R5BC-3-CA LED Indicator - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The R5BC-3-CA is a dual-color LED indicator manufactured by Bivar Inc., featuring integrated green and red LEDs in a common anode configuration. This through-hole component provides visual indication with diffused lens optics and a rectangular form factor. The part is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent alternatives for new designs and ongoing production requirements.

Substiute Parts

R5BC-3-CA

Bivar Inc.In Stock: 1126R5BC-3-CA Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

R5BC-3

Bivar Inc.In Stock: 790R5BC-3 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the obsolete R5BC-3-CA requires evaluation of the following critical parameters:

Mechanical Compatibility:

• Mounting type (through-hole radial configuration)
• Package format (radial - 3 leads)
• Physical dimensions (lens size 4.90mm x 1.90mm, height 7.00mm maximum)
• Lens style and transparency (rectangle with flat top, diffused)

Electrical Compatibility:

• Forward voltage specifications (2.1V green, 2V red)
• Test current ratings (20mA for both colors)
• Wavelength characteristics (568nm green, 625nm red)
• Viewing angle (120°)

Configuration Consideration:

• The R5BC-3-CA operates in common anode configuration, which determines circuit interface requirements and polarity orientation

The R5BC-3 variant shares identical mechanical dimensions, electrical specifications, and optical characteristics with the main part. The primary distinction is configuration type (common cathode versus common anode) and product status (active versus obsolete).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Product Status Consideration: The R5BC-3-CA is classified as obsolete. The R5BC-3 is an active product from the same manufacturer, ensuring continued availability and supply chain reliability for new production and design implementations.

Compliance Status: The R5BC-3 carries ROHS3 compliance certification, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements for electronic component manufacturing and distribution.

Configuration Requirement: Selection between R5BC-3-CA and R5BC-3 depends on circuit design requirements. The R5BC-3-CA operates as common anode; the R5BC-3 operates as common cathode. Circuit interface design must accommodate the selected configuration type. Lead polarity and drive circuit topology differ between these configurations.

Brightness Consideration: The R5BC-3 provides increased millicandela ratings (4mcd green, 4mcd red) compared to the R5BC-3-CA (1.5mcd green, 1.5mcd red). This represents a 2.67x brightness increase, which may affect visual indication performance in ambient lighting conditions.

Mechanical and Electrical Equivalence: Both parts share identical mechanical dimensions, forward voltage specifications, test current ratings, wavelength characteristics, and viewing angles. Physical board layout and circuit trace routing remain compatible between the two variants.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can R5BC-3 directly replace R5BC-3-CA in existing designs?

A: Direct replacement requires circuit design modification. The R5BC-3-CA uses common anode configuration while R5BC-3 uses common cathode configuration. Lead polarity and drive circuit connections differ. Physical form factor and electrical specifications are identical, but circuit interface must be redesigned for the alternate configuration type.

Q: What is the primary difference between R5BC-3-CA and R5BC-3?

A: The primary differences are configuration type (common anode versus common cathode) and product status (obsolete versus active). The R5BC-3 also provides higher brightness output (4mcd versus 1.5mcd for both colors). All other mechanical and optical parameters are identical.

Q: Why is the R5BC-3-CA classified as obsolete?

A: Product status reflects manufacturer lifecycle decisions. The R5BC-3 represents the active equivalent in the Bivar Inc. product line, offering improved brightness and current availability.

Q: Are the lens dimensions identical between both parts?

A: Yes. Both R5BC-3-CA and R5BC-3 feature identical lens dimensions (4.90mm x 1.90mm), lens style (rectangle with flat top), and maximum height (7.00mm). Physical board layout compatibility is maintained.

Q: What are the forward voltage requirements for both colors?

A: Both parts operate at 2.1V forward voltage for green LEDs and 2.0V forward voltage for red LEDs at 20mA test current. Power supply and current-limiting resistor calculations remain identical between the two variants.

Q: Does the R5BC-3 meet current environmental compliance standards?

A: Yes. The R5BC-3 carries ROHS3 compliance certification, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements for electronic component manufacturing and distribution.

Q: Are the wavelength specifications identical?

A: Yes. Both parts feature identical peak wavelengths: 568nm for green and 625nm for red. Color perception and optical filtering characteristics remain consistent between the two variants.

Q: What is the viewing angle for both parts?

A: Both R5BC-3-CA and R5BC-3 provide a 120° viewing angle, ensuring consistent light distribution and visibility across the specified angular range.