Bivar Inc. 3HC-201 LED Red Clear T-1 Through Hole

Part Overview

The Bivar Inc. 3HC-201 is a red LED indication component in T-1 (3mm) through-hole configuration with a clear domed lens. This discrete 2V radial LED is designed for standard indication applications with a 50mcd brightness rating at 20mA test current. The product is classified as obsolete, making identification of suitable substitute components essential for design continuity and production support. Equivalent and parametrically compatible alternatives are available from active product lines, enabling seamless integration in legacy designs and new applications requiring similar optical and electrical performance.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	3HC-201
Manufacturer	Bivar Inc.
Color	Red
Lens Transparency	Clear
Lens Size	3mm, T-1
Millicandela Rating	50mcd
Voltage - Forward (Vf) Typical	2V
Current - Test	20mA
Viewing Angle	20°
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Wavelength - Peak	625nm
Package / Case	Radial
Height (Max)	5.10mm
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 3HC-201 red LED is determined by compatibility across the following critical parameters: color (red), lens transparency (clear), lens size (3mm T-1 form factor), mounting type (through-hole radial), and electrical operating characteristics (forward voltage within acceptable tolerance, 20mA test current, and comparable brightness output). The substitute parts listed maintain the same through-hole radial mechanical interface and support the same 20mA test current condition. Lens transparency and optical wavelength are evaluated for application-specific visibility and indication requirements. Forward voltage tolerance across the substitute parts ranges from 1.7V to 2.05V, all within standard LED circuit tolerance windows. Millicandela ratings vary from 3mcd to 680mcd depending on the specific substitute model and its intended application class. All listed substitutes are currently active products with documented RoHS3 compliance or confirmed active status.

Parameter Comparison

Manufacturer Part Number	Manufacturer	Color	Lens Transparency	Lens Size	Millicandela Rating	Voltage - Forward (Vf) Typical	Current - Test	Viewing Angle	Wavelength - Peak	Height (Max)	Product Status
3HC-201	Bivar Inc.	Red	Clear	3mm, T-1	50mcd	2V	20mA	20°	625nm	5.10mm	Obsolete
3SRC-F	Bivar Inc.	Red	Clear	3mm, T-1	60mcd	1.7V	20mA	20°	645nm	5.30mm	Active
151031SS04000	Würth Elektronik	Red	Diffused	3.00mm Dia	160mcd	2V	20mA	40°	640nm	5.55mm	Active
HLMP-K105	Broadcom Limited	Red	Clear	3mm, T-1	65mcd	1.8V	20mA	45°	645nm	6.35mm	Active
HLMP-K105-J0002	Broadcom Limited	Red	Clear	3mm, T-1	65mcd	1.8V	20mA	45°	645nm	6.35mm	Active
HLMP-K155	Broadcom Limited	Red	Clear	3mm, T-1	3mcd	1.7V	1mA	45°	660nm	6.35mm	Active
HLMP-Y601-J0000	Broadcom Limited	Red	Clear	3mm, T-1	680mcd	2V	20mA	45°	633nm	5.20mm	Active
HLMP-Y651-G0000	Broadcom Limited	Red	Clear	3mm, T-1	300mcd	2V	20mA	45°	652nm	5.20mm	Active
LTL1CHKEKNN	Lite-On Inc.	Red	Clear	3.10mm Dia	680mcd	2.05V	20mA	45°	632nm	5.20mm	Active
LTL1CHKRKNN	Lite-On Inc.	Red	Clear	3.10mm Dia	400mcd	2V	20mA	45°	639nm	5.20mm	Active
LTL42NKRKNN	Lite-On Inc.	Red	Clear	3mm, T-1	180mcd	2V	20mA	56°	639nm	5.85mm	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The 3HC-201 has been classified as obsolete and is no longer in production. Among the available substitutes, selection should prioritize parts with active product status and confirmed RoHS3 compliance. For applications requiring the closest electrical match to the original 3HC-201 specifications, the 3SRC-F (Bivar Inc.) offers comparable 20mA operation, similar lens form factor, and identical viewing angle at 20°, with only a 0.3V reduction in forward voltage (1.7V vs. 2V). This substitute is available in active production with documented RoHS3 compliance.

