CL520K4-G LED Driver IC Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The CL520K4-G is a linear LED driver IC manufactured by Microchip Technology, designed for single-output lighting and signage applications. This surface-mount component operates across a wide supply voltage range (4.75V to 90V) with a 20mA output current capability in a TO-252 (DPAK) package. The part is currently in active production status with 2341 units in stock.

Substitute parts are identified when equivalent electrical performance can be achieved within the allowed parameter tolerances for this product category, considering supply voltage ranges, output current ratings, package compatibility, and operational temperature specifications.

Substiute Parts

CL520K4-G

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 2382CL520K4-G Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

NCR402TR

Nexperia USA Inc.In Stock: 2701NCR402TR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

TL4242TDRJRQ1

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 35474TL4242TDRJRQ1 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

TSCR402CX6 RFG

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 1380TSCR402CX6 RFG Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the CL520K4-G are qualified based on the following criteria:

Primary Substitution Parameters:

• Single output LED driver topology (linear type)
• Output current capability of 20mA or greater
• Supply voltage range compatibility or overlap with 4.75V minimum
• Surface-mount packaging suitable for PCB integration
• Operating temperature range meeting or exceeding -40°C to 125°C
• RoHS3 compliance and equivalent regulatory status

Secondary Considerations:

• Package form factor (TO-252, TO-236, SOT-23, or 8-SON packages acceptable for different board layouts)
• Automotive qualification (AEC-Q100/Q101) where applicable
• Moisture sensitivity level and storage requirements

The three identified substitutes (NCR402TR, TL4242TDRJRQ1, TSCR402CX6 RFG) meet the core electrical requirements for LED driver functionality, though each presents distinct trade-offs in current rating, voltage range, and package form factor.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

NCR402TR (Nexperia USA Inc.)

• Maintains 20mA output current matching the CL520K4-G specification
• Reduced maximum supply voltage (18V vs. 90V) limits applicability to lower-voltage lighting circuits
• Automotive-qualified (AEC-Q101) with extended temperature range (-55°C to 150°C)
• Smaller package footprint (TO-236-3 vs. TO-252-3) suitable for space-constrained designs
• Superior moisture sensitivity (MSL 1 vs. MSL 3) for extended storage
• Active product status with 2628 units in stock

TL4242TDRJRQ1 (Texas Instruments)

• Significantly higher output current capability (500mA vs. 20mA) for high-brightness LED applications
• Moderate supply voltage range (4.5V to 42V) covers mid-range lighting requirements
• Automotive-qualified (AEC-Q100) with internal switch integration
• Compact 8-SON package for dense PCB layouts
• Active product status with highest inventory availability (35400 units)
• Operating temperature limited to -40°C to 105°C (lower maximum than CL520K4-G)

TSCR402CX6 RFG (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation)

• Intermediate output current (65mA) between CL520K4-G and TL4242TDRJRQ1
• Supply voltage range (40V maximum) suitable for mid-voltage applications
• Extended temperature range (-55°C to 150°C) for demanding environments
• Automotive-qualified with MSL 1 rating
• Obsolete product status with limited future availability (1343 units in stock)
• SOT-23-6 package requires board redesign from TO-252 footprint

Recommendation Priority: For direct replacement in active production designs, NCR402TR is preferred due to matching output current, active status, and automotive qualification. TL4242TDRJRQ1 is suitable for applications requiring higher current capability. TSCR402CX6 RFG should be avoided for new designs due to obsolete status.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can NCR402TR directly replace CL520K4-G in all applications? A: NCR402TR matches the 20mA output current specification but operates at a maximum supply voltage of 18V compared to CL520K4-G's 90V. Direct substitution is valid only for circuits operating within the 18V maximum supply voltage limit. PCB layout modifications are required due to different package form factors (TO-236-3 vs. TO-252-3).

Q: What is the primary advantage of TL4242TDRJRQ1 over CL520K4-G? A: TL4242TDRJRQ1 provides 500mA output current capability, enabling higher-brightness LED applications compared to the 20mA rating of CL520K4-G. This higher current capacity makes it suitable for multi-LED arrays or high-intensity lighting circuits. The trade-off is a reduced maximum supply voltage (42V vs. 90V) and lower maximum operating temperature (105°C vs. 125°C).

Q: Why is TSCR402CX6 RFG listed as a substitute if it is obsolete? A: TSCR402CX6 RFG is included in the substitute list based on manufacturer cross-reference data. However, its obsolete status indicates limited future availability. This part should not be selected for new product designs. Existing designs using this part should transition to NCR402TR or TL4242TDRJRQ1 during the next design cycle.

Q: Are package changes required when substituting these parts? A: Yes. CL520K4-G uses TO-252-3 (DPAK) packaging. NCR402TR requires TO-236-3 (SOT-23-3) footprint modifications. TL4242TDRJRQ1 uses 8-WDFN packaging. TSCR402CX6 RFG uses SOT-23-6 packaging. Each substitution requires PCB layout redesign and thermal management evaluation.

Q: Which substitute offers the best long-term availability? A: TL4242TDRJRQ1 from Texas Instruments has the highest inventory (35400 units) and active product status, ensuring long-term supply continuity. NCR402TR (2628 units, active) is the second choice. TSCR402CX6 RFG should not be considered for new designs due to obsolete status.

Q: Do all substitutes meet RoHS3 compliance? A: Yes. CL520K4-G, NCR402TR, TL4242TDRJRQ1, and TSCR402CX6 RFG are all ROHS3 compliant with REACH unaffected status, meeting equivalent environmental and regulatory requirements.

Q: What is the moisture sensitivity impact when substituting? A: CL520K4-G has MSL 3 (168 hours). NCR402TR and TSCR402CX6 RFG have superior MSL 1 (unlimited) ratings, allowing extended storage without baking. TL4242TDRJRQ1 matches CL520K4-G at MSL 3. Lower MSL ratings reduce moisture-related failures during manufacturing and storage.