L14C2 Phototransistor 880nm Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The L14C2 is an 880nm phototransistor manufactured by onsemi in a TO-206AA (TO-18-3 Metal Can) through-hole package. This optical sensor is classified as obsolete, with 2200 units currently in stock. The part operates across a wide temperature range of -65°C to 125°C and features a 50V collector-emitter breakdown voltage with 100nA maximum dark current. Due to its obsolete status, equivalent substitute parts from active manufacturers are necessary for new designs and long-term supply chain continuity.

Key Parameters

Parameter	L14C2 Specification
Manufacturer	onsemi
Wavelength	880nm
Package / Case	TO-206AA, TO-18-3 Metal Can
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Orientation	Top View
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	50 V
Current - Dark (Id) (Max)	100 nA
Power - Max	300 mW
Viewing Angle	80°
Operating Temperature	-65°C ~ 125°C
Product Status	Obsolete
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the L14C2 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Package Compatibility: All substitute parts must use the TO-206AA (TO-18-3 Metal Can) through-hole package with top-view orientation to ensure mechanical and electrical compatibility with existing PCB layouts.

Wavelength Range: The L14C2 operates at 880nm. Substitute parts with wavelengths between 850nm and 890nm are functionally equivalent, as phototransistor spectral response curves overlap within this near-infrared range and maintain comparable sensitivity characteristics.

Electrical Ratings: Substitute parts must maintain dark current specifications at or below 100nA and support the same mounting configuration. Voltage and power ratings may exceed the original specification without compromising compatibility.

Product Status: Active substitute parts ensure ongoing availability and supply chain reliability compared to the obsolete L14C2.

The following parts meet these substitution criteria: BPW76A, BPW76B (Vishay), OP800A, OP800WSL, OP801WSL, and OP802WSL (TT Electronics/Optek Technology).

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	L14C2	BPW76A	BPW76B	OP800A	OP800WSL	OP801WSL	OP802WSL
Manufacturer	onsemi	Vishay	Vishay	TT Electronics/Optek	TT Electronics/Optek	TT Electronics/Optek	TT Electronics/Optek
Wavelength	880nm	850nm	850nm	890nm	890nm	890nm	890nm
Package / Case	TO-206AA	TO-206AA	TO-206AA	TO-206AA	TO-206AA	TO-206AA	TO-206AA
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Orientation	Top View	Top View	Top View	Top View	Top View	Top View	Top View
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	50 V	70 V	70 V	30 V	30 V	30 V	30 V
Current - Dark (Id) (Max)	100 nA	100 nA	100 nA	100 nA	100 nA	100 nA	100 nA
Power - Max	300 mW	250 mW	250 mW	250 mW	250 mW	250 mW	250 mW
Viewing Angle	80°	80°	80°	—	—	—	—
Operating Temperature	-65°C ~ 125°C	-40°C ~ 125°C	-40°C ~ 125°C	-65°C ~ 125°C	-65°C ~ 125°C	-65°C ~ 125°C	-65°C ~ 125°C
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active
RoHS Status	—	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)
REACH Status	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected
ECCN	EAR99	EAR99	EAR99	EAR99	EAR99	EAR99	EAR99

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For New Designs: Select from active manufacturer alternatives. The OP802WSL offers the highest inventory availability (12,923 units) and maintains the full operating temperature range (-65°C to 125°C) matching the L14C2. The BPW76A and BPW76B from Vishay provide higher voltage ratings (70V) if circuit design permits, though they operate only to -40°C minimum.

For Temperature-Critical Applications: OP800A, OP800WSL, OP801WSL, and OP802WSL all support the extended -65°C to 125°C range. The BPW76A and BPW76B are limited to -40°C minimum and are unsuitable for applications requiring full low-temperature performance.

For Voltage-Constrained Designs: BPW76A and BPW76B provide 70V breakdown voltage, exceeding the L14C2's 50V rating. OP800-series parts are rated at 30V and require circuit verification if the original design operated near 50V limits.

Compliance Considerations: All substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting modern regulatory requirements. The L14C2's obsolete status necessitates migration to active alternatives for long-term supply assurance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BPW76A or BPW76B replace L14C2 in all applications?

A: BPW76A and BPW76B are mechanically and electrically compatible in package and dark current specifications. However, they operate only to -40°C minimum temperature, compared to L14C2's -65°C lower limit. Applications requiring operation below -40°C must use OP800-series alternatives.

Q: What is the significance of the 850nm to 890nm wavelength variation?

A: The L14C2 operates at 880nm, BPW76 variants at 850nm, and OP800-series at 890nm. These wavelengths fall within the near-infrared spectrum where phototransistor spectral response curves overlap. Substitution is valid when the light source wavelength is compatible with the sensor's peak sensitivity range.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same package?

A: Yes. All substitute parts use the TO-206AA (TO-18-3 Metal Can) through-hole package with top-view orientation, ensuring direct mechanical compatibility with existing PCB layouts.

Q: Which substitute offers the best supply continuity?

A: OP802WSL provides the highest inventory level at 12,923 units and is manufactured by an active supplier. This part is recommended for new designs requiring long-term availability assurance.

Q: Do substitute parts require circuit redesign?

A: No circuit redesign is required for dark current or package compatibility. However, designs operating near the L14C2's 50V maximum should verify compatibility with OP800-series parts rated at 30V, or select BPW76 variants rated at 70V.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS compliant?

A: Yes. All substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant. The L14C2's compliance status is not specified in available documentation.

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