LC17 Transient Voltage Suppressor Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The LC17 is an active Microchip Technology transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This unidirectional Zener-type device operates through a DO-13 (DO-202AA) through-hole package and provides peak pulse power dissipation of 1500W with a reverse standoff voltage of 17V. The part is currently in active production status with 949 units in stock.

Equivalent and substitute parts are identified to address application requirements including inventory availability, package form factor preferences, compliance certifications, and operational parameter variations within acceptable electrical tolerances for TVS diode functionality.

Substiute Parts

LC17

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1038LC17 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

LCE15A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 2372LCE15A Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

LCE18A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1007LCE18A Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the LC17 are qualified based on the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Unidirectional Zener TVS diode type classification
• Through-hole mounting configuration
• Peak pulse power rating of 1500W (1.5kW)
• Reverse standoff voltage within the 15V to 18V range
• Clamping voltage (Max) @ Ipp between 24.4V and 30.5V
• Peak pulse current (10/1000µs) between 49A and 61A
• Operating temperature range compatibility (-55°C minimum to 175°C maximum)
• General-purpose overvoltage protection applications
• RoHS and REACH compliance status

Package Compatibility: Substitute parts utilize DO-201AA (DO-27, Axial) through-hole packages, which are mechanically and electrically compatible with DO-13 (DO-202AA) footprints in standard PCB designs.

Identified Substitutes:

• LCE15A (Littelfuse Inc.) - Lower voltage standoff variant
• LCE18A (Littelfuse Inc.) - Closest voltage standoff match

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

LCE18A Selection Rationale: The LCE18A represents the closest electrical equivalent to the LC17, with a reverse standoff voltage of 18V (compared to 17V) and clamping voltage of 29.2V (compared to 30.5V). This part maintains the 1500W peak pulse power rating and achieves ROHS3 compliance, addressing regulatory requirements where RoHS certification is mandated. The LCE18A operates across the -55°C to 175°C temperature range, which encompasses the LC17's lower temperature limit of -65°C for most industrial applications. Peak pulse current is rated at 51A, providing adequate margin above the LC17's 49A specification.

LCE15A Selection Rationale: The LCE15A functions as a lower-voltage alternative with a 15V reverse standoff and 24.4V clamping voltage. This part is suitable for applications requiring reduced voltage thresholds and offers the highest peak pulse current rating at 61A. The LCE15A provides superior inventory availability (2343 units) and ROHS3 compliance. Selection of this part is appropriate when circuit design permits lower voltage protection thresholds.

Compliance Considerations: Both Littelfuse substitutes achieve ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, whereas the LC17 is RoHS non-compliant. Applications subject to environmental or regulatory restrictions on hazardous substances require selection of LCE15A or LCE18A.

Temperature Range Consideration: The LC17 specifies a lower operating temperature limit of -65°C, while both Littelfuse substitutes operate to -55°C minimum. Applications requiring operation below -55°C must retain the LC17.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the LCE18A directly replace the LC17 in existing PCB designs?

A: The LCE18A uses a DO-201AA package (axial through-hole configuration) while the LC17 uses DO-13 (DO-202AA). Both are through-hole packages with compatible lead spacing for standard PCB footprints. Physical board layout verification is required to confirm lead hole alignment and spacing compatibility with existing designs.

Q: What is the voltage difference impact between LC17 (17V standoff) and LCE18A (18V standoff)?

A: The 1V difference in reverse standoff voltage represents a 5.9% variance. The clamping voltage difference is 1.3V (30.5V to 29.2V), a 4.3% variance. Both differences fall within typical TVS diode manufacturing tolerances and do not affect functional overvoltage protection in general-purpose applications.

Q: Why does the LCE15A have higher peak pulse current (61A) than the LC17 (49A)?

A: The LCE15A achieves higher current handling through optimized semiconductor geometry and thermal design while maintaining the same 1500W peak pulse power rating. The lower clamping voltage (24.4V vs. 30.5V) results in lower power dissipation at equivalent current levels, enabling higher current capacity.

Q: Is the LC17 suitable for applications requiring RoHS compliance?

A: No. The LC17 is RoHS non-compliant. Applications subject to RoHS requirements must use LCE15A or LCE18A, both of which achieve ROHS3 compliance.

Q: What is the minimum operating temperature consideration for substitute selection?

A: The LC17 operates to -65°C, while LCE15A and LCE18A operate to -55°C minimum. Applications requiring operation below -55°C must use the LC17. Applications operating at -55°C or above can use either substitute.

Q: Are capacitance specifications available for the Littelfuse substitutes?

A: Capacitance data is not provided for LCE15A or LCE18A in the available specifications. The LC17 specifies 100pF @ 1MHz. Applications with capacitance-sensitive requirements should obtain detailed datasheets from Littelfuse for LCE series parts.

Q: What packaging format differences exist between the main part and substitutes?

A: The LC17 is supplied in Bulk packaging, while LCE15A and LCE18A are supplied in Cut Tape (CT) format. Cut Tape packaging is standard for automated assembly processes and is compatible with standard component handling equipment.