Equivalent & Substitute Parts for 20KPA96C-B TVS Diode

Part Overview

The 20KPA96C-B is a transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This bidirectional Zener diode operates with a 96V reverse standoff voltage and provides peak pulse power handling of 20kW. The part is currently listed as obsolete, making identification of active equivalent alternatives essential for ongoing system support and new design implementations.

Substiute Parts

20KPA96C-B

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 75220KPA96C-B Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

20KPA96CA

MDE Semiconductor IncIn Stock: 175620KPA96CA Datasheet

DirectRFQ

20KPA96CA-B

LittelfuseIn Stock: 97920KPA96CA-B Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 20KPA96C-B is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Reverse standoff voltage must match at 96V
• Peak pulse current capability must equal 130.3A
• Peak pulse power rating must equal 20kW
• Package type must be P600 axial through-hole configuration
• Bidirectional channel count must be 1
• Operating temperature range must span -55°C to 175°C

The substitute parts 20KPA96CA and 20KPA96CA-B meet all these core electrical and mechanical requirements. Both maintain identical standoff voltage, peak pulse current, power rating, and package specifications. The primary difference lies in clamping voltage performance and product status, detailed in the parameter comparison below.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Both 20KPA96CA and 20KPA96CA-B are active alternatives to the obsolete 20KPA96C-B. Selection between them should be based on the following factors:

20KPA96CA-B (Littelfuse): This part maintains the original manufacturer lineage from Littelfuse Inc. and is ROHS3 compliant with REACH unaffected status. It is the preferred choice for applications requiring continuity with the original design source and established supply chain relationships.

20KPA96CA (MDE Semiconductor Inc): This alternative offers equivalent electrical performance and meets all substitution criteria. It carries ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, with MSL rating of 1 (Unlimited), indicating superior moisture handling characteristics compared to the original part.

Both parts feature improved clamping voltage performance (155V versus 162.75V), resulting in tighter voltage regulation during transient events. This represents an enhancement over the original specification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can 20KPA96CA and 20KPA96CA-B be used interchangeably with 20KPA96C-B?

A: Yes, both substitute parts meet all critical electrical and mechanical parameters. They maintain identical reverse standoff voltage (96V), peak pulse current (130.3A), peak pulse power (20kW), and P600 axial through-hole package configuration. The lower clamping voltage (155V vs 162.75V) represents improved performance.

Q: What is the significance of the clamping voltage difference?

A: The substitute parts clamp at 155V maximum compared to 162.75V for the original part. Lower clamping voltage provides superior transient suppression, limiting voltage excursions to a tighter range during overvoltage events.

Q: Are there any compliance or certification differences?

A: All three parts are ROHS3 compliant. The 20KPA96CA-B maintains the original Littelfuse manufacturer designation. The 20KPA96CA offers MSL rating of 1 (Unlimited), indicating enhanced moisture sensitivity performance.

Q: Does package compatibility require any design modifications?

A: No. All three parts use identical P600 axial through-hole packaging. Direct mechanical and electrical substitution is possible without PCB layout changes.

Q: Why is the original 20KPA96C-B listed as obsolete?

A: Product obsolescence typically reflects manufacturer discontinuation decisions. The active alternatives 20KPA96CA and 20KPA96CA-B provide equivalent or superior performance for all specified applications.