LCE16 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The LCE16 is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse, designed for general-purpose transient protection applications. It features a 16V reverse standoff voltage with a 27.3V maximum clamping voltage and 57A peak pulse current capability in a through-hole DO-201 package. The LCE16 is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for new designs and ongoing production requirements. Substitute parts must maintain compatibility across voltage ratings, current handling, thermal characteristics, and mechanical form factors.

Substiute Parts

LCE16

LittelfuseIn Stock: 785LCE16 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

LCE16A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 2686LCE16A Datasheet

DirectRFQ

5KP16E3/TR13

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 9515KP16E3/TR13 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the LCE16 are evaluated based on the following critical parameters that determine functional equivalence:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff: 16V (exact match required)
• Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 16.88V to 17.8V (acceptable range)
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 26V to 28.8V (acceptable range for transient suppression)
• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): minimum 57A
• Operating Temperature Range: -55°C ~ 175°C (exact match required)
• Mounting Type: Through Hole (required)
• Type: Zener, Unidirectional (required)
• RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant (required)

Identified Substitute Parts:

1. LCE16A (Littelfuse Inc.) - Direct manufacturer upgrade with active product status
2. 5KP16E3/TR13 (Microchip Technology) - MFR recommended substitute with enhanced current rating

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

LCE16A (Littelfuse Inc.) is the primary direct substitute. It maintains identical electrical performance specifications (16V standoff, 57A peak pulse current, 1500W peak power) and thermal operating range. The LCE16A is manufactured by the same original equipment manufacturer and carries active product status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain continuity. Clamping voltage is 26V versus 27.3V on the original, remaining within acceptable transient suppression parameters. Packaging is identical (DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial). This part is recommended for direct replacement in existing designs.

5KP16E3/TR13 (Microchip Technology) is the MFR-recommended alternative when enhanced performance margins are required. It maintains the 16V standoff voltage and -55°C to 175°C operating range but provides significantly higher current handling (174A versus 57A) and power dissipation (5kW versus 1.5kW). The package form factor differs (P600 versus DO-201), requiring mechanical redesign consideration. This part is suitable for applications requiring increased transient suppression capacity or where design margin enhancement is specified. Both substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 rating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can LCE16A be used as a direct drop-in replacement for LCE16?

A: Yes. The LCE16A maintains identical reverse standoff voltage (16V), peak pulse current (57A), power dissipation (1500W), and operating temperature range (-55°C to 175°C). The package form factor (DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial) is identical. The clamping voltage specification differs slightly (26V versus 27.3V), but both values fall within acceptable transient suppression performance for the 16V protection class. No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What are the key differences between LCE16A and 5KP16E3/TR13?

A: Both maintain the 16V reverse standoff voltage and thermal operating range. The 5KP16E3/TR13 provides enhanced current handling (174A versus 57A) and power dissipation (5kW versus 1.5kW). The mechanical package differs: LCE16A uses DO-201 form factor while 5KP16E3/TR13 uses P600 form factor. Selection depends on application transient energy requirements and available board space.

Q: Are package differences between DO-201 and P600 significant for substitution?

A: Yes. DO-201 and P600 are different axial through-hole packages with different physical dimensions and lead spacing. Direct mechanical substitution requires board layout modification. Electrical performance is equivalent when voltage and current ratings are matched. Verify PCB hole spacing and component clearance before selecting the P600 package variant.

Q: Do all substitute parts meet the same compliance standards as LCE16?

A: Yes. LCE16A and 5KP16E3/TR13 are both ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating, matching the original part specifications. Both carry EAR99 export classification and identical HTSUS codes.

Q: Which substitute should be selected for new design implementations?

A: LCE16A is recommended for new designs requiring direct compatibility with existing LCE16 specifications. It is manufactured by Littelfuse with active product status and identical electrical and thermal characteristics. The 5KP16E3/TR13 is selected when application requirements specify higher transient energy absorption or when design margins for current and power dissipation are critical.