LC28 Transient Voltage Suppressor Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The LC28 is an active Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Microchip Technology, designed for general-purpose transient protection applications. This unidirectional zener-type TVS diode operates with a 28V reverse standoff voltage and provides peak pulse current handling of 30A with a maximum clamping voltage of 50.1V at peak pulse current. The device is packaged in a through-hole DO-13 (DO-202AA) configuration and operates across a temperature range of -65°C to 175°C.

Equivalent and substitute parts are identified based on matching critical electrical parameters including reverse standoff voltage, breakdown voltage, peak pulse current capability, and power dissipation ratings. Substitute parts must maintain functional compatibility within the same application category while accommodating minor variations in clamping voltage and packaging formats.

Substiute Parts

LC28

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1059LC28 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

LCE28A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 2122LCE28A Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the LC28 is determined by equivalence in the following critical electrical parameters:

• Reverse Standoff Voltage: 28V nominal
• Breakdown Voltage (Minimum): 31.1V
• Peak Pulse Current Capability: 30A or greater
• Power Dissipation: 1500W peak pulse rating
• Unidirectional Channel Configuration: Single channel zener-type TVS

The LCE28A from Littelfuse Inc. qualifies as a direct substitute based on matching reverse standoff voltage (28V), breakdown voltage (31.1V), and peak pulse power rating (1500W). The LCE28A provides enhanced peak pulse current capability (33A versus 30A) and operates within a compatible temperature range (-55°C to 175°C). Packaging differences between DO-13 and DO-201 formats are mechanically compatible for through-hole mounting applications, though board layout and footprint verification is required for specific designs.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

LC28 (Microchip Technology)

The LC28 remains the primary component choice for applications requiring the specified electrical characteristics. The device is active in production with 971 units in current inventory. However, the LC28 carries RoHS non-compliant status, which may restrict use in applications subject to RoHS3 regulatory requirements.

LCE28A (Littelfuse Inc.) - Substitute Option

The LCE28A is qualified as a functional substitute for the LC28 based on electrical parameter equivalence. The LCE28A provides the following advantages:

• ROHS3 Compliant status, suitable for regulated applications
• Enhanced peak pulse current rating (33A versus 30A)
• Lower clamping voltage (45.5V versus 50.1V), providing improved transient suppression performance
• Higher inventory availability (2040 units in stock)

The LCE28A operates within a slightly narrower temperature range (-55°C to 175°C versus -65°C to 175°C). For applications requiring operation below -55°C, the LC28 is the appropriate selection.

Packaging format differences (DO-201 versus DO-13) require verification of board layout compatibility and footprint specifications prior to implementation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the LCE28A directly replace the LC28 in existing designs?

A: The LCE28A is electrically equivalent to the LC28 for the specified 28V standoff voltage class and 1500W peak pulse power rating. Both devices are unidirectional zener-type TVS diodes with matching breakdown voltages (31.1V minimum). Direct substitution is valid from an electrical standpoint. However, physical package differences (DO-201 versus DO-13) require verification that the board footprint and through-hole mounting pattern accommodate the substitute device.

Q: What is the significance of the clamping voltage difference between LC28 (50.1V) and LCE28A (45.5V)?

A: The clamping voltage represents the maximum voltage across the TVS diode during peak pulse current conditions. The LCE28A's lower clamping voltage (45.5V) indicates superior transient suppression performance, as it limits voltage rise to a lower level during transient events. This characteristic is advantageous for protecting sensitive downstream components. Both values remain within acceptable ranges for 28V standoff voltage class applications.

Q: Are there temperature range limitations when substituting the LCE28A for the LC28?

A: The LCE28A operates across -55°C to 175°C, while the LC28 operates across -65°C to 175°C. The LCE28A is not suitable for applications requiring operation below -55°C ambient or junction temperature. For applications with lower temperature requirements, the LC28 must be retained.

Q: What packaging formats are available for the LCE28A?

A: The LCE28A is available in DO-201AA, DO-27, and Axial package configurations. The DO-201 format is the primary equivalent to the LC28's DO-13 package for through-hole mounting applications. Axial and DO-27 formats may require different board layout considerations.

Q: Does RoHS compliance status affect electrical performance?

A: RoHS compliance status reflects manufacturing process and material composition standards but does not alter the electrical performance or functional characteristics of the TVS diode. The ROHS3 Compliant status of the LCE28A indicates compliance with Restriction of Hazardous Substances regulations, which may be required for specific end-use applications or geographic markets.

Q: What is the significance of the peak pulse current rating difference (30A versus 33A)?

A: The peak pulse current rating indicates the maximum instantaneous current the TVS diode can conduct during a transient event. The LCE28A's higher rating (33A versus 30A) provides additional margin for handling transient currents and indicates enhanced current-handling capability. This difference does not affect substitution validity for applications designed around the 30A LC28 specification.