LN518YA Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The LN518YA is a 0.8-inch single-character 7-segment amber LED display manufactured by Panasonic Electronic Components in a 16-DIP package configuration. This component is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for new designs and ongoing production requirements. The display operates as a common anode device with a forward voltage of 2.2V and test current of 20mA, suitable for numeric and alphanumeric display applications requiring amber-colored indicators.

Substiute Parts

LN518YA

Panasonic Electronic ComponentsIn Stock: 926LN518YA Datasheet

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LDS-A813RI

Lumex Opto/Components Inc.In Stock: 786LDS-A813RI Datasheet

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LDS-A814RI

Lumex Opto/Components Inc.In Stock: 1978LDS-A814RI Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the LN518YA are selected based on the following critical parameters that determine functional compatibility:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

• Display type: 7-Segment configuration
• Character count: Single character
• Digit size: 0.80" (20.32mm)
• Common pin configuration: Common Anode
• Package type: 16-DIP
• Physical dimensions: 1.091" H x 0.787" W x 0.331" D

Secondary Electrical Parameters:

• Forward voltage (Vf): 2.0V to 2.2V range
• Test current: 10mA to 20mA range
• Wavelength compatibility: 590nm to 635nm (visible spectrum)

The LN518YA is directly substitutable with the LDS-A814RI (red variant) and LDS-A813RI (yellow variant), both manufactured by Lumex Opto/Components Inc. These parts maintain identical mechanical form factors, package configurations, and common anode pin arrangements. Color variations (amber, red, yellow) operate within compatible electrical parameters and wavelength ranges suitable for display applications where color differentiation is acceptable or required by design specification.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

LDS-A814RI (Red 7-Segment Display) is the primary recommended substitute for the obsolete LN518YA. This part maintains full mechanical and electrical compatibility while offering active product status and ROHS3 compliance. The red variant operates at a lower forward voltage (2.0V versus 2.2V) and reduced test current (10mA versus 20mA), resulting in lower power dissipation (105mW maximum). The higher millicandela rating (5.6mcd) provides improved brightness characteristics compared to the original amber display.

LDS-A813RI (Yellow 7-Segment Display) serves as an alternative substitute where yellow color indication is functionally acceptable or preferred. This part also maintains full mechanical compatibility and offers active product status with ROHS3 compliance. The yellow variant operates at 2.1V forward voltage and 10mA test current, positioning it between the electrical characteristics of the LN518YA and LDS-A814RI.

Both substitute parts are manufactured by Lumex Opto/Components Inc., an established supplier of LED display components. Selection between the red and yellow variants depends on application-specific color requirements and visual indicator design specifications. Both parts eliminate the obsolescence risk associated with the discontinued LN518YA while providing improved compliance certifications and active manufacturing status.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the LDS-A814RI directly replace the LN518YA without circuit modifications?

A: The LDS-A814RI maintains identical mechanical form factor, 16-DIP package configuration, and common anode pin arrangement as the LN518YA. However, the lower forward voltage (2.0V versus 2.2V) and reduced test current (10mA versus 20mA) require verification of current-limiting resistor values in the display driver circuit. Existing resistor values designed for 2.2V/20mA operation may require adjustment to optimize brightness and ensure proper current limiting for the 2.0V/10mA substitute.

Q: What is the primary difference between the red (LDS-A814RI) and yellow (LDS-A813RI) substitutes?

A: The primary differences are color (red versus yellow) and brightness characteristics. The red variant (LDS-A814RI) produces a peak wavelength of 635nm with 5.6mcd brightness, while the yellow variant (LDS-A813RI) produces 590nm wavelength with 2.5mcd brightness. Both maintain identical mechanical dimensions, package configuration, and common anode pin arrangement. Selection depends on application color requirements and desired brightness levels.

Q: Are the substitute parts compatible with existing PCB layouts designed for the LN518YA?

A: Yes. Both LDS-A814RI and LDS-A813RI maintain the identical 16-DIP package footprint, physical dimensions (1.091" H x 0.787" W x 0.331" D), and pin spacing as the LN518YA. Direct PCB layout compatibility is confirmed. Pin-to-pin electrical compatibility is maintained through the common anode configuration.

Q: What compliance advantages do the substitute parts offer?

A: Both LDS-A814RI and LDS-A813RI are ROHS3 compliant and carry active product status, eliminating obsolescence risk. The LN518YA is classified as obsolete and RoHS non-compliant. For applications requiring modern compliance certifications and long-term component availability, the Lumex substitutes provide significant advantages in supply chain reliability and regulatory alignment.

Q: How do the electrical parameter differences affect circuit design?

A: The substitute parts operate at lower forward voltages (2.0V to 2.1V versus 2.2V) and reduced test currents (10mA versus 20mA). These differences result in lower power dissipation and reduced heat generation. Circuit designers must recalculate current-limiting resistor values based on the specific substitute part's forward voltage and desired operating current to maintain proper brightness and component reliability.