MLCE28AE3 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MLCE28AE3 is a unidirectional Zener-type transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Microchip Technology, designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This through-hole component operates with a 28V reverse standoff voltage and provides 45.5V 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 841 units available in bulk packaging.

Equivalent and substitute parts are identified when alternative manufacturers offer TVS diodes with identical or compatible electrical and mechanical specifications, enabling procurement flexibility, inventory optimization, and supply chain continuity.

Substiute Parts

MLCE28AE3
Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 945MLCE28AE3 Datasheet
MLCE28AE3
Current Part
LCE28A
Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 2122LCE28A Datasheet
LCE28A
Similar

Key Parameters

Parameter Value Unit
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ) 28 V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min) 31.1 V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp 45.5 V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs) 33 A
Power - Peak Pulse 1500 W
Capacitance @ 1MHz 100 pF
Operating Temperature Range -65 to 150 °C (TJ)
Mounting Type Through Hole
Package / Case DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial
Type Zener
Unidirectional Channels 1

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MLCE28AE3 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical electrical parameters:

  • Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 28V
  • Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 45.5V
  • Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): 33A
  • Power - Peak Pulse: 1500W
  • Unidirectional Channels: 1
  • Mounting Type: Through Hole
  • Package / Case: DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial

The LCE28A manufactured by Littelfuse Inc. meets all critical electrical specifications and mechanical compatibility requirements. Both parts are classified as general-purpose TVS diodes with identical voltage and current ratings, enabling direct functional substitution in circuit applications. Package compatibility in the DO-201 form factor ensures mechanical interchangeability in through-hole PCB designs.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter MLCE28AE3 (Microchip) LCE28A (Littelfuse) Match Status
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ) 28V 28V Equivalent
Voltage - Breakdown (Min) 31.1V 31.1V Equivalent
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp 45.5V 45.5V Equivalent
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs) 33A 33A Equivalent
Power - Peak Pulse 1500W 1500W Equivalent
Operating Temperature Range -65°C to 150°C -55°C to 175°C Compatible (LCE28A extends upper range)
Mounting Type Through Hole Through Hole Equivalent
Package / Case DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial Equivalent
Type Zener Zener Equivalent
Unidirectional Channels 1 1 Equivalent
RoHS Status RoHS non-compliant ROHS3 Compliant LCE28A offers improved compliance

Engineering Selection Recommendations

MLCE28AE3 (Microchip Technology)

Select this part for applications requiring MIL-PRF-19500 military qualification. The MLCE28AE3 maintains active production status and is suitable for defense, aerospace, and high-reliability applications where military-grade certification is mandatory. The part is RoHS non-compliant, which may be acceptable in legacy systems or military specifications that do not enforce RoHS requirements.

LCE28A (Littelfuse Inc.)

Select this part for commercial and industrial applications where RoHS3 compliance is required. The LCE28A provides identical electrical performance with an extended operating temperature range (-55°C to 175°C versus -65°C to 150°C), offering greater thermal margin in high-temperature environments. This substitute is suitable for new designs prioritizing environmental compliance and supply chain flexibility. The LCE28A is available in higher inventory quantities (2040 units in cut tape packaging), supporting volume production requirements.

Both parts are active products with equivalent electrical specifications and mechanical compatibility. Selection between them depends on compliance requirements, temperature operating range, and packaging format preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the LCE28A directly replace the MLCE28AE3 in existing designs?

A: Yes. The LCE28A provides electrical equivalence across all critical parameters: 28V reverse standoff voltage, 45.5V clamping voltage, and 33A peak pulse current. Both parts use identical DO-201AA/DO-27 axial through-hole packaging, enabling direct PCB substitution without circuit modification.

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

A: The MLCE28AE3 operates from -65°C to 150°C (TJ), while the LCE28A operates from -55°C to 175°C (TJ). The LCE28A provides a 25°C higher upper temperature limit, offering improved performance in high-temperature applications. The MLCE28AE3 provides a 10°C lower minimum temperature rating for cryogenic environments.

Q: Are there compliance differences between these parts?

A: Yes. The MLCE28AE3 is MIL-PRF-19500 qualified and RoHS non-compliant, suitable for military and legacy applications. The LCE28A is ROHS3 compliant, meeting environmental regulations for commercial and industrial markets. Both parts are REACH Unaffected and carry EAR99 export classification.

Q: What packaging formats are available?

A: The MLCE28AE3 is supplied in bulk packaging. The LCE28A is supplied in cut tape (CT) packaging. Both parts use the same DO-201AA/DO-27 axial component form factor for through-hole PCB mounting.

Q: Can I use these parts interchangeably in high-reliability applications?

A: The MLCE28AE3 is the appropriate choice for military and aerospace high-reliability applications due to MIL-PRF-19500 qualification. The LCE28A is suitable for commercial high-reliability applications requiring RoHS compliance. Application requirements and certification mandates determine which part is appropriate.

Q: What is the peak pulse power rating for both parts?

A: Both the MLCE28AE3 and LCE28A are rated for 1500W (1.5kW) peak pulse power at the specified 10/1000µs pulse duration, providing equivalent transient suppression capability.

Q: Are there inventory considerations for part selection?

A: The MLCE28AE3 has 841 units available in bulk packaging. The LCE28A has 2040 units available in cut tape packaging. For high-volume production, the LCE28A offers greater inventory availability and tape-and-reel format compatibility with automated assembly processes.

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