LC16A Transient Voltage Suppressor Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The LC16A is a unidirectional Zener transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Microchip Technology, designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This through-hole component operates with a 16V reverse standoff voltage and provides 26V maximum clamping voltage at peak pulse current. The LC16A is classified as an active product with unlimited moisture sensitivity rating and is suitable for circuit protection in industrial and commercial electronics.

Substitute parts are identified when equivalent electrical performance can be maintained within the specified parameter tolerances while accommodating different packaging formats or manufacturer sourcing requirements.

Substiute Parts

LC16A

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1107LC16A 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 LC16A are qualified based on the following electrical and mechanical criteria:

Primary Substitution Parameters:

• Unidirectional Zener TVS diode topology (1 channel)
• Through-hole mounting configuration
• Peak pulse power rating of 1500W (1.5kW)
• Operating temperature range compatibility
• General-purpose overvoltage protection application class

Voltage Operating Window: Substitute parts must operate within a reverse standoff voltage range of 15V to 18V and maintain clamping voltages between 24.4V and 29.2V at their respective peak pulse currents. This voltage window ensures functional equivalence for circuits designed around the LC16A's 16V standoff specification.

Current Handling: Peak pulse current ratings for qualified substitutes range from 51A to 61A, maintaining the 1500W peak pulse power envelope across the voltage range.

Package Compatibility: Substitute parts utilize DO-201 (DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial) through-hole packages, which are mechanically compatible with standard PCB footprints designed for axial lead components.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

LC16A (Microchip Technology): Select the LC16A for applications requiring the original specification with DO-13 package form factor. This part is active and available with 1091 units in stock. The LC16A operates across an extended temperature range of -65°C to 175°C, providing broader thermal performance than substitute options. RoHS non-compliance status must be evaluated against project regulatory requirements.

LCE15A (Littelfuse Inc.): The LCE15A operates at a 15V reverse standoff voltage with 24.4V clamping voltage and 61A peak pulse current. This substitute is ROHS3 compliant and suitable for applications where lower standoff voltage is acceptable. The LCE15A is available in DO-201 package format with 2343 units in stock. Operating temperature range is -55°C to 175°C. Select this part when RoHS3 compliance is required and the lower voltage rating aligns with circuit protection requirements.

LCE18A (Littelfuse Inc.): The LCE18A operates at an 18V reverse standoff voltage with 29.2V clamping voltage and 51A peak pulse current. This substitute is ROHS3 compliant and suitable for applications where higher standoff voltage is required. The LCE18A is available in DO-201 package format with 953 units in stock. Operating temperature range is -55°C to 175°C. Select this part when RoHS3 compliance is required and the higher voltage rating is necessary for circuit protection.

Regulatory Compliance Consideration: LCE15A and LCE18A substitutes carry ROHS3 compliance certification, while the LC16A is RoHS non-compliant. Project requirements for environmental and regulatory compliance must determine part selection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the LCE15A substitute for the LC16A in all applications?

A: The LCE15A operates at 15V reverse standoff voltage compared to the LC16A's 16V specification. Substitution is valid for circuits where the lower standoff voltage provides adequate protection margin. The LCE15A delivers higher peak pulse current (61A vs. 57A) and maintains the same 1500W peak pulse power rating. Package compatibility requires PCB footprint adjustment from DO-13 to DO-201 format.

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

A: The LCE15A and LCE18A differ in voltage rating and current handling. The LCE15A operates at 15V standoff with 24.4V clamping and 61A peak pulse current. The LCE18A operates at 18V standoff with 29.2V clamping and 51A peak pulse current. Both maintain 1500W peak pulse power and are ROHS3 compliant. Selection depends on the required voltage protection window for the specific application.

Q: Are the DO-201 and DO-13 packages mechanically interchangeable?

A: DO-201 (DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial) and DO-13 (DO-202AA) are both through-hole axial lead packages but have different physical dimensions and lead spacing. PCB footprint redesign is required to accommodate package substitution. Both package types are suitable for standard through-hole assembly processes.

Q: What is the operating temperature difference between the LC16A and substitute parts?

A: The LC16A operates across -65°C to 175°C, while LCE15A and LCE18A operate across -55°C to 175°C. The LC16A provides 10°C additional low-temperature performance. For applications requiring operation below -55°C, the LC16A is the appropriate selection.

Q: Does RoHS compliance affect part selection?

A: RoHS compliance status is a regulatory requirement determined by project scope and market destination. The LC16A is RoHS non-compliant, while LCE15A and LCE18A are ROHS3 compliant. Projects subject to RoHS3 regulations must select LCE15A or LCE18A. Projects without RoHS requirements can select based on electrical performance and availability.

Q: What inventory levels are available for each part?

A: LC16A has 1091 units in stock, LCE15A has 2343 units in stock, and LCE18A has 953 units in stock. Inventory availability may influence part selection for time-sensitive procurement requirements.