LCE15 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The LCE15 is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse, designed for general-purpose transient voltage protection applications. With a 15V reverse standoff voltage and 25.62V maximum clamping voltage, the LCE15 provides 61A peak pulse current capability in a through-hole DO-201 package. The LCE15 is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement.

Substiute Parts

LCE15

LittelfuseIn Stock: 726LCE15 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

LCE15A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 2372LCE15A Datasheet

DirectRFQ

SA15A-B

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1173SA15A-B Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

5KP15E3/TR13

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 10515KP15E3/TR13 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the LCE15 is determined by the following critical parameters: reverse standoff voltage (15V), unidirectional channel configuration (1 channel), zener type, through-hole mounting, and general-purpose application classification. Substitute parts must maintain electrical compatibility within the specified voltage and current ratings while meeting RoHS3 compliance and operating temperature requirements.

The LCE15 has two primary substitute categories:

Direct Series Substitute (LCE15A): Maintains identical reverse standoff voltage (15V), same zener type, unidirectional configuration, through-hole mounting, and DO-201 package. Differs only in clamping voltage (24.4V vs. 25.62V) and breakdown voltage (16.7V vs. 15.84V), representing a minor variation within acceptable tolerance ranges for general-purpose protection.

Alternative Manufacturer Substitutes (SA15A-B, 5KP15E3/TR13): Share the 15V reverse standoff voltage and zener type but differ in package form factor, peak pulse current capability, and power dissipation. These parts accommodate different board layout requirements and transient energy levels while maintaining voltage protection parameters.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

LCE15A is the primary substitute for direct replacement. It maintains identical electrical performance (61A peak pulse current, 1500W power dissipation) and package compatibility (DO-201) while offering active product status and ROHS3 compliance. The minor clamping voltage difference (24.4V vs. 25.62V) falls within acceptable tolerance for general-purpose transient suppression.

SA15A-B is suitable for applications where reduced peak pulse current (20.9A) and power dissipation (500W) are acceptable. The DO-204AC (DO-15) package requires different board layout accommodation but maintains the 15V protection voltage and ROHS3 compliance.

5KP15E3/TR13 accommodates high-energy transient events requiring 186A peak pulse current and 5000W power dissipation. The P600 package differs from the LCE15 form factor and requires board redesign. This substitute is appropriate only when transient energy levels exceed the LCE15 specification.

All substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance, MSL Level 1 rating, and -55°C to 175°C operating temperature range, ensuring regulatory and environmental compatibility with the original LCE15 design.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can LCE15A directly replace LCE15 without circuit modification?

A: Yes. LCE15A shares identical reverse standoff voltage (15V), peak pulse current (61A), power dissipation (1500W), operating temperature range, and DO-201 package. The clamping voltage difference (24.4V vs. 25.62V) is within acceptable tolerance for general-purpose protection circuits.

Q: What is the key difference between LCE15A and SA15A-B?

A: LCE15A and SA15A-B both maintain 15V reverse standoff voltage and 24.4V clamping voltage. The primary differences are package form factor (DO-201 vs. DO-204AC) and current handling capability (61A vs. 20.9A). SA15A-B is suitable only for lower-energy transient applications.

Q: When should 5KP15E3/TR13 be selected over LCE15A?

A: 5KP15E3/TR13 is selected when transient energy levels exceed 1500W or peak pulse currents exceed 61A. The 5000W power rating and 186A peak pulse current accommodate high-energy surge events. Board layout redesign is required due to the P600 package form factor.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. LCE15A, SA15A-B, and 5KP15E3/TR13 are all ROHS3 compliant with MSL Level 1 rating, meeting regulatory requirements for the original LCE15 application.

Q: What is the impact of package differences on circuit design?

A: LCE15 and LCE15A use DO-201 packages with identical footprints. SA15A-B uses DO-204AC (DO-15) package, requiring different PCB pad layout. 5KP15E3/TR13 uses P600 package, requiring significant board redesign. Package selection depends on available board space and thermal management requirements.