LC15A Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The LC15A is an active Microchip Technology transient voltage suppressor diode designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This unidirectional zener TVS diode operates with a 15V reverse standoff voltage and provides 24.4V maximum clamping voltage at peak pulse current. The device is supplied in bulk packaging with DO-13 (DO-202AA) through-hole mounting configuration and maintains an active product status with 38,400 units in current inventory.

Equivalent and substitute parts are identified to address packaging preferences, supply chain availability, compliance requirements, and thermal operating range specifications while maintaining electrical performance within the defined parameter boundaries.

Substiute Parts

LC15A

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 38473LC15A Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

LCE15A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 2372LCE15A Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

LCE18A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1007LCE18A Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the LC15A are identified based on strict electrical and mechanical parameter compatibility. The substitution logic applies the following criteria:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 15V (exact match required)
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 24.4V (exact match required)
• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): 61A (exact match required)
• Power - Peak Pulse: 1500W (exact match required)
• Type: Zener (exact match required)
• Unidirectional Channels: 1 (exact match required)
• Mounting Type: Through Hole (exact match required)

Secondary Compatibility Parameters:

• Operating Temperature Range: Minimum -55°C acceptable (LC15A operates -65°C to 175°C)
• Package / Case: DO-201AA, DO-27, or Axial acceptable (alternative through-hole configurations)
• RoHS Status: Compliance preferred but not mandatory for substitution
• Product Status: Active required

Parts meeting all primary criteria are classified as direct electrical equivalents. Packaging and compliance variations are noted for application-specific selection.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

LCE15A (Littelfuse Inc.) - Direct Electrical Equivalent

The LCE15A is a direct electrical equivalent to the LC15A. All primary electrical parameters match exactly: 15V reverse standoff voltage, 24.4V clamping voltage, and 61A peak pulse current. Both devices deliver 1500W peak pulse power and feature single unidirectional zener channels in through-hole configurations.

The LCE15A differs in packaging (DO-201 versus DO-13) and compliance status (ROHS3 Compliant versus RoHS non-compliant). The operating temperature range is -55°C to 175°C, which provides a narrower low-temperature specification than the LC15A (-65°C minimum). Selection of the LCE15A is appropriate for applications where RoHS3 compliance is required and operating temperatures remain above -55°C.

LCE18A (Littelfuse Inc.) - Voltage-Rated Substitute

The LCE18A is a higher voltage-rated alternative with 18V reverse standoff voltage and 29.2V maximum clamping voltage. Peak pulse current is reduced to 51A compared to the LC15A's 61A specification. Both devices maintain 1500W peak pulse power rating.

The LCE18A is suitable for applications requiring higher voltage protection thresholds. This part is not a direct replacement but functions as a substitute in circuits where the elevated voltage ratings are compatible with system requirements. The LCE18A is ROHS3 compliant with operating temperature range of -55°C to 175°C.

Compliance and Availability Considerations

The LC15A (Microchip) maintains the highest inventory level at 38,400 units. The LCE15A (Littelfuse) provides ROHS3 compliance with 2,343 units available. The LCE18A (Littelfuse) offers the highest voltage rating with 953 units in stock.

Selection between these parts depends on compliance requirements, thermal operating range specifications, packaging constraints, and supply chain considerations. All three devices are active products with established manufacturing support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the LCE15A replace the LC15A in all applications?

A: The LCE15A is electrically equivalent to the LC15A for all primary parameters: reverse standoff voltage, clamping voltage, and peak pulse current. The primary differences are packaging (DO-201 versus DO-13) and operating temperature range (-55°C to 175°C versus -65°C to 175°C). Substitution is valid for applications operating above -55°C and where DO-201 package footprints are acceptable.

Q: What is the difference between the LC15A and LCE18A?

A: The LCE18A has a higher voltage rating (18V reverse standoff, 29.2V clamping) compared to the LC15A (15V reverse standoff, 24.4V clamping). The LCE18A peak pulse current is 51A versus 61A for the LC15A. Both maintain 1500W peak pulse power. The LCE18A is used in applications requiring higher voltage protection thresholds.

Q: Are there package compatibility issues between DO-13 and DO-201?

A: DO-13 (DO-202AA) and DO-201 are both axial through-hole packages but have different physical dimensions and lead spacing. PCB footprints designed for one package may not accommodate the other without layout modifications. Verify footprint compatibility before substitution.

Q: Does RoHS compliance affect electrical performance?

A: RoHS compliance status does not affect electrical performance. The LC15A (RoHS non-compliant) and LCE15A (ROHS3 Compliant) deliver identical electrical specifications. RoHS status is a manufacturing and environmental compliance designation relevant to procurement and regulatory requirements, not circuit functionality.

Q: What is the minimum operating temperature for each part?

A: The LC15A operates from -65°C to 175°C. The LCE15A and LCE18A both operate from -55°C to 175°C. Applications requiring operation below -55°C must use the LC15A.

Q: Can I use the LCE18A as a direct replacement for the LC15A?

A: The LCE18A is not a direct replacement. While both are unidirectional zener TVS diodes with 1500W peak pulse power, the LCE18A has higher voltage ratings (18V standoff, 29.2V clamping) and lower peak pulse current (51A). Use the LCE18A only in applications where these higher voltage specifications are compatible with circuit design requirements.

Q: Which part should I select for new designs?

A: For new designs, evaluate based on compliance requirements, thermal operating range, and packaging constraints. The LCE15A (Littelfuse) provides ROHS3 compliance with electrical equivalence to the LC15A. The LC15A (Microchip) is appropriate for applications requiring -65°C minimum operating temperature. The LCE18A (Littelfuse) is selected for higher voltage protection requirements.