NAR161B 7-Segment LED Display Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The NAR161B is a single-character red 7-segment LED display manufactured by Stanley Electric Co., featuring a 0.60" digit height in a 10-DIP package configuration. This component is classified as obsolete, making substitute parts necessary for new designs and ongoing production requirements. The display operates as a common anode device with a forward voltage of 1.7V and test current of 20mA, suitable for numeric indicator applications requiring standard brightness levels.

Substiute Parts

NAR161B

Stanley Electric CoIn Stock: 1119NAR161B Datasheet

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LAP-601VB

Rohm SemiconductorIn Stock: 913LAP-601VB Datasheet

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LDS-A5644RI

Lumex Opto/Components Inc.In Stock: 1206LDS-A5644RI Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the NAR161B is determined by the following criteria:

Mandatory Compatibility Parameters:

• Display Type: 7-Segment configuration
• Common Pin: Common Anode topology
• Color: Red wavelength
• Package: 10-DIP (0.600", 15.24mm) footprint
• Number of Characters: Single character

Electrical Operating Parameters:

• Forward Voltage (Vf): Range 1.7V to 2.0V acceptable
• Test Current: 10mA to 20mA range
• Wavelength - Peak: 635nm to 660nm range

Physical Compatibility:

• Overall dimensions must accommodate 10-DIP package spacing
• Digit height tolerance: 0.56" to 0.60" acceptable for standard applications

The identified substitute parts LAP-601VB and LDS-A5644RI meet all mandatory compatibility parameters and fall within acceptable electrical operating ranges for direct substitution in common anode 7-segment display applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

LAP-601VB (Rohm Semiconductor): This substitute is actively manufactured and ROHS3 compliant. The LAP-601VB operates at 1.9V forward voltage with reduced test current of 10mA, resulting in lower power dissipation compared to the NAR161B. The higher millicandela rating (36mcd versus 12mcd) provides increased brightness output. Physical dimensions are identical to the main part. The MSL rating of 3 requires controlled storage conditions during manufacturing. This substitute is suitable for applications where increased brightness and reduced power consumption are acceptable design parameters.

LDS-A5644RI (Lumex Opto/Components Inc.): This substitute is actively manufactured and ROHS3 compliant with MSL rating of 1, indicating unlimited shelf life without moisture control requirements. The LDS-A5644RI operates at 2V forward voltage with 10mA test current. Physical height is reduced to 0.56" (14.22mm) compared to the NAR161B at 0.60" (15.24mm), which may affect visual consistency in multi-digit display arrays. The lower millicandela rating (3.5mcd) indicates reduced brightness output. This substitute is suitable for applications where moisture sensitivity control is not feasible and reduced brightness is acceptable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can LAP-601VB and LDS-A5644RI be used interchangeably with NAR161B?

A: Both substitutes are electrically and mechanically compatible as common anode 7-segment red displays in 10-DIP packages. However, they differ in forward voltage, test current, brightness output, and physical dimensions. Selection depends on specific circuit design requirements and visual brightness specifications.

Q: What is the impact of different forward voltages (1.7V, 1.9V, 2V)?

A: Forward voltage differences require adjustment of series current-limiting resistor values in the circuit design. The LAP-601VB at 1.9V and LDS-A5644RI at 2V require higher resistor values compared to the NAR161B at 1.7V to maintain equivalent current levels. Circuit redesign may be necessary.

Q: How do the reduced test currents (10mA versus 20mA) affect circuit design?

A: Both substitutes operate at 10mA test current, half that of the NAR161B. This reduces power dissipation and allows use of higher series resistor values. Existing circuits designed for 20mA operation require resistor recalculation to achieve proper brightness levels.

Q: What is the significance of the digit height differences?

A: The NAR161B features 0.60" digit height, LAP-601VB features 0.57" height, and LDS-A5644RI features 0.56" height. In multi-digit display applications, these differences may create visual inconsistency. Single-digit applications are unaffected by these variations.

Q: What does MSL rating mean for component handling?

A: MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level) indicates moisture absorption risk during storage. LAP-601VB with MSL 3 requires controlled storage (168 hours maximum at specified humidity). LDS-A5644RI with MSL 1 has unlimited shelf life without moisture control, making it suitable for environments where moisture control is not available.

Q: Are both substitutes available in active production?

A: Yes. Both LAP-601VB and LDS-A5644RI are classified as active products with current manufacturing status, ensuring long-term availability compared to the obsolete NAR161B.

Q: What is the brightness difference between these parts?

A: NAR161B provides 12mcd, LAP-601VB provides 36mcd (3x brighter), and LDS-A5644RI provides 3.5mcd (lower brightness). Circuit design must account for these differences through resistor value adjustment to achieve desired visual output.