3BWDL-S LED Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 3BWDL-S is a blue diffused 3mm through-hole LED from Bivar Inc., designed for discrete blue LED indication applications. This component features a 3.8V forward voltage rating and operates at 2mA test current with a 2.5mcd millicandela rating. The product is currently listed as obsolete, making it necessary to identify suitable substitute components that maintain functional compatibility for existing designs or new applications requiring similar performance characteristics.

Substiute Parts

3BWDL-S

Bivar Inc.In Stock: 9433BWDL-S Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

3BWD-S

Bivar Inc.In Stock: 6893BWD-S Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The 3BWD-S has been identified as a suitable substitute for the 3BWDL-S based on the following critical parameters that determine compatibility:

Compatible Parameters:

• Color: Blue (identical)
• Lens Transparency: Diffused (identical)
• Lens Size: 3mm, T-1 (identical)
• Viewing Angle: 40° (identical)
• Mounting Type: Through Hole (identical)
• Wavelength - Peak: 430nm (identical)
• Package / Case: Radial (identical)
• Height (Max): 4.50mm (identical)
• Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL): 1 (Unlimited) (identical)

Parameters with Variance:

• Voltage - Forward (Vf) (Typ): 3.8V → 4V (0.2V increase)
• Current - Test: 2mA → 20mA (higher operating capability)
• Millicandela Rating: 2.5mcd → 10mcd (higher brightness)
• Product Status: Obsolete → Active

The 3BWD-S maintains identical physical form factor, optical characteristics, and environmental ratings while offering improved electrical performance and active production status.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The 3BWD-S is an active production substitute for the obsolete 3BWDL-S. Both components share identical physical dimensions, optical specifications, and compliance certifications (EAR99, HTSUS 8541.41.0000). The 3BWD-S maintains the same through-hole radial package and diffused blue lens characteristics, ensuring mechanical interchangeability in PCB layouts designed for the 3BWDL-S.

The forward voltage difference of 0.2V (3.8V to 4V) requires review of circuit design current-limiting resistor calculations to ensure proper operation within the design's power supply voltage constraints. The increased test current capability (2mA to 20mA) and luminous intensity (2.5mcd to 10mcd) provide enhanced brightness options without altering mechanical or environmental compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Are the 3BWDL-S and 3BWD-S physically interchangeable? Yes. Both components use identical 3mm T-1 diffused lens packages with radial through-hole mounting, 4.50mm maximum height, and 40° viewing angles. Direct PCB footprint compatibility is maintained.

Q2: What circuit modifications are required when substituting the 3BWD-S for the 3BWDL-S? The forward voltage increases from 3.8V to 4V. Verify that the power supply voltage remains sufficient for the new forward voltage requirement. Recalculate current-limiting resistor values based on the desired operating current and the updated forward voltage specification.

Q3: Does the increased brightness of the 3BWD-S affect compatibility? The 3BWD-S provides 10mcd luminous intensity versus 2.5mcd for the original part. This increased brightness is compatible with the same optical aperture and lens design. Applications requiring the original brightness level should implement circuit-level current limiting to reduce the test current from 20mA to the original 2mA specification if necessary.

Q4: Are there supply chain or compliance differences between these parts? Both parts share identical export control classifications (EAR99) and harmonized tariff codes (HTSUS 8541.41.0000). The 3BWD-S is in active production status, ensuring availability compared to the obsolete 3BWDL-S.

Q5: Can the 3BWD-S be used in moisture-sensitive applications? Both components carry MSL Level 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity classification, indicating suitability for any storage, handling, and assembly conditions without humidity-controlled storage requirements.