MSD4940C 7-Segment Display - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MSD4940C is a dual-character 7-segment LED display module manufactured by onsemi, featuring a 0.4-inch red display with common cathode configuration. This component is classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent alternatives essential for ongoing production support, maintenance, and new design implementations where this display type is required.

Substiute Parts

MSD4940C

onsemiIn Stock: 776MSD4940C Datasheet

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DC04-11EWA

KingbrightIn Stock: 1072DC04-11EWA Datasheet

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LDD-C404NI

Lumex Opto/Components Inc.In Stock: 4700LDD-C404NI Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the MSD4940C are qualified based on the following critical parameters that determine functional and mechanical compatibility:

• Display Configuration: 2-character, 7-segment format with common cathode topology
• Physical Package: 16-DIP (0.500", 12.70mm) form factor with matching PCB footprint
• Electrical Characteristics: Forward voltage of 2V nominal and compatible current ratings
• Digit Size: 0.39" to 0.40" character height range
• Color Specification: Red wavelength in the 627nm to 635nm range
• Mechanical Envelope: Overall dimensions within 16.00mm x 20.10mm to 20.20mm x 7.00mm

The substitute parts DC04-11EWA (Kingbright) and LDD-C404NI (Lumex Opto/Components Inc.) meet these criteria and maintain electrical and mechanical interchangeability with the MSD4940C.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

DC04-11EWA (Kingbright) is an active product with ROHS3 compliance and higher brightness (6.4mcd) compared to the MSD4940C. This part maintains identical electrical specifications (2V, 20mA) and package footprint, making it a direct replacement for applications requiring sustained production availability. The slightly reduced digit size (0.39" versus 0.40") is within acceptable visual tolerance for most display applications.

LDD-C404NI (Lumex Opto/Components Inc.) is an active product with ROHS3 compliance and maintains the exact digit size (0.40") and wavelength (635nm) of the original MSD4940C. This part operates at reduced test current (10mA versus 20mA), resulting in lower power dissipation per segment. This characteristic makes it suitable for power-constrained applications while maintaining compatible forward voltage and package specifications.

Both substitute parts carry REACH Unaffected and EAR99 ECCN classifications, matching the regulatory profile of the original component.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can DC04-11EWA and LDD-C404NI be used interchangeably with MSD4940C?

A: Both parts are mechanically and electrically compatible as direct substitutes. The 16-DIP package footprint is identical, and all three parts operate at 2V forward voltage with common cathode configuration. Differences in test current (20mA for MSD4940C and DC04-11EWA; 10mA for LDD-C404NI) and brightness ratings do not prevent interchangeability in standard display applications.

Q: What is the significance of the digit size difference between DC04-11EWA (0.39") and the original MSD4940C (0.40")?

A: The 0.01-inch difference represents approximately 0.25mm and is within standard manufacturing tolerance for LED display modules. Visual perception of this difference is negligible in most applications. If exact character height matching is critical for aesthetic or regulatory reasons, LDD-C404NI maintains the original 0.40" specification.

Q: Why does LDD-C404NI have a lower test current (10mA) than the original part?

A: The reduced current specification reflects design optimization by Lumex for lower power consumption while maintaining adequate brightness through improved LED efficiency. This does not affect compatibility; the part operates at the same 2V forward voltage and produces sufficient luminous intensity for standard display applications.

Q: Are all three parts RoHS compliant?

A: The MSD4940C product status is listed as obsolete without explicit RoHS certification data. Both DC04-11EWA and LDD-C404NI carry ROHS3 Compliant certification, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements for new designs and production.

Q: What packaging formats are available for these parts?

A: MSD4940C is supplied in standard packaging (format not specified). DC04-11EWA is available in Tube packaging. LDD-C404NI is available in Bulk packaging. All three parts use identical 16-DIP (0.500", 12.70mm) component packaging for PCB mounting.