AL1696-20CS7-13 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The AL1696-20CS7-13 is an LED Driver IC manufactured by Diodes Incorporated, designed for AC/DC offline switching applications with Triac dimming capability. This component operates as a 1-output power management IC with 2A output current capacity, supporting step-down (buck) and step-up (boost) topologies. The part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for new designs and ongoing production requirements. Active alternatives with comparable or enhanced specifications are available from multiple manufacturers.

Substiute Parts

AL1696-20CS7-13

Diodes IncorporatedIn Stock: 11098AL1696-20CS7-13 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

AL1698K-20CS7-13

Diodes IncorporatedIn Stock: 4989AL1698K-20CS7-13 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

HVLED815PFTR

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 39366HVLED815PFTR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

LNK410LG

Power IntegrationsIn Stock: 1164LNK410LG Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MP4032-1GS

Monolithic Power Systems Inc.In Stock: 5672MP4032-1GS Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MP4060GK

Monolithic Power Systems Inc.In Stock: 1186MP4060GK Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the AL1696-20CS7-13 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Type & Topology: AC/DC offline switcher with buck/boost capability
• Dimming Method: Triac dimming support for LED lighting applications
• Output Configuration: Single output, 1-2A current range
• Supply Voltage Range: 8.5V-18V nominal operating window
• Package Compatibility: 7-8 lead SOIC or equivalent surface mount packages
• Thermal Rating: -40°C to 105°C minimum operating range
• Compliance: ROHS3 compliance required

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Category A - Direct Replacements (Diodes Incorporated AL1698K-20CS7-13): Same manufacturer, enhanced active product status, compatible topology with extended supply voltage range (7.3V-7.5V), identical package and lead configuration, identical current rating (2A), and identical thermal specifications.

Category B - Functional Equivalents (STMicroelectronics HVLED815PFTR, Power Integrations LNK410LG, Monolithic Power Systems MP4032-1GS, MP4060GK): Alternative manufacturers offering AC/DC offline switcher topologies with Triac dimming, compatible package footprints or pin-compatible alternatives, active product status, and ROHS3 compliance. These parts accommodate varying supply voltage ranges and current requirements suitable for LED lighting applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

AL1698K-20CS7-13 is the primary recommended substitute. This part maintains identical electrical specifications (2A output current, 8.5V-18V supply range), package configuration (8-SOIC, 7 leads), and thermal operating range (-40°C to 105°C). The AL1698K-20CS7-13 is manufactured by the same supplier (Diodes Incorporated), carries active product status, and is ROHS3 compliant with unlimited moisture sensitivity rating (MSL 1). This substitution requires no circuit redesign or PCB layout modifications.

HVLED815PFTR (STMicroelectronics) is suitable for applications requiring higher supply voltage tolerance (11.5V-23V) and extended thermal performance (-40°C to 150°C). This part uses PWM dimming instead of Triac dimming and operates in a 16-SOIC package, requiring PCB layout changes. Selection is appropriate when supply voltage specifications exceed the AL1696 range and PWM dimming is acceptable.

LNK410LG (Power Integrations) accommodates high-voltage AC input (36V-725V) with higher output current (4.9A) and operates at -40°C to 150°C. This part uses through-hole mounting (7-SSIP package), requiring significant PCB redesign. Selection is appropriate for high-power LED driver applications with direct AC mains input.

MP4032-1GS (Monolithic Power Systems) provides Triac dimming in an 8-SOIC package compatible with AL1696 footprint. Supply voltage range (10.3V-27V) and output current (1A) differ from the original specification. This part is suitable for lower-power applications and carries MSL 2 rating requiring 1-year shelf life management.

MP4060GK (Monolithic Power Systems) operates directly from AC mains (200VAC-265VAC) with Buck/Boost topology and Triac dimming in a 10-MSOP package. This part requires PCB redesign and is suitable for direct AC input applications without intermediate DC conversion.

All substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and are currently in active production status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain stability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can AL1698K-20CS7-13 be used as a direct drop-in replacement for AL1696-20CS7-13?

A: Yes. The AL1698K-20CS7-13 is pin-compatible and functionally equivalent. Both parts use identical 8-SOIC 7-lead packages, operate within the same supply voltage range (7.3V-7.5V for AL1698K vs. 8.5V-18V for AL1696), deliver 2A output current, support Triac dimming, and operate across -40°C to 105°C. No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What is the primary difference between Triac dimming and PWM dimming?

A: Triac dimming modulates the AC input voltage phase angle to control LED brightness, suitable for direct AC mains applications. PWM dimming uses high-frequency pulse-width modulation on the DC output. HVLED815PFTR uses PWM dimming, requiring different dimmer interface circuitry than the original Triac-based design.

Q: Why does LNK410LG have a higher current rating (4.9A) than the original part (2A)?

A: LNK410LG is designed for higher-power LED driver applications and operates from high-voltage AC input (36V-725V). The higher current rating reflects its intended application scope. Selection depends on actual power requirements; oversizing current capacity does not improve performance in lower-power designs.

Q: Can MP4032-1GS replace AL1696-20CS7-13 in existing designs?

A: MP4032-1GS is functionally compatible but has reduced output current (1A vs. 2A) and different supply voltage range (10.3V-27V). It is suitable only for applications requiring ≤1A output current. The 8-SOIC package is footprint-compatible, but circuit validation is required to confirm adequate power delivery.

Q: What does MSL rating mean, and why does it vary among substitutes?

A: Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) indicates how long a component can be stored in standard conditions (23°C, 50% relative humidity) before moisture absorption requires baking. MSL 1 (unlimited storage) is preferred for supply chain flexibility. HVLED815PFTR (MSL 3, 168 hours) requires stricter moisture management and shorter shelf life windows.

Q: Is package footprint compatibility sufficient for substitution?

A: Package footprint compatibility is necessary but not sufficient. Electrical specifications (supply voltage, output current, dimming method, topology) must also match application requirements. MP4060GK, for example, requires direct AC mains input (200VAC-265VAC), making it unsuitable for designs using DC supply voltages.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitutes carry ROHS3 compliance certification. LNK410LG carries RoHS compliance (not specifically ROHS3). All parts meet environmental and hazardous substance restrictions for EU and equivalent markets.