LC16 Transient Voltage Suppressor Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The LC16 is a unidirectional Zener-type transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Microchip Technology, designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This through-hole component operates across a temperature range of -65°C to 175°C and features a 16V reverse standoff voltage with a 28.8V maximum clamping voltage at peak pulse current. The LC16 is classified as an active product with RoHS non-compliant status and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating.

Substitute parts are identified when equivalent electrical performance can be achieved within the specified parameter tolerances while maintaining functional compatibility in the target application circuit.

Substiute Parts

LC16

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1041LC16 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

Substitute parts for the LC16 TVS diode are selected based on electrical parameter compatibility within defined tolerance windows. The primary substitution criteria are:

Voltage Parameters: Reverse standoff voltage, breakdown voltage minimum, and maximum clamping voltage must fall within acceptable ranges to ensure the TVS diode activates at the correct threshold and clamps transient overvoltages to safe levels.

Current Handling: Peak pulse current rating (10/1000µs) must be sufficient to suppress the expected transient energy without component degradation.

Power Dissipation: Peak pulse power rating must match or exceed the application requirement to prevent thermal failure.

Mechanical Compatibility: Through-hole mounting type and package footprint must be compatible with the PCB design.

Temperature Range: Operating temperature specification must encompass the application environment.

Compliance Status: RoHS and REACH compliance certifications are noted for regulatory requirement alignment.

The LC16 has two identified substitute parts: LCE15A and LCE18A, both manufactured by Littelfuse Inc. and classified as active products.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

LCE15A Substitution: The LCE15A operates at a 15V reverse standoff voltage with a 24.4V maximum clamping voltage. This substitute exhibits lower voltage thresholds compared to the LC16. The LCE15A achieves higher peak pulse current (61A versus 52A) and maintains equivalent 1500W peak pulse power. The LCE15A is ROHS3 compliant, whereas the LC16 is non-compliant. Package compatibility requires verification, as the LCE15A uses DO-201 format while the LC16 uses DO-13 (DO-202AA). The LCE15A operating temperature minimum is -55°C, which is 10°C higher than the LC16 specification.

LCE18A Substitution: The LCE18A operates at an 18V reverse standoff voltage with a 29.2V maximum clamping voltage. This substitute exhibits higher voltage thresholds compared to the LC16. The LCE18A achieves comparable peak pulse current (51A versus 52A) and maintains equivalent 1500W peak pulse power. The LCE18A is ROHS3 compliant. Package compatibility requires verification, as the LCE18A uses DO-201 format while the LC16 uses DO-13 (DO-202AA). The LCE18A operating temperature minimum is -55°C, which is 10°C higher than the LC16 specification.

Both substitute parts are active products with unlimited moisture sensitivity rating and REACH unaffected status. Selection between LCE15A and LCE18A depends on the specific voltage protection threshold required by the application circuit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the LCE15A be used as a direct replacement for the LC16?

A: The LCE15A is electrically compatible for general-purpose TVS applications requiring overvoltage suppression. However, the lower reverse standoff voltage (15V versus 16V) and different package format (DO-201 versus DO-13) require circuit verification. PCB footprint compatibility must be confirmed before substitution.

Q: What is the primary difference between the LCE15A and LCE18A substitutes?

A: The LCE15A provides lower voltage threshold protection (15V standoff, 24.4V clamp) with higher peak pulse current capability (61A). The LCE18A provides higher voltage threshold protection (18V standoff, 29.2V clamp) with slightly lower peak pulse current (51A). Both maintain 1500W peak pulse power rating. Selection depends on the application's required voltage suppression level.

Q: Are there package compatibility concerns with these substitutes?

A: Yes. The LC16 uses DO-13 (DO-202AA) package format, while both LCE15A and LCE18A use DO-201 package format. Although both are through-hole axial components, the physical dimensions and PCB footprint differ. PCB layout verification is required before substitution.

Q: How do the operating temperature ranges compare?

A: The LC16 operates from -65°C to 175°C. Both LCE15A and LCE18A operate from -55°C to 175°C. The LC16 provides 10°C lower temperature operation. Applications requiring operation below -55°C must retain the LC16.

Q: What is the compliance difference between the LC16 and its substitutes?

A: The LC16 is RoHS non-compliant. Both LCE15A and LCE18A are ROHS3 compliant. Applications subject to RoHS regulatory requirements must use LCE15A or LCE18A. All three parts are REACH unaffected and classified under ECCN EAR99.

Q: Do the substitute parts have the same peak pulse power rating?

A: Yes. The LC16, LCE15A, and LCE18A all feature 1500W (1.5kW) peak pulse power rating, ensuring equivalent energy dissipation capability during transient suppression events.

Q: How does peak pulse current affect substitution suitability?

A: The LC16 handles 52A peak pulse current. The LCE15A handles 61A (higher capability), and the LCE18A handles 51A (comparable). Higher current capability provides additional margin for transient suppression. Applications with peak pulse current requirements below 51A can use either substitute without current-related limitations.