R5BWD LED Blue Diffused Through-Hole Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The R5BWD is a blue diffused through-hole LED manufactured by Bivar Inc., designed for discrete LED indication applications. This component features a 4V forward voltage rating, 4mcd brightness output, and a rectangular flat-top lens configuration with 120° viewing angle. The product is currently classified as obsolete, making identification of compatible substitute parts essential for ongoing design support, maintenance, and production continuity.

Substiute Parts

R5BWD

Bivar Inc.In Stock: 722R5BWD Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

R5GD

Bivar Inc.In Stock: 1118R5GD Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the R5BWD are identified based on strict alignment with the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

• Mounting Type: Through Hole (radial lead configuration)
• Lens Style: Rectangle with Flat Top
• Lens Size: 4.90mm x 1.90mm
• Height (Max): 7.00mm
• Current - Test: 20mA
• Viewing Angle: 120°
• Manufacturer: Bivar Inc.
• Moisture Sensitivity Level: 1 (Unlimited)

Allowable Variation Parameters:

• Color: May differ based on application requirements
• Voltage - Forward (Vf): May vary within circuit design tolerance
• Millicandela Rating: May vary within acceptable brightness range
• Wavelength - Peak: Varies with color selection

The R5GD is identified as a substitute part because it maintains identical mechanical dimensions, mounting configuration, viewing angle, and test current specifications. The primary differences are color (green vs. blue), forward voltage (2.1V vs. 4V), brightness (8mcd vs. 4mcd), and peak wavelength (568nm vs. 430nm). These differences are acceptable substitution parameters when the application does not require the specific blue color indication of the original R5BWD.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For R5BWD Replacement:

The R5GD is a functionally compatible substitute when the application does not require blue color indication. The R5GD maintains all critical mechanical and electrical parameters: identical lens dimensions (4.90mm x 1.90mm), matching height (7.00mm), equivalent viewing angle (120°), and same test current (20mA). Both components use radial through-hole mounting and share identical moisture sensitivity classification (MSL 1).

Circuit Design Considerations:

The R5GD operates at 2.1V forward voltage compared to the R5BWD's 4V specification. This difference requires recalculation of series resistor values in the LED drive circuit. The R5GD also provides higher brightness output (8mcd vs. 4mcd), which may necessitate adjustment of current-limiting resistor values to maintain appropriate brightness levels in the application.

Product Status Impact:

The R5BWD is classified as obsolete, while the R5GD maintains active product status with confirmed inventory availability (1063 pcs). The R5GD is ROHS3 compliant, supporting long-term supply chain sustainability.

Substitution Applicability:

The R5GD is suitable as a substitute only when:

• The application does not require blue color indication
• Circuit design can accommodate 2.1V forward voltage instead of 4V
• Higher brightness output (8mcd) is acceptable or can be managed through resistor adjustment
• Green wavelength (568nm) is functionally equivalent to blue (430nm) for the intended indication purpose

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the R5GD directly replace the R5BWD without any circuit modifications?

A: No. While the R5GD maintains identical mechanical dimensions and mounting configuration, the forward voltage differs significantly (2.1V vs. 4V). The series resistor value in the LED drive circuit must be recalculated to accommodate this voltage difference and prevent overcurrent conditions.

Q: What are the primary mechanical compatibility factors between R5BWD and R5GD?

A: Both components share identical lens dimensions (4.90mm x 1.90mm), maximum height (7.00mm), lens style (rectangle with flat top), viewing angle (120°), and radial through-hole mounting configuration. These parameters ensure direct PCB footprint compatibility.

Q: Does the R5GD's higher brightness (8mcd vs. 4mcd) affect substitution suitability?

A: The brightness difference is a design parameter that must be evaluated within the application context. If the original design requires 4mcd brightness, the R5GD's 8mcd output may be excessive. Current-limiting resistor adjustment can reduce the R5GD's brightness to match the original specification, but this requires circuit redesign.

Q: Are there any compliance or certification differences between these components?

A: The R5GD is ROHS3 compliant, while the R5BWD's compliance status is not specified in the provided data. Both components share identical ECCN (EAR99) and HTSUS (8541.41.0000) classifications and MSL 1 moisture sensitivity rating.

Q: Why is the R5BWD classified as obsolete?

A: The R5BWD is listed as obsolete by the manufacturer. The R5GD, with active product status, represents the current-generation equivalent from Bivar Inc. for this form factor and mounting style.

Q: What is the primary difference in wavelength between these components?

A: The R5BWD operates at 430nm peak wavelength (blue spectrum), while the R5GD operates at 568nm peak wavelength (green spectrum). This spectral difference is the fundamental distinction between the two components and determines their visual indication color.

Q: Can the R5GD be used in applications where color indication is critical?

A: No. If the application specifically requires blue color indication for status differentiation or user interface purposes, the R5GD is not suitable. The color difference (green vs. blue) is a functional requirement that cannot be modified through circuit adjustment.

Q: What inventory considerations should be evaluated?

A: The R5BWD is obsolete with limited remaining stock (683 pcs). The R5GD is actively manufactured with higher inventory availability (1063 pcs), providing better long-term supply chain security for new designs or production continuity.