LCE24 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The LCE24 is a unidirectional Zener transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. With a 24V reverse standoff voltage and 40.85V maximum clamping voltage, the LCE24 provides 1500W peak pulse power dissipation in a through-hole DO-201 package. The part is currently obsolete, making equivalent substitutes necessary for new designs and ongoing production support.

Substiute Parts

LCE24

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 961LCE24 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

LCE24A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1468LCE24A Datasheet

DirectRFQ

1N6473

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 9571N6473 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

3KP24A-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 16613KP24A-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

5KP24E3/TR13

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 9705KP24E3/TR13 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the LCE24 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Voltage Rating: 24V reverse standoff voltage with breakdown minimum between 25.29V and 27V
• Clamping Voltage: Maximum clamping voltage between 38.9V and 43V at peak pulse current
• Peak Pulse Current: Minimum 39A at 10/1000µs pulse width
• Power Dissipation: Minimum 1500W peak pulse capability
• Package Type: Through-hole axial or equivalent form factor
• Temperature Range: -55°C to 175°C operating junction temperature
• Diode Type: Unidirectional Zener configuration

All substitute parts maintain the 24V voltage class and general-purpose application profile. Variations in clamping voltage (38.9V to 43V) and peak pulse current (39A to 207A) reflect different device geometries and power ratings, all acceptable within the 24V protection class.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitute: LCE24A

The LCE24A is the direct Littelfuse equivalent with active product status. It maintains identical voltage ratings (24V standoff), peak pulse current (39A), and power dissipation (1500W). The clamping voltage is slightly lower at 38.9V compared to the LCE24's 40.85V, remaining within acceptable protection parameters. Both parts are ROHS3 compliant and share the same DO-201 package footprint. LCE24A is the preferred choice for direct replacement in existing designs.

Secondary Substitutes: 3KP24A-TP and 5KP24E3/TR13

Both parts maintain the 24V voltage class and are ROHS3 compliant with active product status. The 3KP24A-TP offers 3000W peak pulse power in an R-6 package, while the 5KP24E3/TR13 provides 5000W peak pulse power in a P600 package. These higher power ratings accommodate applications requiring greater transient energy absorption. Package form factors differ from the original DO-201, requiring PCB layout verification.

Alternative: 1N6473

The 1N6473 from Microchip Technology maintains the 24V voltage class and 1500W power rating with active product status. Peak pulse current is significantly higher at 207A (8/20µs pulse width), providing enhanced surge protection capability. However, this part is RoHS non-compliant, limiting use in applications with RoHS requirements. The axial package is compatible with through-hole designs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can LCE24A directly replace LCE24 without PCB modifications?

A: Yes. The LCE24A shares identical voltage ratings, current ratings, and DO-201 package footprint with the LCE24. No PCB layout changes are required for direct substitution.

Q: What is the difference between the clamping voltages of these parts?

A: Clamping voltage varies from 38.9V (LCE24A, 3KP24A-TP) to 43V (5KP24E3/TR13) at peak pulse current. All values remain within the acceptable protection envelope for 24V circuits. Lower clamping voltage provides tighter voltage regulation; higher clamping voltage accommodates larger transient events.

Q: Are the higher power-rated substitutes (3KP24A-TP, 5KP24E3/TR13) compatible with the original LCE24 circuit?

A: Yes, from an electrical standpoint. The 24V voltage class is maintained across all substitutes. Higher power ratings (3000W, 5000W) provide additional transient energy absorption capability without affecting circuit operation. Package form factors differ and require verification against PCB footprint constraints.

Q: Why is 1N6473 marked as RoHS non-compliant?

A: The 1N6473 does not meet RoHS3 compliance requirements. Selection of this part is restricted to applications without RoHS mandates or where legacy component specifications are explicitly required.

Q: What pulse width specifications apply to peak current ratings?

A: The LCE24, LCE24A, 3KP24A-TP, and 5KP24E3/TR13 use 10/1000µs pulse width specifications. The 1N6473 uses 8/20µs pulse width, a standard waveform for different surge test conditions. Both pulse widths are valid for general-purpose transient suppression applications.

Q: Can these parts be used interchangeably in production?

A: LCE24A is the direct equivalent for production use. The 3KP24A-TP and 5KP24E3/TR13 are acceptable alternatives if PCB layout accommodates their different package geometries (R-6 and P600 respectively). The 1N6473 is acceptable only in non-RoHS applications.