MLCE16AE3 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MLCE16AE3 is a unidirectional Zener transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Microchip Technology, designed for general-purpose transient protection applications. This through-hole component operates with a 16V reverse standoff voltage and provides 26V 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 1053 units in stock.

Substitute parts are identified when equivalent electrical performance and mechanical compatibility are required due to component availability, supply chain considerations, or specific packaging preferences while maintaining identical functional characteristics.

Substiute Parts

MLCE16AE3

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1162MLCE16AE3 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

LCE16A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 2686LCE16A Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MLCE16AE3 with equivalent TVS diodes is determined by strict electrical parameter matching across the following critical specifications:

Electrical Equivalence Criteria:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 16V
• Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 17.8V
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 26V
• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): 57A
• Power - Peak Pulse: 1500W
• Unidirectional Channels: 1
• Type: Zener

Mechanical Compatibility Criteria:

• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Package / Case: DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial

The LCE16A from Littelfuse Inc. meets all electrical equivalence criteria and maintains mechanical compatibility through identical through-hole axial packaging. Both devices operate within the general-purpose transient protection application category and share the same functional classification as unidirectional Zener TVS diodes.

Parameter Comparison

*Operating temperature range: LCE16A supports extended upper temperature limit (175°C vs. 150°C) and higher lower temperature limit (-55°C vs. -65°C). MLCE16AE3 supports lower minimum operating temperature.

Engineering Selection Recommendations

MLCE16AE3 (Microchip Technology) is selected when:

• Military-grade qualification per MIL-PRF-19500 is required
• Extended low-temperature operation to -65°C is necessary
• RoHS non-compliant applications are acceptable
• Bulk packaging is preferred for high-volume procurement

LCE16A (Littelfuse Inc.) is selected when:

• ROHS3 compliance is required
• Extended high-temperature operation to 175°C is necessary
• Cut tape packaging is preferred for automated assembly
• Higher inventory availability is advantageous (2581 units vs. 1053 units)

Both devices are active products with identical electrical performance and mechanical compatibility. Selection between these parts depends on compliance requirements, temperature operating range, packaging format, and supply chain availability rather than functional capability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can LCE16A directly replace MLCE16AE3 in existing designs?

A: Yes. Both devices are electrically equivalent with identical voltage ratings (16V standoff, 26V clamping), peak pulse current (57A), and power dissipation (1500W). Both use through-hole axial packaging (DO-201AA/DO-27). Mechanical and electrical substitution is direct.

Q: What is the difference in operating temperature ranges?

A: MLCE16AE3 operates from -65°C to 150°C. LCE16A operates from -55°C to 175°C. For applications requiring operation below -55°C, MLCE16AE3 is required. For applications requiring operation above 150°C, LCE16A is required. For applications within -55°C to 150°C, both are suitable.

Q: Does RoHS compliance differ between these parts?

A: Yes. MLCE16AE3 is RoHS non-compliant. LCE16A is ROHS3 compliant. Applications subject to RoHS regulations must use LCE16A. Applications without RoHS requirements can use either part.

Q: Are the packaging formats compatible?

A: Yes. Both MLCE16AE3 and LCE16A use identical through-hole axial packaging (DO-201AA, DO-27). MLCE16AE3 is supplied in bulk packaging, while LCE16A is supplied in cut tape (CT) packaging. Both formats are compatible with the same PCB footprints and assembly processes.

Q: What is the capacitance specification for LCE16A?

A: Capacitance data is not provided for LCE16A in the available specifications. MLCE16AE3 specifies 100pF @ 1MHz. For applications where capacitance is a critical parameter, MLCE16AE3 specifications should be referenced or LCE16A datasheet should be consulted.

Q: Are both parts currently in stock?

A: Yes. MLCE16AE3 has 1053 units in stock. LCE16A has 2581 units in stock. Both are active products with immediate availability.