DC56-51EWA 7-Segment LED Display - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The DC56-51EWA is a dual-character 7-segment LED display module manufactured by Kingbright, featuring a 0.56-inch red display with common cathode configuration. This component is classified as "Not For New Designs," indicating it has reached end-of-life status. The part operates at 2V forward voltage with 20mA test current and is housed in an 18-DIP package. Due to its discontinued status, equivalent substitute parts from active manufacturers are necessary for ongoing production requirements and design continuity.

Substiute Parts

DC56-51EWA

KingbrightIn Stock: 898DC56-51EWA Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

HDSP-523E

Broadcom LimitedIn Stock: 1326HDSP-523E Datasheet

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HDSP-K213

Broadcom LimitedIn Stock: 3358HDSP-K213 Datasheet

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LTD-5260HR

Lite-On Inc.In Stock: 1032LTD-5260HR Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the DC56-51EWA is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

• Number of Characters: 2 (exact match required)
• Display Type: 7-Segment (exact match required)
• Common Pin Configuration: Common Cathode (exact match required)
• Package / Case: 18-DIP (0.600", 15.24mm) (exact match required)
• Voltage - Forward (Vf) Typical: 2V ±0.05V tolerance
• Current - Test: 20mA (exact match required)

Secondary Consideration:

• Digit/Alpha Size: 0.56" (14.22mm) preferred; minor variations acceptable within mechanical envelope constraints

The substitute parts listed below meet these primary criteria and maintain functional and mechanical compatibility with the original DC56-51EWA specification.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

HDSP-K213 (Broadcom Limited) - Primary Substitute

The HDSP-K213 is the closest functional equivalent to the DC56-51EWA. It maintains identical electrical specifications (2V forward voltage, 20mA test current), identical digit size (0.56"), and identical package configuration (18-DIP). The part is currently in Active product status, ensuring long-term availability. ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity level (MSL 1) match the original specification. The primary difference is packaging format (Bulk versus Tube), which does not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility. This part is suitable for direct substitution in existing designs.

HDSP-523E (Broadcom Limited) - Secondary Substitute

The HDSP-523E maintains all critical compatibility parameters: 2-character display, 7-segment configuration, common cathode, 18-DIP package, and 20mA test current. Forward voltage is 2.05V, within acceptable tolerance of the original 2V specification. The part is Active status with ROHS3 compliance. The primary trade-off is reduced brightness (4mcd versus 6.4mcd original) and slightly different wavelength (640nm versus 627nm). This part is suitable for applications where brightness reduction is acceptable.

LTD-5260HR (Lite-On Inc.) - Tertiary Substitute

The LTD-5260HR meets all primary compatibility criteria with identical electrical specifications (2V, 20mA, common cathode, 18-DIP). The digit size is 0.52" instead of 0.56", representing a 7% reduction in display height. This part is Active status with ROHS3 compliance. The reduced brightness (2.2mcd) and smaller digit size make this suitable only for applications where display size reduction is acceptable and brightness requirements are lower.

All substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating, matching the original part's environmental specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can HDSP-523E be used as a direct replacement for DC56-51EWA?

A: HDSP-523E is functionally compatible but with electrical variance. The forward voltage is 2.05V compared to 2V, and brightness is reduced to 4mcd from 6.4mcd. It is suitable for substitution in applications where this brightness reduction does not impact system performance. All other parameters—package, pin configuration, character count, and display type—are identical.

Q: What is the key difference between HDSP-K213 and HDSP-523E?

A: Both are Broadcom products with identical electrical and mechanical specifications to the original DC56-51EWA. HDSP-K213 is supplied in Bulk packaging, while HDSP-523E is supplied in Tube packaging. HDSP-K213 has higher brightness (2.8mcd) than HDSP-523E (4mcd). HDSP-K213 is the preferred substitute for direct replacement.

Q: Why is LTD-5260HR listed as a substitute if the digit size is different?

A: LTD-5260HR meets all critical electrical and package compatibility requirements (2V, 20mA, common cathode, 18-DIP, 2-character 7-segment). The 0.52" digit size versus 0.56" original represents a 7% height reduction. This part is listed as a substitute for applications where this dimensional difference is acceptable within the mechanical envelope. Verification of PCB layout and display visibility is required before implementation.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts (HDSP-523E, HDSP-K213, and LTD-5260HR) are ROHS3 compliant, matching the original DC56-51EWA specification.

Q: What is the impact of wavelength differences between substitute parts?

A: The original DC56-51EWA operates at 627nm peak wavelength. HDSP-K213 operates at 635nm, HDSP-523E at 640nm, and LTD-5260HR at 635nm. These differences represent shifts in the red spectrum. For applications with color-critical requirements or optical filtering, wavelength variance must be evaluated against system specifications.

Q: Can packaging format (Tube versus Bulk) affect compatibility?

A: Packaging format affects handling, storage, and supply chain logistics but does not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility. HDSP-K213 (Bulk) and HDSP-523E (Tube) are electrically identical; packaging selection depends on production volume and inventory management requirements.

Q: Is the DC56-51EWA still available for purchase?

A: The DC56-51EWA is classified as "Not For New Designs," indicating end-of-life status. Current inventory of 846 pieces is available, but long-term availability is not guaranteed. For new designs and ongoing production, substitution to an Active status part (HDSP-K213, HDSP-523E, or LTD-5260HR) is recommended.