LC15 Transient Voltage Suppressor Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The LC15 is an active Microchip Technology transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This unidirectional zener-type TVS diode features a 15V reverse standoff voltage with a 26.9V maximum clamping voltage and 56A peak pulse current capability in a through-hole DO-13 (DO-202AA) package. The component is suitable for protecting sensitive electronic circuits from transient voltage spikes and is rated for operating temperatures from -65°C to 175°C.

Equivalent and substitute parts are necessary when the LC15 becomes unavailable, when alternative packaging formats are required for manufacturing processes, or when design specifications allow for components with comparable electrical performance characteristics within defined parameter tolerances.

Substiute Parts

LC15

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 38133LC15 Datasheet

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LCE15A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 2372LCE15A Datasheet

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LCE18A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1007LCE18A Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the LC15 TVS diode is determined by electrical compatibility within the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff: 15V nominal rating
• Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 16.7V minimum threshold
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: Maximum 26.9V at peak pulse current
• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): Minimum 56A capability
• Power - Peak Pulse: 1500W rating
• Unidirectional zener-type topology
• Through-hole mounting configuration

The substitute parts identified (LCE15A and LCE18A) maintain the same reverse standoff voltage class, breakdown voltage threshold, and peak pulse power rating as the LC15. Both substitute parts are manufactured by Littelfuse Inc. and are classified as active products with general-purpose applications. Variations in clamping voltage and peak pulse current are within acceptable ranges for circuit protection applications where the LC15 is specified.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

LCE15A Selection Criteria: The LCE15A maintains identical reverse standoff voltage (15V) and breakdown voltage (16.7V) specifications as the LC15. The clamping voltage is reduced to 24.4V, providing improved transient suppression performance. Peak pulse current capability is increased to 61A, exceeding the LC15 specification. The LCE15A is ROHS3 compliant, addressing regulatory requirements where the LC15 does not. Operating temperature range is -55°C to 175°C, which is narrower at the lower bound but sufficient for most general-purpose applications. Package format is DO-201 (axial through-hole), requiring PCB layout modification from the DO-13 configuration.

LCE18A Selection Criteria: The LCE18A operates at an 18V reverse standoff voltage with a 20V minimum breakdown voltage, representing a higher voltage class than the LC15. This component is suitable for applications where circuit protection at elevated voltage levels is required. The clamping voltage of 29.2V is slightly higher than the LC15, with peak pulse current of 51A. The LCE18A is ROHS3 compliant and operates across -55°C to 175°C. This substitute is applicable only when circuit design specifications permit operation at the higher voltage rating.

Compliance Considerations: Both substitute parts achieve ROHS3 compliance, whereas the LC15 is RoHS non-compliant. Selection of LCE15A or LCE18A addresses regulatory compliance requirements in applications subject to RoHS directives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the LCE15A directly replace the LC15 in existing PCB designs? A: The LCE15A is electrically compatible with the LC15 for transient voltage suppression. However, the package format differs: LC15 uses DO-13 (DO-202AA) while LCE15A uses DO-201 (axial). PCB footprint modification is required. Both components are through-hole mounted and unidirectional zener-type TVS diodes with matching reverse standoff and breakdown voltages.

Q: What is the primary difference between LCE15A and LCE18A? A: The LCE15A maintains the 15V reverse standoff voltage class of the LC15, while the LCE18A operates at 18V. The LCE18A is suitable for higher-voltage circuit protection applications. Both share identical peak pulse power ratings (1500W) and are ROHS3 compliant.

Q: Are there temperature range limitations when substituting the LC15? A: The LC15 operates from -65°C to 175°C. Both substitute parts (LCE15A and LCE18A) operate from -55°C to 175°C. The upper temperature limit is identical; the lower limit is 10°C higher for the substitutes. Applications requiring operation below -55°C must retain the LC15.

Q: How do clamping voltage differences affect circuit protection? A: The LC15 clamps at 26.9V maximum, while LCE15A clamps at 24.4V and LCE18A at 29.2V. Lower clamping voltage provides more aggressive transient suppression. Circuit design specifications must define acceptable clamping voltage ranges. The LCE15A offers superior suppression performance with its lower clamping voltage.

Q: What packaging considerations apply to these substitutes? A: The LC15 is supplied in bulk packaging (DO-13 through-hole). The LCE15A and LCE18A are supplied in cut tape (CT) packaging with DO-201 axial through-hole configuration. Manufacturing processes using automated pick-and-place equipment may require adjustment for the different package format and tape specifications.

Q: Are all three components suitable for general-purpose applications? A: Yes. The LC15, LCE15A, and LCE18A are all classified for general-purpose transient voltage suppression. None are rated for power line protection. Application suitability depends on matching the reverse standoff voltage to the protected circuit voltage level.