LA-301BL 7-Segment Display - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The LA-301BL is a single-character 7-segment LED display module manufactured by Rohm Semiconductor. It features a blue light-emitting diode configuration with common cathode architecture, designed for numeric and character display applications. The device operates at 3.6V forward voltage with a 10mA test current and delivers 56mcd brightness output.

The LA-301BL carries a "Not For New Designs" product status, indicating that Rohm Semiconductor has discontinued active development for this component. This status necessitates identification of functionally equivalent alternatives for ongoing production requirements, maintenance applications, and design updates.

Substiute Parts

LA-301BL

Rohm SemiconductorIn Stock: 2129LA-301BL Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

HDSP-U503

Broadcom LimitedIn Stock: 933HDSP-U503 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the LA-301BL is determined by the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Compatibility Parameters:

• Display Type: 7-Segment configuration
• Number of Characters: Single character (1)
• Common Pin Configuration: Common Cathode
• Package Type: 10-DIP (0.209", 5.30mm)
• Digit Size: 0.31" (8.00mm)

Flexible Parameters (Allow Variation):

• Color: Blue (primary specification, but green alternatives may be considered for specific applications)
• Forward Voltage (Vf): 3.6V nominal (substitutes with different Vf values require circuit redesign)
• Brightness Rating: 56mcd (substitutes with lower brightness may impact visibility)
• Physical Dimensions: Minor variations acceptable within DIP package constraints

The HDSP-U503 substitute part shares identical package, pinout, display type, character count, and common cathode configuration. However, it differs in color (green vs. blue), forward voltage (2.1V vs. 3.6V), and brightness rating (6.8mcd vs. 56mcd). These differences require evaluation based on application requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

LA-301BL Selection Criteria:

• Retain for existing designs where blue color output is functionally required
• Suitable for legacy system maintenance where component replacement is necessary
• Acceptable for applications where 56mcd brightness and 3.6V forward voltage are specified design parameters
• Product status "Not For New Designs" restricts use to sustaining engineering and production support

HDSP-U503 Selection Criteria:

• Preferred for new designs requiring 7-segment single-character display functionality
• Active product status ensures long-term availability and manufacturer support
• Suitable for applications where green color output is acceptable or preferred
• Lower forward voltage (2.1V) and reduced power dissipation (105mW vs. 336mW) provide circuit design advantages
• Significantly lower brightness rating (6.8mcd vs. 56mcd) requires application-specific visibility assessment
• Direct 10-DIP package compatibility enables straightforward PCB layout reuse

Compliance Considerations: Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, satisfying regulatory requirements for electronics manufacturing and distribution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can HDSP-U503 be used as a direct replacement for LA-301BL in existing circuits?

A: Direct pin-for-pin substitution is possible due to identical 10-DIP package configuration and common cathode pinout. However, circuit modifications are required. The HDSP-U503 operates at 2.1V forward voltage compared to LA-301BL's 3.6V, necessitating recalculation of current-limiting resistor values. Additionally, the HDSP-U503 produces 6.8mcd brightness versus 56mcd for the LA-301BL, which may impact display visibility depending on ambient lighting conditions and application requirements.

Q: What are the key differences between LA-301BL and HDSP-U503?

A: The primary differences are color (blue vs. green), forward voltage (3.6V vs. 2.1V), brightness (56mcd vs. 6.8mcd), and product status (discontinued vs. active). Both share identical display type (7-segment), character count (1), package (10-DIP), and digit size (0.31"). The HDSP-U503 consumes significantly less power (105mW vs. 336mW maximum dissipation).

Q: Is the HDSP-U503 suitable for applications requiring high brightness?

A: The HDSP-U503's 6.8mcd brightness rating is substantially lower than the LA-301BL's 56mcd. Applications requiring high visibility in bright ambient lighting conditions should evaluate whether this reduced brightness meets performance specifications. Brightness requirements depend on viewing distance, ambient light levels, and human perception thresholds specific to each application.

Q: Are there any packaging or mechanical compatibility concerns?

A: Both parts use 10-DIP (0.209", 5.30mm) packaging with identical pinout. Physical dimensions are nearly identical, with only a 0.1mm width difference (7.00mm vs. 7.10mm), which is negligible for standard PCB layouts. No mechanical redesign is required for package substitution.

Q: What compliance certifications apply to both parts?

A: Both LA-301BL and HDSP-U503 are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current regulatory requirements for electronics manufacturing and distribution in regulated markets.

Q: Why is LA-301BL marked "Not For New Designs"?

A: This status indicates that Rohm Semiconductor has discontinued active development and support for the LA-301BL. New designs should utilize active products such as the HDSP-U503 to ensure long-term component availability, manufacturer support, and design continuity.