MLCE22AE3 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MLCE22AE3 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 22V reverse standoff voltage and provides 35.5V maximum clamping voltage at peak pulse current. The part is qualified to MIL-PRF-19500 military standards and is currently in active production status with 903 units available in bulk packaging.

Equivalent and substitute parts are identified to provide design flexibility when the primary part is unavailable, when alternative packaging formats are required, or when compliance requirements differ between applications.

Substiute Parts

MLCE22AE3

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 960MLCE22AE3 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

LCE22A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1040LCE22A Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the MLCE22AE3 are identified based on electrical parameter equivalence and mechanical compatibility. The following criteria determine substitution validity:

Electrical Parameters (Must Match):

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 22V
• Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 24.4V
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 35.5V
• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): 42A
• Power - Peak Pulse: 1500W
• Type: Zener
• Unidirectional Channels: 1

Mechanical Parameters (Must Match):

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

Acceptable Variations:

• Packaging format (Bulk vs. Tape & Reel)
• Operating temperature range (provided minimum and maximum bounds are met or exceeded)
• RoHS compliance status
• Manufacturer identity

The LCE22A from Littelfuse Inc. meets all electrical and mechanical substitution criteria and is classified as a direct equivalent.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

MLCE22AE3 (Microchip Technology):

• Primary selection for applications requiring MIL-PRF-19500 military qualification
• Specified for designs with military-grade component requirements
• Bulk packaging suitable for high-volume manufacturing environments
• RoHS non-compliant status requires verification against end-product compliance mandates

LCE22A (Littelfuse Inc.):

• Direct electrical and mechanical equivalent with identical performance parameters
• ROHS3 compliance suitable for applications with RoHS regulatory requirements
• Operating temperature range (-55°C to 175°C) exceeds MLCE22AE3 specification, providing extended thermal margin
• Tape & Reel packaging format appropriate for automated assembly processes
• Active production status with 998 units in stock

Selection between these parts depends on compliance requirements (military qualification vs. RoHS compliance), packaging format needs (bulk vs. tape & reel), and supply chain availability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the LCE22A replace the MLCE22AE3 in all applications?

A: The LCE22A is electrically and mechanically equivalent to the MLCE22AE3 across all critical parameters: reverse standoff voltage, breakdown voltage, clamping voltage, peak pulse current, and power dissipation. Substitution is valid provided the application does not mandate MIL-PRF-19500 military qualification. If military qualification is required, the MLCE22AE3 must be used.

Q: What is the difference between bulk and tape & reel packaging?

A: Bulk packaging (MLCE22AE3) consists of loose components suitable for manual assembly or low-volume production. Tape & Reel packaging (LCE22A) presents components on continuous carrier tape for automated pick-and-place assembly equipment. Both formats contain identical components; packaging selection depends on manufacturing process requirements.

Q: Does the LCE22A's wider operating temperature range affect substitution validity?

A: No. The LCE22A operating range (-55°C to 175°C) encompasses and exceeds the MLCE22AE3 range (-65°C to 150°C). A wider operating range does not compromise substitution; it provides additional thermal margin. The component remains suitable for all applications within the MLCE22AE3 temperature specification.

Q: What is the significance of RoHS compliance difference?

A: The MLCE22AE3 is RoHS non-compliant; the LCE22A is ROHS3 compliant. RoHS compliance is mandatory for products sold in the European Union and for many commercial applications. If the end product requires RoHS certification, the LCE22A must be selected. If RoHS compliance is not required, either part is acceptable.

Q: Are the DO-201AA and DO-27 packages interchangeable?

A: Both the MLCE22AE3 and LCE22A are available in DO-201AA, DO-27, and Axial package configurations. These are industry-standard through-hole packages with identical lead spacing and mounting characteristics. Package selection depends on PCB design and assembly equipment compatibility, not on component substitution.

Q: What parameters must remain identical for substitution to be valid?

A: The following parameters must be identical: Voltage - Reverse Standoff (22V), Voltage - Breakdown (24.4V), Voltage - Clamping (35.5V), Current - Peak Pulse (42A), Power - Peak Pulse (1500W), Type (Zener), Unidirectional Channels (1), Mounting Type (Through Hole), and Package / Case (DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial). All these parameters match between the MLCE22AE3 and LCE22A.