Equivalent & Substitute Parts for 5SBC-3

Part Overview

The 5SBC-3 is a dual-color LED indicator manufactured by Bivar Inc., featuring green and red light emission in a T-1 3/4 (5mm) through-hole package with common cathode configuration. This component is classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent substitute parts essential for ongoing design support and procurement continuity. The 5SBC-3 provides discrete indication capability with clear lens optics and radial lead configuration suitable for through-hole PCB assembly.

Substiute Parts

5SBC-3

Bivar Inc.In Stock: 8715SBC-3 Datasheet

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5BC-3

Bivar Inc.In Stock: 10625BC-3 Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 5SBC-3 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

• Dual-color configuration (Green and Red)
• Common cathode electrical topology
• T-1 3/4 (5mm) lens form factor
• Through-hole radial lead mounting
• Bivar Inc. manufacturer origin

Secondary Compatibility Criteria:

• Forward voltage range tolerance for both colors
• Test current specifications
• Physical height constraints for PCB assembly
• Lens transparency characteristics (clear or diffused acceptable with design review)

The 5BC-3 qualifies as a substitute part based on matching all primary criteria and maintaining compatible secondary parameters within acceptable engineering tolerances.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Substitution Feasibility:

The 5BC-3 is electrically and mechanically compatible with the 5SBC-3 for applications where the following conditions are satisfied:

1. Brightness Tolerance: The 5BC-3 operates at significantly reduced luminous intensity (35mcd versus 220mcd green; 35mcd versus 400mcd red). Applications requiring high-brightness indication must evaluate whether reduced output meets visibility requirements under intended ambient lighting conditions.

2. Optical Characteristics: The 5BC-3 features diffused lens optics with a 40° viewing angle compared to the 5SBC-3 clear lens with 20° viewing angle. This change affects light distribution and intensity profile. Applications with specific directional viewing requirements must assess compatibility.

3. Forward Voltage Variance: The 5BC-3 red LED exhibits 0.3V higher forward voltage (2.0V versus 1.7V). Circuit designs with tight voltage margin specifications must verify that current-limiting resistor values remain appropriate for the substitute part.

4. Current Specifications: The 5BC-3 operates at 20mA test current versus 30mA for the 5SBC-3. Existing circuit designs must confirm that reduced current operation is acceptable for the intended application.

5. Compliance Status: The 5BC-3 is actively manufactured and RoHS3 compliant, providing supply chain continuity and regulatory compliance advantages over the obsolete 5SBC-3.

Recommendation Basis:

Selection of the 5BC-3 as a substitute is supported by identical configuration, form factor, mounting method, and manufacturer origin. The substitute part is currently in active production status, ensuring long-term availability. However, the significant reduction in luminous intensity and changes in optical characteristics require application-specific evaluation before implementation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 5BC-3 be used as a direct replacement for the 5SBC-3 without circuit modification?

A: The 5BC-3 is mechanically and electrically compatible with identical pinout and common cathode configuration. However, the reduced luminous intensity (35mcd versus 220-400mcd) and different lens transparency (diffused versus clear) may require circuit design review. Forward voltage differences, particularly for the red LED (2.0V versus 1.7V), should be verified against existing current-limiting resistor values.

Q: What is the primary difference between the 5SBC-3 and 5BC-3?

A: The 5BC-3 features a diffused white lens with lower brightness output (35mcd for both colors) and wider viewing angle (40° versus 20°), compared to the 5SBC-3 clear lens with higher brightness (220mcd green, 400mcd red) and narrower viewing angle. Both maintain identical T-1 3/4 form factor, common cathode configuration, and through-hole radial mounting.

Q: Is the 5BC-3 suitable for applications requiring high-brightness indication?

A: The 5BC-3 operates at significantly reduced luminous intensity compared to the 5SBC-3. Applications with high ambient light environments or requiring long-distance visibility should evaluate whether 35mcd output is sufficient. The diffused lens also distributes light over a wider angle, which may reduce peak intensity in the primary viewing direction.

Q: What are the compliance advantages of the 5BC-3?

A: The 5BC-3 is actively manufactured and RoHS3 compliant, whereas the 5SBC-3 is obsolete. The substitute part provides regulatory compliance assurance and long-term supply chain availability for new designs and production continuity.

Q: How do the viewing angles differ between these parts?

A: The 5SBC-3 has a 20° viewing angle with clear lens optics, providing concentrated light output in a narrow cone. The 5BC-3 has a 40° viewing angle with diffused lens optics, distributing light over a wider area. Application requirements for directional versus omnidirectional indication should guide selection.

Q: Are there any height constraints when substituting the 5BC-3 for the 5SBC-3?

A: The 5BC-3 maximum height is 8.60mm compared to 9.84mm for the 5SBC-3. The substitute part is 1.24mm shorter, which may provide advantages in space-constrained PCB layouts. Verify that existing mechanical clearances accommodate the shorter component height.

Q: What wavelength differences exist between the red LEDs?

A: The 5SBC-3 red LED has a peak wavelength of 660nm, while the 5BC-3 red LED is 625nm. This 35nm difference represents a shift toward the orange-red spectrum. Applications with color-critical indication requirements should evaluate whether this wavelength shift affects visual perception or color matching specifications.