MLCE90AE3 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MLCE90AE3 is a unidirectional Zener-type Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Microchip Technology, designed for general-purpose transient voltage protection applications. This through-hole component features a 90V reverse standoff voltage with a 146V maximum clamping voltage and 10.3A peak pulse current capability. The part is currently in active production status with military-grade qualification per MIL-PRF-19500. Substitute parts are identified when equivalent electrical performance parameters are maintained across the same functional category, allowing for component interchangeability in circuit designs where the primary electrical specifications remain constant.

Substiute Parts

MLCE90AE3

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1101MLCE90AE3 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

LCE90A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1985LCE90A Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MLCE90AE3 is determined by strict equivalence of the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Critical Substitution Parameters:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff: 90V (Typ)
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 146V
• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): 10.3A
• Power - Peak Pulse: 1500W
• Type: Zener, Unidirectional
• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Package / Case: DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial compatible

The LCE90A manufactured by Littelfuse Inc. meets all critical electrical parameters and maintains identical package compatibility. Both components are classified as general-purpose TVS diodes with matching voltage and current ratings. The substitute part is available in Cut Tape packaging and maintains active product status.

Parameter Comparison

*The LCE90A operates across a wider temperature range (-65 to 175°C) compared to the MLCE90AE3 (-65 to 150°C), providing extended thermal capability within the same electrical performance envelope.

Engineering Selection Recommendations

MLCE90AE3 (Microchip Technology):

• Primary selection for applications requiring MIL-PRF-19500 military-grade qualification
• Suitable for military and aerospace applications with strict qualification requirements
• RoHS non-compliant status requires verification against end-product compliance mandates
• Bulk packaging format supports high-volume manufacturing environments

LCE90A (Littelfuse Inc.):

• Equivalent electrical performance with ROHS3 compliance certification
• Extended operating temperature range (-65 to 175°C) accommodates higher thermal stress environments
• Cut Tape packaging format supports automated assembly and component-level traceability
• Active product status with established supply chain availability
• Suitable for commercial and industrial applications where RoHS compliance is required

Both components maintain identical electrical specifications and package compatibility. Selection between these parts is determined by compliance requirements, packaging format needs, and thermal operating range specifications for the target application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the LCE90A directly replace the MLCE90AE3 in existing circuit designs?

A: Yes, the LCE90A provides direct electrical substitution. Both components share identical voltage ratings (90V standoff, 146V clamping), current ratings (10.3A peak pulse), and power dissipation (1500W). Package compatibility is maintained across DO-201AA, DO-27, and axial configurations. Verification of RoHS compliance requirements and operating temperature range specifications is necessary for your specific application.

Q: What is the difference in packaging between these two parts?

A: The MLCE90AE3 is supplied in Bulk packaging, while the LCE90A is supplied in Cut Tape (CT) format. Both are through-hole components with identical physical package dimensions (DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial). Bulk packaging is typically used for manual assembly or high-volume reel applications, while Cut Tape format supports automated pick-and-place assembly processes.

Q: Are there temperature-related limitations when substituting these parts?

A: The MLCE90AE3 operates from -65°C to 150°C, while the LCE90A operates from -65°C to 175°C. The LCE90A provides a 25°C extended upper temperature capability. If your application operates within the -65°C to 150°C range, both parts are functionally equivalent. Applications requiring operation above 150°C must use the LCE90A.

Q: What compliance certifications differ between these parts?

A: The MLCE90AE3 holds MIL-PRF-19500 military-grade qualification and is RoHS non-compliant. The LCE90A is ROHS3 compliant. Both maintain REACH Unaffected status and EAR99 export classification. Selection depends on whether your end product requires military qualification or RoHS compliance certification.

Q: Are the electrical performance characteristics identical between these substitutes?

A: Yes. Both components are specified with 90V reverse standoff voltage, 100V minimum breakdown voltage, 146V maximum clamping voltage at peak pulse current, and 10.3A peak pulse current (10/1000µs waveform). Power dissipation is 1500W for both parts. Capacitance specification is provided only for the MLCE90AE3 (90pF @ 1MHz); this parameter is not specified for the LCE90A.

Q: What inventory considerations apply to these substitute parts?

A: The MLCE90AE3 has 1028 pieces in stock (Bulk packaging). The LCE90A has 1913 pieces in stock (Cut Tape packaging). Both are classified as New Original stock with active product status. Availability should be confirmed with your component supplier for current lead times and quantity requirements.