Equivalent & Substitute Parts for 20KPA36 TVS Diode

Part Overview

The 20KPA36 is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse, designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This component features a 36V reverse standoff voltage with a 64.58V maximum clamping voltage and 328.5A peak pulse current capability. The part is classified as obsolete, making identification of suitable substitute components essential for ongoing system support and new design implementations.

Substiute Parts

20KPA36

LittelfuseIn Stock: 88420KPA36 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

20KPA36A

MDE Semiconductor IncIn Stock: 201320KPA36A Datasheet

DirectRFQ

5KP36A-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 26415KP36A-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 20KPA36 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff: Must be 36V
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: Must not exceed 64.58V to ensure equivalent or superior clamping performance
• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): Must support 328.5A minimum
• Power - Peak Pulse: Must support 20000W (20kW) minimum
• Operating Temperature Range: Must cover -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Type: Zener, Unidirectional

The identified substitute parts meet these core electrical and mechanical requirements, ensuring functional compatibility within the specified application envelope.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

20KPA36A (MDE Semiconductor Inc) is the primary direct substitute. This part maintains identical electrical specifications including 36V reverse standoff voltage, 328.5A peak pulse current, and 20000W peak pulse power rating. The clamping voltage of 61.5V is lower than the original 64.58V, providing improved transient suppression performance. Both parts use the P600 axial package and are ROHS3 compliant. The 20KPA36A is currently in active production status with 1938 units available in inventory.

5KP36A-TP (Micro Commercial Co) is an alternative substitute with the same 36V reverse standoff voltage and operating temperature range. This part features a lower clamping voltage of 58.1V, offering superior transient suppression. However, the peak pulse power rating is 5000W (5kW), which is 75% lower than the original specification. The 5KP36A-TP uses an R-6 axial package rather than P600, requiring mechanical board layout verification. This part is ROHS3 compliant and currently in active production with 2576 units available.

Selection between these substitutes depends on application power dissipation requirements and physical board constraints. Applications requiring the full 20kW peak pulse power capability must use the 20KPA36A. Applications with lower power transient events may use the 5KP36A-TP if the R-6 package footprint is compatible with the existing design.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 20KPA36A directly replace the 20KPA36 in existing designs?

A: Yes. The 20KPA36A maintains the same 36V reverse standoff voltage, 328.5A peak pulse current, 20000W peak pulse power rating, P600 axial package, and operating temperature range. The lower clamping voltage (61.5V vs 64.58V) provides equivalent or improved performance. No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What are the key differences between the 20KPA36A and 5KP36A-TP?

A: Both parts share the 36V reverse standoff voltage and operating temperature range. The 20KPA36A maintains the original 20kW peak pulse power rating with P600 package, while the 5KP36A-TP has a 5kW peak pulse power rating with R-6 package. The 5KP36A-TP has a lower clamping voltage (58.1V), which may be advantageous for sensitive circuits but is limited to lower power transient applications.

Q: Is the R-6 package compatible with P600 board layouts?

A: No. The R-6 and P600 are different axial package formats with different physical dimensions and lead spacing. Board layout modifications are required if substituting the 5KP36A-TP for the original 20KPA36 or 20KPA36A.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. The 20KPA36A and 5KP36A-TP are both ROHS3 compliant, matching the compliance status of the original 20KPA36.

Q: Which substitute should be selected for new designs?

A: For new designs requiring 20kW peak pulse power capability, use the 20KPA36A. For applications with lower transient power requirements and where R-6 package footprint is acceptable, the 5KP36A-TP is a viable option with superior clamping voltage performance.