1N6166A Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 1N6166A is a transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Microchip Technology, designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This axial-lead, through-hole component features a 76V reverse standoff voltage and 137.6V maximum clamping voltage with 10.9A peak pulse current capability. The 1N6166A is currently discontinued at DiGi Electronics, necessitating identification of functionally equivalent alternatives that maintain compatibility with existing circuit designs while meeting the same electrical and mechanical requirements.

Substiute Parts

1N6166A

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 12191N6166A Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

AK3-076C-BP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 998AK3-076C-BP Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 1N6166A TVS diode is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Voltage Specifications: The reverse standoff voltage must match at 76V (typical). The clamping voltage must remain within acceptable circuit tolerance, with the substitute part specified at 140V maximum clamping voltage, representing a 1.7% increase from the original 137.6V specification.

Current Handling: The substitute part (AK3-076C-BP) specifies peak pulse current using an alternative pulse waveform standard (8/20µs versus 10/1000µs). While the numerical current value differs significantly (3000A versus 10.9A), this reflects different measurement methodologies for the same component class rather than incompatible electrical performance.

Package and Mounting: Both parts utilize axial through-hole mounting, ensuring mechanical compatibility with existing printed circuit board layouts and component placement equipment.

Temperature Range: The substitute part operates across -55°C to 150°C, which encompasses the lower end of the original operating range (-55°C to 175°C). This represents a 25°C reduction in maximum junction temperature.

Compliance and Status: The substitute part is active in production with ROHS3 compliance, whereas the original part is discontinued and RoHS non-compliant.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The AK3-076C-BP from Micro Commercial Co qualifies as a functional substitute for the discontinued 1N6166A based on matching reverse standoff voltage (76V) and single-channel bidirectional zener topology. Both components are rated for general-purpose transient voltage suppression in through-hole axial configurations.

Product Status Consideration: The 1N6166A is discontinued at DiGi Electronics, making the AK3-076C-BP the appropriate alternative for new designs or component replenishment. The substitute part maintains active production status with current inventory availability.

Compliance Advantage: The AK3-076C-BP carries ROHS3 compliance certification, whereas the original 1N6166A is RoHS non-compliant. This compliance status is relevant for applications subject to environmental regulations or customer requirements mandating RoHS adherence.

Temperature Operating Range: Circuit designs operating at junction temperatures above 150°C require evaluation of thermal management or alternative component selection, as the substitute part's maximum operating temperature is 25°C lower than the original specification.

Package Configuration: The substitute part features a right-angle bend lead configuration (24.15mm center) compared to the original straight axial package. PCB layout verification is necessary to confirm mechanical fit within existing component placement patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the AK3-076C-BP directly replace the 1N6166A in existing circuit boards?

A: Mechanical compatibility depends on lead configuration. The AK3-076C-BP uses a right-angle bend axial package (24.15mm center) versus the original straight axial package. PCB hole spacing and component clearance must be verified before substitution.

Q: What is the significance of the different peak pulse current specifications (10.9A versus 3000A)?

A: The specifications use different pulse waveform standards: the 1N6166A uses 10/1000µs waveform, while the AK3-076C-BP uses 8/20µs waveform. These represent different measurement methodologies for transient suppression capability rather than incompatible electrical performance. Both parts are rated for general-purpose TVS applications.

Q: Does the 2.4V difference in clamping voltage (137.6V versus 140V) affect circuit compatibility?

A: The clamping voltage difference of 2.4V represents a 1.7% increase. Circuit compatibility depends on the specific overvoltage protection threshold required by downstream components. Applications with tight voltage margins require detailed circuit analysis.

Q: Is the 25°C reduction in maximum operating temperature (175°C to 150°C) significant?

A: The operating temperature range reduction is relevant only for applications where junction temperature is expected to exceed 150°C. Standard room-temperature and moderate-temperature applications are unaffected by this specification difference.

Q: What compliance advantage does the AK3-076C-BP provide?

A: The AK3-076C-BP is ROHS3 compliant, whereas the 1N6166A is RoHS non-compliant. This compliance status is mandatory for applications subject to environmental regulations or customer requirements mandating RoHS adherence.

Q: Are both parts suitable for power line protection applications?

A: No. Both the 1N6166A and AK3-076C-BP are specified for general-purpose applications only, not power line protection. Applications requiring power line protection require components specifically rated for that function.