is a blue LED indication component manufactured by Bivar Inc., featuring a clear 3mm T-1 lens with through-hole radial mounting. The component delivers 15 millicandela brightness at 4V forward voltage and 20mA test current, with a 20° viewing angle and 430nm peak wavelength. This part is currently obsolete, necessitating identification of suitable equivalent components to maintain design functionality and component availability for new production or replacement applications.

Substiute Parts

3BWC-F

Bivar Inc.In Stock: 7503BWC-F Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

3BWD-F

Bivar Inc.In Stock: 8783BWD-F Datasheet

DirectRFQ

5219918F

DialightIn Stock: 21185219918F Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution logic for the 3BWC-F is structured around the following critical parameters that must be compatible with the original design:

Mandatory Compatibility Parameters:

• Color: Blue
• Lens Size: 3mm, T-1 (or functionally equivalent)
• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Package / Case: Radial
• Voltage - Forward (Vf): 4V (or within acceptable circuit tolerance)
• Current - Test: 20mA

Allowable Variance Parameters:

• Lens Transparency: Clear or Diffused (determines light distribution characteristics)
• Millicandela Rating: Direct substitutes may differ in brightness output
• Viewing Angle: Variation acceptable based on application requirements
• Wavelength - Peak: Variation within blue spectrum acceptable based on visual perception requirements

The substitute parts identified maintain blue color LED functionality with through-hole radial mounting configuration. Substitutes may differ in lens transparency, brightness output, and light distribution angle based on available products and application tolerance.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

3BWD-F (Direct Substitute from Bivar Inc.): This component is the primary substitute option, manufactured by the same supplier as the original 3BWC-F. The 3BWD-F maintains identical forward voltage (4V), test current (20mA), lens size (3mm T-1), and physical height (5.30mm). The primary difference is the diffused lens transparency, which increases the viewing angle from 20° to 35° and reduces brightness output from 15mcd to 10mcd. The 3BWD-F carries Active product status and ROHS3 compliance, providing long-term availability. Selection of 3BWD-F is appropriate when circuit board layout accommodates the wider viewing angle and reduced brightness output.

5219918F (Similar Substitute from Dialight): This component provides a cross-manufacturer blue LED option from Dialight's 521 series. The 5219918F differs in several parameters: forward voltage is 3.5V (0.5V lower than original), brightness output is significantly higher at 460mcd, and viewing angle is broader at 50°. Physical dimensions vary slightly (2.92mm diameter lens, 6.35mm height versus 5.30mm). The 5219918F carries Active product status and ROHS3 compliance with REACH Unaffected designation. Selection of 5219918F requires circuit voltage compatibility verification due to the 0.5V reduction in forward voltage and consideration of the substantially increased brightness output in the application context.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I directly replace 3BWC-F with 3BWD-F in my circuit? A: Direct substitution is possible with the same electrical operating parameters (4V forward voltage, 20mA test current). The diffused lens of 3BWD-F will distribute light over a wider angle (35° versus 20°) and with lower brightness (10mcd versus 15mcd). Verify these optical differences are acceptable for your application before substitution.

Q: What is the difference between clear and diffused lens transparency? A: Clear lens transparency provides focused light output at a narrow viewing angle (20° for 3BWC-F). Diffused lens transparency scatters light over a wider angle (35° for 3BWD-F) but reduces peak brightness. Selection depends on whether your application requires concentrated or distributed light output.

Q: Can I use 5219918F as a drop-in replacement? A: 5219918F is functionally compatible as a blue LED through-hole radial component but requires circuit verification. The forward voltage is 0.5V lower (3.5V vs 4V), which affects circuit current calculations. The brightness is substantially higher (460mcd vs 15mcd), which may require optical diffusion in the application. Physical height differs (6.35mm vs 5.30mm), which may impact board clearances.

Q: Are all substitutes RoHS3 compliant? A: Both 3BWD-F and 5219918F are ROHS3 Compliant. RoHS compliance status was not specified for the original 3BWC-F due to its obsolete status.

Q: What are the HTSUS codes and ECCN classifications for these parts? A: All three components share the same HTSUS code 8541.41.0000 and ECCN classification EAR99, indicating consistent tariff and export control treatment.