For applications where forward voltage must match the original 2V specification at 20mA test current, the HLMP-Y601-J0000 (Broadcom Limited) and HLMP-Y651-G0000 (Broadcom Limited) maintain exact voltage parity while offering significantly higher brightness ratings (680mcd and 300mcd respectively) and wider viewing angles (45°). Both are active products with RoHS3 compliance status documented.

The Lite-On Inc. LTL1CHKRKNN provides a mid-range brightness alternative at 400mcd with exact 2V forward voltage matching and 20mA test current, suitable for general red indication applications. The Würth Elektronik 151031SS04000 (WL-TMRC series) offers 160mcd output with diffused lens transparency, enabling wider illumination distribution, and carries ROHS3 compliance and REACH Unaffected status.

The HLMP-K155 is suitable only for ultra-low-power indicator applications, as its 1mA test current and 3mcd brightness represent a significant departure from the original 20mA, 50mcd specification. The HLMP-K105 and its variant HLMP-K105-J0002 offer 1.8V forward voltage operation at 20mA with comparable brightness (65mcd) and provide extensive inventory availability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 3SRC-F directly replace the 3HC-201 in all applications? A: The 3SRC-F is a parametric equivalent with the same lens size (3mm T-1), clear transparency, red color, and 20mA test current. The forward voltage is 1.7V compared to the 3HC-201's 2V. For most LED indication circuits with standard current-limiting resistor design, this 0.3V difference is absorbed within the circuit tolerance. However, designs with tight voltage budgets or high-impedance detection circuits should verify circuit compatibility before deployment.

Q: What distinguishes the HLMP-Y601-J0000 from other high-brightness substitutes? A: The HLMP-Y601-J0000 matches the original 2V forward voltage specification and 20mA test current while delivering 680mcd brightness, compared to the 3HC-201's 50mcd. This 13.6x brightness increase makes it suitable for applications requiring enhanced visibility. The 45° viewing angle provides broader illumination compared to the original 20° specification.

Q: Are all listed substitutes RoHS3 compliant? A: All substitutes carry active product status with documented RoHS3 compliance, with the exception of HLMP-K155, which is confirmed active and RoHS3 compliant. The 3HC-201 original part is obsolete; compliance information is not documented in the provided data.

Q: How do the Lite-On LTL series parts compare to the Broadcom HLMP series? A: Both manufacturers provide red clear T-1 LEDs at 2V or 2.05V forward voltage with 20mA test current. The LTL1CHKRKNN offers 400mcd brightness and the LTL1CHKEKNN offers 680mcd brightness with identical 2V or 2.05V specifications. The Broadcom HLMP series provides comparable brightness options (HLMP-Y601-J0000 at 680mcd) with additional viewing angle options. Packaging format differences include bulk and cut-tape availability; verify inventory and delivery requirements for your application.

Q: Is the Würth Elektronik 151031SS04000 a suitable substitute despite its diffused lens? A: The 151031SS04000 maintains red color, through-hole radial mounting, and 20mA test current specification. The diffused lens transparency provides wider light distribution (40° viewing angle vs. 20° original) and higher brightness (160mcd) but alters the optical appearance. For applications where lens appearance and light pattern must match the original clear lens, clear-lens substitutes should be selected. For applications where light distribution and visibility are priorities, the diffused alternative is suitable.

Q: What is the significance of the HLMP-K105 height difference (6.35mm vs. 5.10mm original)? A: The HLMP-K105 has a 1.25mm height increase compared to the 3HC-201 due to manufacturing design differences. For applications with height-constrained PCB layouts, verify clearance to enclosure lids or adjacent components. For standard through-hole indication applications, this height difference is typically accommodated within standard PCB assembly tolerances.

Q: Can I use the HLMP-K155 as a direct replacement? A: The HLMP-K155 operates at 1mA test current compared to the 3HC-201's 20mA, delivering only 3mcd brightness versus 50mcd. This represents a different application class suited for ultra-low-power indicator designs with dedicated high-impedance detection circuits. Substitution is not recommended for standard indication applications where 20mA circuit design is expected.

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