MLCE15AE3 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MLCE15AE3 is a unidirectional Zener-type transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Microchip Technology, designed for general-purpose transient protection applications. This through-hole component operates with a 15V reverse standoff voltage and provides 24.4V maximum clamping voltage at peak pulse current. The device is qualified to MIL-PRF-19500 military standards and is currently in active production status with 698 units available in bulk packaging.

Equivalent and substitute parts are identified to address supply chain requirements, packaging preferences, compliance specifications, and operational temperature range considerations while maintaining electrical performance within the specified parameters.

Substiute Parts

MLCE15AE3

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 759MLCE15AE3 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

LCE15A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 2372LCE15A Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the MLCE15AE3 are identified based on electrical equivalence across the following critical parameters:

• Voltage Rating: Reverse standoff voltage of 15V, breakdown voltage minimum of 16.7V, and clamping voltage maximum of 24.4V
• Current Handling: Peak pulse current of 61A at 10/1000µs pulse width
• Power Dissipation: Peak pulse power of 1500W
• Topology: Unidirectional Zener-type TVS diode with single channel
• Mechanical Compatibility: Through-hole mounting in DO-201AA/DO-27 axial package format
• Environmental Classification: Moisture sensitivity level 1 (unlimited) and REACH unaffected status

The LCE15A from Littelfuse Inc. meets all electrical parameters and mechanical requirements for direct substitution. Differences in packaging format (cut tape versus bulk), operating temperature range, RoHS compliance status, and manufacturer qualification standards are noted for application-specific selection.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

MLCE15AE3 (Microchip Technology) is selected when:

• Military-grade qualification per MIL-PRF-19500 is required
• Bulk packaging format is preferred for manufacturing processes
• Operating temperature range of -65°C to 150°C is sufficient for the application
• RoHS non-compliance is acceptable within the system design constraints

LCE15A (Littelfuse Inc.) is selected when:

• ROHS3 compliance is mandated by design or regulatory requirements
• Cut tape packaging format is compatible with automated assembly equipment
• Extended operating temperature range of -55°C to 175°C provides additional thermal margin
• Higher inventory availability (2343 units) supports production scheduling
• Littelfuse manufacturer qualification is preferred or specified

Both parts are active products with equivalent electrical performance and mechanical compatibility. Selection between them depends on compliance certifications, packaging requirements, and temperature operating envelope specific to the end application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can LCE15A be used as a direct replacement for MLCE15AE3 in existing designs?

A: Yes. The LCE15A provides identical electrical performance across all critical parameters: 15V reverse standoff voltage, 16.7V minimum breakdown voltage, 24.4V maximum clamping voltage, and 61A peak pulse current. Both components use through-hole DO-201AA/DO-27 axial packaging and are mechanically interchangeable. Compliance and temperature range differences must be evaluated against specific application requirements.

Q: What is the difference in operating temperature range between these parts?

A: The MLCE15AE3 operates from -65°C to 150°C junction temperature, while the LCE15A operates from -55°C to 175°C. The LCE15A provides a 20°C lower minimum temperature limit and a 25°C higher maximum temperature limit. Applications requiring operation below -55°C or above 150°C must use the MLCE15AE3 or verify thermal performance within the LCE15A range.

Q: How does packaging format affect component selection?

A: The MLCE15AE3 is supplied in bulk packaging, suitable for manual assembly or processes requiring loose component handling. The LCE15A is supplied in cut tape (CT) format, optimized for automated pick-and-place assembly equipment. Packaging selection depends on manufacturing process capabilities and assembly line requirements. Electrical and mechanical performance are identical regardless of packaging format.

Q: What is the significance of RoHS compliance status?

A: The MLCE15AE3 is RoHS non-compliant, while the LCE15A is ROHS3 compliant. RoHS3 compliance indicates the component meets restrictions on hazardous substances per EU Directive 2011/65/EU. Applications subject to RoHS requirements, export restrictions, or customer specifications mandating RoHS compliance must use the LCE15A. Non-regulated applications may use either part.

Q: Are both parts qualified to military standards?

A: The MLCE15AE3 is qualified to MIL-PRF-19500 military standards. The LCE15A qualification status to military standards is not specified in the provided data. Applications requiring military-grade qualification must use the MLCE15AE3 or obtain military qualification documentation for the LCE15A from Littelfuse.

Q: What does the capacitance specification mean for TVS diode selection?

A: The MLCE15AE3 specifies 100pF capacitance at 1MHz. The LCE15A does not provide capacitance data. Capacitance affects high-frequency signal integrity and switching performance. Applications sensitive to parasitic capacitance effects should use the MLCE15AE3 with known capacitance characteristics or request capacitance specifications from Littelfuse for the LCE15A.

Q: Can these parts be used interchangeably in high-frequency circuits?

A: Electrical substitution is valid based on voltage and current ratings. However, the MLCE15AE3 provides specified capacitance data (100pF @ 1MHz) while the LCE15A does not. High-frequency applications requiring known capacitance characteristics should use the MLCE15AE3 or obtain detailed capacitance specifications from Littelfuse for the LCE15A before substitution.