LC28A Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The LC28A is an active Microchip Technology transient voltage suppressor diode designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This unidirectional zener-type TVS diode features a 28V reverse standoff voltage with a 45.4V maximum clamping voltage and 33A peak pulse current capability in a through-hole DO-13 (DO-202AA) package format. The part is currently in active production status with 803 units in stock. Substitute parts are identified to address packaging preferences, compliance requirements, or inventory availability while maintaining equivalent electrical performance within specified parameter tolerances.

Substiute Parts

LC28A

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 820LC28A Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

LCE28A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 2122LCE28A Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the LC28A are identified based on strict electrical and mechanical parameter equivalence. The primary substitution criteria are:

Electrical Equivalence Parameters:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 28V
• Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 31.1V
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: within 0.1V tolerance (45.4V ± 0.1V)
• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): 33A
• Power - Peak Pulse: 1500W
• Type: Zener, Unidirectional

Mechanical Compatibility Parameters:

• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Package / Case: DO-13, DO-201, or equivalent axial through-hole packages
• Unidirectional Channels: 1

The LCE28A from Littelfuse Inc. qualifies as a direct substitute based on matching all electrical parameters and offering compatible through-hole axial packaging (DO-201AA). Packaging format differences (DO-13 versus DO-201) do not affect electrical performance and represent alternative mechanical configurations suitable for the same circuit applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

LC28A Selection Criteria: The LC28A remains the primary choice when Microchip Technology component qualification is required or when bulk packaging format is specified. The part maintains active production status and is RoHS non-compliant, which may be acceptable in applications where legacy component specifications are maintained.

LCE28A Selection Criteria: The LCE28A from Littelfuse Inc. is selected when ROHS3 compliance is a design requirement or when cut tape packaging format is preferred for automated assembly processes. The LCE28A provides equivalent electrical performance with a clamping voltage of 45.5V (0.1V higher than the LC28A) and maintains the same 33A peak pulse current and 1500W power dissipation rating. The operating temperature range of -55°C to 175°C is narrower at the lower bound compared to the LC28A (-65°C to 175°C), which must be evaluated against specific application requirements. Higher inventory availability (2040 units) may support shorter lead times.

Compliance Considerations: Selection between these parts should account for RoHS compliance mandates in the target application. The LCE28A satisfies ROHS3 requirements, while the LC28A does not. Both parts are REACH Unaffected and classified under ECCN EAR99 with identical HTSUS codes (8541.10.0080).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the LCE28A directly replace the LC28A in existing designs?

A: Yes. The LCE28A provides electrical equivalence across all critical parameters: 28V reverse standoff voltage, 31.1V minimum breakdown voltage, 33A peak pulse current, and 1500W peak pulse power. The clamping voltage difference of 0.1V (45.5V versus 45.4V) is within acceptable tolerance for general-purpose transient suppression applications. Both parts are unidirectional zener-type TVS diodes with identical channel configuration.

Q: What is the difference between DO-13 and DO-201 packages?

A: Both DO-13 (DO-202AA) and DO-201 packages are through-hole axial lead configurations suitable for PCB mounting. The primary difference is physical package geometry and lead spacing. DO-201 is a standard axial package format, while DO-13 is an alternative designation for similar axial through-hole devices. Both support identical electrical performance and are mechanically compatible with standard through-hole PCB layouts designed for axial components.

Q: Does the narrower operating temperature range of the LCE28A (-55°C to 175°C versus -65°C to 175°C) affect substitution suitability?

A: The LCE28A operating range is suitable for applications where the minimum ambient temperature does not fall below -55°C. If the design requires operation at temperatures below -55°C, the LC28A with its -65°C lower limit must be retained. Verify the application's minimum operating temperature specification before selecting the LCE28A.

Q: Why is RoHS compliance status different between these parts?

A: The LC28A is RoHS non-compliant, while the LCE28A is ROHS3 compliant. This reflects different manufacturing processes and material compositions used by Microchip Technology and Littelfuse Inc. Applications subject to RoHS directives or customer compliance requirements must specify the LCE28A. Applications without RoHS mandates may use either part.

Q: Are there inventory or lead time advantages to selecting one part over the other?

A: The LCE28A has higher current inventory (2040 units versus 803 units for the LC28A) and is supplied in cut tape packaging format, which may provide faster availability and better support for high-volume automated assembly. The LC28A is supplied in bulk packaging. Inventory levels should be verified at time of procurement, as stock quantities change.

Q: What applications are these TVS diodes suitable for?

A: Both the LC28A and LCE28A are classified for general-purpose transient voltage suppression. They are not rated for power line protection. These diodes are used in circuits requiring protection against transient overvoltage events with peak currents up to 33A and energy dissipation up to 1500W per pulse.