HDSP-523A Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The HDSP-523A is a 2-character red 7-segment LED display module manufactured by Broadcom Limited. This component is classified as Active product status and is designed for numeric and alphanumeric display applications requiring common cathode configuration. The module operates at 1.85V forward voltage with a 20mA test current and delivers 6.5mcd brightness at 660nm peak wavelength. Finding equivalent substitute parts becomes necessary when the primary part experiences supply constraints, inventory limitations, or when design requirements permit alternative electrical or mechanical parameters within acceptable tolerances.

Substiute Parts

HDSP-523A

Broadcom LimitedIn Stock: 963HDSP-523A Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

LDD-C516RI

Lumex Opto/Components Inc.In Stock: 2764LDD-C516RI Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

LTD-6940HR

Lite-On Inc.In Stock: 2056LTD-6940HR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the HDSP-523A are qualified based on the following critical parameters that determine functional and mechanical compatibility:

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)
• Color: Red (exact match required)
• Digit/Alpha Size: 0.56" (14.22mm) (exact match required)
• Package / Case: 18-DIP (0.600", 15.24mm) (exact match required)

Allowable Parameter Variations:

• Voltage - Forward (Vf) Typical: 1.8V to 2.0V range
• Current - Test: 10mA to 20mA range
• Millicandela Rating: 2.4mcd to 13.3mcd range
• Wavelength - Peak: 635nm to 660nm range
• Physical Dimensions: Minor height variations within 0.018" tolerance
• Power Dissipation (Max): 30mW to 100mW range

The two substitute parts listed below meet all primary compatibility criteria and fall within allowable parameter variations.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All three parts maintain Active product status and ROHS3 compliance, confirming ongoing manufacturing support and environmental regulatory adherence. The LDD-C516RI and LTD-6940HR are both qualified substitutes for the HDSP-523A based on matching primary compatibility criteria.

LDD-C516RI (Lumex Opto/Components Inc.): This substitute operates at 1.8V forward voltage with reduced test current of 10mA, resulting in lower power dissipation of 100mW maximum. The higher millicandela rating of 13.3mcd provides increased brightness output. REACH status is Unaffected, matching the original part. Packaging is supplied in Bulk format.

LTD-6940HR (Lite-On Inc.): This substitute operates at 2V forward voltage with matching 20mA test current. The millicandela rating of 2.4mcd is lower than the original part. Wavelength peak is 635nm compared to 660nm in the original. REACH status is Affected, indicating regulatory considerations for certain applications. Packaging is supplied in Tube format.

Selection between substitutes depends on circuit design requirements for forward voltage tolerance, current budget constraints, brightness requirements, and regulatory compliance needs specific to the application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the LDD-C516RI replace the HDSP-523A in existing circuit designs?

A: The LDD-C516RI is mechanically and electrically compatible as a substitute. The lower forward voltage (1.8V vs 1.85V) and reduced test current (10mA vs 20mA) require circuit verification to confirm the design accommodates these parameter differences. The 18-DIP package footprint is identical, enabling direct board-level substitution.

Q: What is the significance of the wavelength difference between the HDSP-523A (660nm) and LTD-6940HR (635nm)?

A: Both wavelengths fall within the red spectrum. The 660nm wavelength (HDSP-523A) produces a deeper red appearance, while 635nm (LTD-6940HR) produces a brighter red-orange appearance. Visual perception differences may be noticeable in side-by-side comparison. Application requirements for color consistency should guide selection.

Q: Why does the LDD-C516RI have higher power dissipation (100mW) despite lower test current?

A: Power dissipation is determined by the product of voltage and current across all segments. The LDD-C516RI specification reflects maximum dissipation under full-segment illumination conditions, which may differ from the test current measurement conditions used for the HDSP-523A.

Q: Are all three parts suitable for new designs?

A: All three parts maintain Active product status. The HDSP-523A, LDD-C516RI, and LTD-6940HR are all currently manufactured and available. Selection for new designs should be based on circuit requirements for forward voltage, current consumption, brightness, and regulatory compliance (REACH status).

Q: What is the impact of REACH Affected status for the LTD-6940HR?

A: REACH Affected status indicates the part contains substances of concern under European chemical regulations. Applications requiring REACH Unaffected compliance should select the HDSP-523A or LDD-C516RI. The LTD-6940HR remains suitable for applications without REACH compliance requirements.

Q: Can these parts be used interchangeably without circuit modification?

A: Direct interchangeability depends on circuit design margins. The forward voltage range spans 1.8V to 2V across the three parts. Circuits designed with tight voltage tolerances may require resistor value adjustments to maintain consistent brightness and current levels. The identical 18-DIP package enables physical substitution, but electrical verification is necessary.