Equivalent & Substitute Parts for Bivar Inc. 5BC-3 LED

Part Overview

The Bivar Inc. 5BC-3 is an active, ROHS3-compliant dual-color LED indicator featuring green and red light emission in a common cathode configuration. This through-hole component operates at 2.1V forward voltage for green and 2V for red, with a 35mcd brightness rating for each color. The T-1 3/4 form factor with diffused white lens and 40° viewing angle is designed for standard PCB mounting applications requiring dual-color status indication.

Substitute parts are identified to address inventory availability, extended lead times, or specific application requirements while maintaining functional compatibility within the allowed electrical and mechanical parameter ranges for this product category.

Substiute Parts

5BC-3

Bivar Inc.In Stock: 10625BC-3 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

5219450F

DialightIn Stock: 19005219450F Datasheet

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XLUGR59M

SunLEDIn Stock: 4557XLUGR59M Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the 5BC-3 are identified based on the following critical parameters that determine functional compatibility:

Electrical Compatibility Criteria:

• Common cathode configuration (required for pin compatibility)
• Forward voltage within acceptable operating range for both green and red emitters
• Test current rating of 20mA for both colors (standard for this category)

Mechanical Compatibility Criteria:

• Through-hole mounting type (PCB assembly method)
• Radial 3-lead package configuration (pin layout and spacing)
• T-1 3/4 or equivalent 5mm lens form factor (physical fit in standard LED mounting holes)
• Diffused lens transparency (optical characteristic)
• Round domed lens style (aesthetic and optical consistency)

Optical Compatibility Criteria:

• Dual green and red color emission
• Wavelength ranges within standard LED specifications for these colors
• Brightness rating sufficient for indication purposes

Compliance Criteria:

• ROHS3 compliance (regulatory requirement)
• Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 (standard for through-hole components)

The substitute parts listed below meet these criteria within the allowed parameter ranges for this product category.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

5BC-3 (Bivar Inc.) - Primary Part

The 5BC-3 remains the specified component for applications requiring the exact electrical and optical characteristics defined in the original design. All three parts are active products with ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating.

5219450F (Dialight 521 Series) - Limited Substitution

The 5219450F operates at reduced test current (10mA versus 20mA) and delivers significantly lower brightness output (8mcd green, 5mcd red versus 35mcd each). The lens diameter is 4.83mm, which differs from the standard 5mm T-1 3/4 form factor. Forward voltage for green is elevated at 2.3V. This part is suitable only for applications where lower brightness is acceptable and where the reduced lens diameter does not create mechanical fit issues in the PCB mounting holes. The wider 65° viewing angle may be advantageous in certain applications.

XLUGR59M (SunLED) - Direct Substitution

The XLUGR59M provides the closest electrical and mechanical compatibility with the 5BC-3. Both operate at identical test current (20mA), identical red forward voltage (2V), and nearly identical green forward voltage (2.2V versus 2.1V). The lens size, form factor (T-1 3/4), and height (8.60mm) are identical. Brightness output is higher for both colors (59mcd green, 39mcd red), which may be advantageous for visibility but requires circuit verification to ensure no over-brightness condition. The 60° viewing angle is wider than the 5BC-3 specification. All compliance certifications match.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 5219450F be used as a direct replacement for the 5BC-3?

A: The 5219450F is not a direct replacement. While both are common cathode dual-color LEDs with diffused lenses, the 5219450F operates at half the test current (10mA versus 20mA) and produces significantly lower brightness (8mcd and 5mcd versus 35mcd each). The lens diameter is also smaller at 4.83mm. Use only if the application tolerates reduced brightness and the smaller lens diameter fits the PCB mounting holes.

Q: Is the XLUGR59M compatible with the 5BC-3 circuit design?

A: The XLUGR59M is electrically compatible with the 5BC-3 circuit. Both operate at 20mA test current and have nearly identical forward voltages (green: 2.2V versus 2.1V; red: 2V identical). Mechanical compatibility is confirmed: identical T-1 3/4 form factor, 5mm lens size, and 8.60mm height. The higher brightness output (59mcd green, 39mcd red) requires verification that the circuit design does not create over-brightness conditions. The wider 60° viewing angle may affect the intended optical coverage pattern.

Q: What are the key differences in forward voltage between these parts?

A: The 5BC-3 green operates at 2.1V; the XLUGR59M at 2.2V (0.1V higher); and the 5219450F at 2.3V (0.2V higher). Red forward voltage is 2V for both the 5BC-3 and XLUGR59M, while the 5219450F is 2.1V. These differences affect circuit current-limiting resistor calculations and power consumption. Verify that the circuit design accommodates these voltage variations.

Q: Why does the 5219450F have a different lens diameter?

A: The 5219450F lens diameter is 4.83mm, compared to the standard 5mm for the 5BC-3 and XLUGR59M. This is a design characteristic of the Dialight 521 series. Verify that the PCB mounting holes accommodate this smaller diameter before substitution.

Q: Are all three parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. The 5BC-3, 5219450F, and XLUGR59M are all ROHS3 compliant. All three carry unlimited moisture sensitivity rating (MSL 1). The XLUGR59M and 5219450F also carry REACH Unaffected status.

Q: What is the impact of different viewing angles on circuit performance?

A: The 5BC-3 has a 40° viewing angle, the XLUGR59M has 60°, and the 5219450F has 65°. Wider viewing angles distribute light over a larger area, reducing peak brightness perception in the direct viewing direction. Narrower angles concentrate light in a smaller cone. Select based on the intended application's viewing geometry and brightness requirements.

Q: Can I use the 5219450F if I increase the test current to 20mA?

A: The 5219450F is specified for 10mA test current. Operating at 20mA would exceed the component's rated specifications and is not supported. Use only at the specified 10mA rating.

Q: Which substitute part has the highest inventory availability?

A: The XLUGR59M has the highest inventory at 4526 pieces in stock, followed by the 5219450F at 1885 pieces, and the 5BC-3 at 1028 pieces.