20KPA40C Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 20KPA40C is a Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose voltage protection applications. This component features a 40V reverse standoff voltage with a 71.19V maximum clamping voltage and peak pulse current capability of 297.9A. The part is classified as obsolete, making identification of suitable substitute components essential for ongoing system support and new design implementations.

Substiute Parts

20KPA40C
Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 80520KPA40C Datasheet
20KPA40C
Current Part
20KPA40CA
MDE Semiconductor IncIn Stock: 181420KPA40CA Datasheet
20KPA40CA
Direct

Key Parameters

Parameter Value
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ) 40V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min) 42.24V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp 71.19V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs) 297.9A
Power - Peak Pulse 20000W (20kW)
Operating Temperature Range -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
Package / Case P600, Axial
Bidirectional Channels 1
Type Zener

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 20KPA40C is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

  • Voltage Rating: Reverse standoff voltage of 40V with breakdown minimum of 42.24V or higher
  • Clamping Performance: Maximum clamping voltage capability at peak pulse current
  • Current Handling: Peak pulse current rating of 297.9A at 10/1000µs pulse width
  • Power Dissipation: Peak pulse power rating of 20000W (20kW)
  • Package Compatibility: P600 axial through-hole package for direct mechanical and electrical substitution
  • Temperature Range: Operating range of -55°C to 175°C junction temperature
  • Electrical Configuration: Single bidirectional channel, Zener-type TVS diode

The 20KPA40CA qualifies as a direct substitute based on matching all critical electrical and mechanical parameters within the allowed tolerance specifications for this product category.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter 20KPA40C (Littelfuse) 20KPA40CA (MDE Semiconductor)
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ) 40V 40V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min) 42.24V 44.7V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp 71.19V 67.8V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs) 297.9A 297.9A
Power - Peak Pulse 20000W (20kW) 20000W (20kW)
Operating Temperature Range -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ) -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
Package / Case P600, Axial P600, Axial
Bidirectional Channels 1 1
Type Zener Zener
Product Status Obsolete Active
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The 20KPA40CA is suitable for applications requiring direct replacement of the obsolete 20KPA40C. Both components maintain identical reverse standoff voltage, peak pulse current, and power dissipation ratings. The 20KPA40CA offers the advantage of active product status with confirmed availability, supporting long-term supply chain continuity.

The 20KPA40CA demonstrates superior clamping performance with a lower maximum clamping voltage (67.8V versus 71.19V), which provides enhanced transient suppression characteristics within the same electrical operating envelope. Both components maintain ROHS3 compliance and identical operating temperature specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 20KPA40CA directly replace the 20KPA40C in existing designs?

A: Yes. Both components share identical reverse standoff voltage (40V), peak pulse current (297.9A), peak pulse power (20kW), operating temperature range (-55°C to 175°C), and P600 axial package configuration. Direct substitution is electrically and mechanically compatible.

Q: What is the significance of the different clamping voltages between these parts?

A: The 20KPA40CA exhibits a lower maximum clamping voltage (67.8V) compared to the 20KPA40C (71.19V). This represents improved transient suppression performance, as lower clamping voltage reduces voltage stress on protected circuitry during transient events while maintaining the same current-handling capability.

Q: Are there compliance differences between the two parts?

A: Both the 20KPA40C and 20KPA40CA are ROHS3 compliant. The 20KPA40CA additionally specifies REACH Unaffected status and Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 (Unlimited), indicating enhanced environmental compliance documentation.

Q: Why is the 20KPA40C classified as obsolete?

A: Obsolescence reflects the manufacturer's discontinuation of this specific part number. The 20KPA40CA, maintained in active production status by MDE Semiconductor Inc., provides functional equivalence for ongoing system support and new designs.

Q: Does package compatibility extend to PCB layout considerations?

A: Both components utilize the P600 axial through-hole package, ensuring identical footprint and mounting hole spacing. No PCB layout modifications are required for substitution.

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