LC30A Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The LC30A is a unidirectional Zener-type transient voltage suppressor manufactured by Microchip Technology, designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This through-hole component features a 30V reverse standoff voltage with a 48.4V maximum clamping voltage and 31A peak pulse current capability in a DO-13 (DO-202AA) package.

The LC30A is currently discontinued at DiGi Electronics, necessitating identification of functionally equivalent alternatives. Substitute parts must maintain compatibility with the electrical specifications and through-hole mounting requirements of the original design while considering current product availability and compliance status.

Substiute Parts

LC30A

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 756LC30A Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

LCE28A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 2122LCE28A Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the LC30A are identified based on the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

Voltage Compatibility: The reverse standoff voltage and clamping voltage must fall within acceptable ranges for the protected circuit. The LC30A operates at 30V standoff with 48.4V maximum clamping. Substitute parts with similar voltage ratings (within the 28V to 30V standoff range) are considered functionally equivalent for general-purpose protection applications.

Current and Power Handling: Peak pulse current and power dissipation capacity must meet or exceed the original specification. The LC30A handles 31A peak pulse current at 1500W peak pulse power. Substitutes with equal or greater current and power ratings maintain protection effectiveness.

Package and Mounting: Through-hole mounting compatibility is required. The LC30A uses the DO-13 (DO-202AA) package. Substitute parts must use compatible through-hole packages (DO-201, DO-27, or equivalent axial configurations) to ensure mechanical fit in existing PCB designs.

Temperature Range: Operating temperature specifications must support the application environment. The LC30A operates from -65°C to 175°C. Substitutes with equal or broader temperature ranges are acceptable.

Product Status and Compliance: Active product status ensures ongoing availability and supply chain reliability. RoHS compliance and REACH status are documented for regulatory requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

LCE28A (Littelfuse Inc.) as Primary Substitute

The LCE28A is the identified substitute for the discontinued LC30A based on electrical and mechanical compatibility. Key selection factors:

Voltage Specification Alignment: The LCE28A operates at 28V reverse standoff with 45.5V maximum clamping voltage. This represents a 2V reduction in standoff voltage and 2.9V reduction in clamping voltage compared to the LC30A. For general-purpose transient suppression applications, this voltage differential remains within acceptable operating margins for circuits designed around the 30V specification.

Current and Power Equivalence: The LCE28A provides 33A peak pulse current, exceeding the LC30A's 31A specification by 2A. Peak pulse power remains identical at 1500W, ensuring equivalent energy dissipation capability during transient events.

Package Compatibility: The LCE28A is available in DO-201 package configuration, which is mechanically compatible with through-hole PCB designs. The DO-201 and DO-13 packages share similar lead spacing and mounting footprints, allowing direct substitution in existing circuit board layouts.

Product Availability and Compliance: The LCE28A maintains active product status with 2040 units in stock, ensuring supply chain continuity. ROHS3 compliance provides regulatory alignment for modern manufacturing environments, whereas the LC30A is non-compliant.

Temperature Range Consideration: The LCE28A operates from -55°C to 175°C, providing a 10°C reduction in minimum operating temperature compared to the LC30A's -65°C specification. For applications requiring operation below -55°C, alternative substitutes or the original LC30A stock must be evaluated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the LCE28A directly replace the LC30A in existing designs?

A: The LCE28A is electrically and mechanically compatible with the LC30A for general-purpose transient suppression applications. The 2V reduction in standoff voltage and 2.9V reduction in clamping voltage fall within acceptable operating margins for circuits designed around the 30V specification. Through-hole package compatibility (DO-201 vs. DO-13) permits direct PCB substitution. Verify that the application circuit does not require the extended -65°C minimum operating temperature of the original LC30A.

Q: What are the key electrical differences between the LC30A and LCE28A?

A: The primary differences are: (1) Reverse standoff voltage: LC30A 30V vs. LCE28A 28V; (2) Maximum clamping voltage: LC30A 48.4V vs. LCE28A 45.5V; (3) Peak pulse current: LC30A 31A vs. LCE28A 33A; (4) Minimum operating temperature: LC30A -65°C vs. LCE28A -55°C. Both devices share identical 1500W peak pulse power ratings and 1 unidirectional channel configuration.

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

A: The DO-13 (DO-202AA) and DO-201 packages are both through-hole axial lead configurations with compatible lead spacing and mounting footprints. Direct PCB substitution is possible without layout modifications. Verify lead diameter and spacing against the specific PCB design to confirm mechanical fit.

Q: Does the LCE28A meet RoHS compliance requirements?

A: Yes, the LCE28A is ROHS3 compliant. The original LC30A is RoHS non-compliant. If RoHS compliance is a regulatory requirement for the end application, the LCE28A substitution provides compliance alignment.

Q: What applications are suitable for the LCE28A substitute?

A: The LCE28A is rated for general-purpose transient voltage suppression, matching the LC30A application category. Both devices are unidirectional Zener-type suppressors designed for overvoltage protection in standard electronic circuits. Application-specific validation is required to confirm voltage and current specifications meet circuit protection requirements.

Q: Is the LCE28A available in alternative packaging options?

A: The LCE28A is available in multiple through-hole package configurations: DO-201, DO-27, and axial formats. Package selection depends on PCB design requirements and available board space. All configurations maintain electrical equivalence.