LC17A Transient Voltage Suppressor Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The LC17A is an active Microchip Technology transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This unidirectional Zener-type device features a 17V reverse standoff voltage with a 27.6V maximum clamping voltage and 54A peak pulse current capability in a through-hole DO-13 (DO-202AA) package. The LC17A is classified as an active product with unlimited moisture sensitivity rating and is suitable for circuit protection in industrial and commercial applications.

Equivalent and substitute parts are identified to address component availability, packaging preferences, compliance requirements, or inventory constraints while maintaining functional compatibility within specified electrical parameters.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	17	V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	18.9	V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	27.6	V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	54	A
Power - Peak Pulse	1500	W
Operating Temperature Range	-65 to 175	°C
Capacitance @ 1MHz	100	pF
Package Type	DO-13 (DO-202AA)	Through Hole
Type	Zener	Unidirectional

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the LC17A are selected based on functional equivalence within the transient voltage suppressor category. Substitution compatibility is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Selection Criteria:

Unidirectional Zener-type TVS diode configuration
Reverse standoff voltage within the 15V to 18V range
Clamping voltage performance between 24.4V and 29.2V
Peak pulse current capability of 51A or greater
Peak pulse power rating of 1500W
Through-hole mounting configuration
General-purpose overvoltage protection application suitability
Operating temperature range compatibility (-55°C minimum or lower to 175°C)

Secondary Considerations:

Package format variations (DO-13, DO-201, DO-27 axial configurations)
Packaging delivery method (Bulk, Cut Tape)
RoHS and REACH compliance status
Manufacturer availability and inventory levels

The LCE15A and LCE18A from Littelfuse Inc. satisfy these criteria with voltage standoff ratings bracketing the LC17A specification and equivalent power handling characteristics.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	LC17A (Microchip)	LCE15A (Littelfuse)	LCE18A (Littelfuse)	Unit
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	17	15	18	V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	18.9	16.7	20	V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	27.6	24.4	29.2	V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	54	61	51	A
Power - Peak Pulse	1500	1500	1500	W
Operating Temperature Range	-65 to 175	-55 to 175	-55 to 175	°C
Type	Zener	Zener	Zener	Unidirectional
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Configuration
Package / Case	DO-13	DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial	DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial	Format
RoHS Status	Non-compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	Certification
Product Status	Active	Active	Active	Availability

Engineering Selection Recommendations

LC17A (Microchip Technology) - Primary Specification: The LC17A remains the preferred component when the exact 17V standoff voltage specification is required and RoHS non-compliance is acceptable for the application. This part is actively manufactured and maintains 983 units in current inventory stock.

LCE18A (Littelfuse Inc.) - Closest Voltage Match: The LCE18A provides the closest voltage standoff alignment to the LC17A at 18V, with a maximum clamping voltage of 29.2V and 51A peak pulse current. This substitute is suitable for applications where a slightly higher voltage threshold is tolerable. The LCE18A carries ROHS3 compliance certification and is actively produced with 953 units available. The DO-201 package format requires PCB layout verification for mechanical fit compatibility.

LCE15A (Littelfuse Inc.) - Lower Voltage Alternative: The LCE15A operates at a 15V standoff voltage with 24.4V clamping and 61A peak pulse current capability. This substitute is applicable only when the lower voltage threshold meets circuit protection requirements. The LCE15A achieves ROHS3 compliance and maintains higher inventory availability at 2343 units. Package format compatibility with DO-201 configuration must be confirmed for the target application.

Compliance Considerations: Both Littelfuse substitutes achieve ROHS3 compliance, whereas the LC17A is RoHS non-compliant. Selection between these alternatives depends on regulatory requirements for the end application. All three parts maintain REACH Unaffected status and EAR99 export classification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the LCE18A directly replace the LC17A without circuit modification?

A: The LCE18A operates at an 18V standoff voltage compared to the LC17A's 17V specification. Direct substitution is permissible only when the circuit design tolerates a 1V higher trigger threshold. The clamping voltage differential (29.2V versus 27.6V) and reduced peak pulse current (51A versus 54A) must be evaluated against circuit protection requirements. Package format differences (DO-201 versus DO-13) require PCB layout verification.

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

A: The LCE15A features a 15V standoff voltage with 24.4V clamping and 61A peak pulse current, while the LCE18A operates at 18V standoff with 29.2V clamping and 51A peak pulse current. The LCE15A provides lower voltage protection thresholds and higher current handling, whereas the LCE18A offers voltage characteristics closer to the LC17A specification. Selection depends on the specific overvoltage protection threshold required by the circuit.

Q: Are package format differences between DO-13 and DO-201 significant for substitution?

A: Yes. The LC17A uses a DO-13 (DO-202AA) package, while both Littelfuse substitutes employ DO-201 (DO-27 axial) configurations. These packages have different physical dimensions and lead spacing. PCB footprint compatibility must be verified before substitution. Mechanical fit on the target circuit board cannot be assumed without layout review.

Q: Does RoHS compliance affect the choice between these parts?

A: The LC17A is RoHS non-compliant, while both LCE15A and LCE18A achieve ROHS3 compliance. If the end application or regulatory jurisdiction mandates RoHS compliance, the Littelfuse substitutes are required. If RoHS compliance is not a requirement, the LC17A remains a valid option based on voltage and current specifications.

Q: What inventory considerations apply to these substitutes?

A: The LC17A maintains 983 units in stock, the LCE18A has 953 units available, and the LCE15A offers the highest availability at 2343 units. Inventory levels may influence substitution decisions when component lead times are critical. All three parts are classified as active products with ongoing manufacturing support.

Q: Can the LCE15A be used in applications requiring 17V standoff protection?

A: The LCE15A's 15V standoff voltage is 2V lower than the LC17A specification. This substitute is suitable only when the circuit design permits a lower protection threshold. Using a lower-voltage TVS diode may result in premature triggering during normal operating conditions if the circuit voltage approaches the 15V standoff level. Circuit voltage margins must be evaluated before substitution.

Q: Are the operating temperature ranges compatible across all three parts?

A: The LC17A operates from -65°C to 175°C, while both Littelfuse substitutes operate from -55°C to 175°C. The LC17A provides a 10°C lower minimum operating temperature. If the application requires operation below -55°C, the LC17A is the only suitable option among these three parts.

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