3KP15C-B Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 3KP15C-B is a bidirectional Zener transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., rated for 15V reverse standoff with a 25.62V maximum clamping voltage at peak pulse current. This component is designed for general-purpose transient voltage suppression in through-hole P600 axial package configuration. The part is currently obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent alternatives necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity.

Substiute Parts

3KP15C-B

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 10853KP15C-B Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

5KP15CA-B

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 10715KP15CA-B Datasheet

DirectRFQ

5KP15CA-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 13485KP15CA-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

5KP15CAE3/TR13

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 11565KP15CAE3/TR13 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

5KP15CE3/TR13

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 9645KP15CE3/TR13 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

BZW50-15B

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 2258BZW50-15B Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 3KP15C-B is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff: Must be 15V (all substitutes maintain this specification)
• Bidirectional Channels: Must be 1 (all substitutes are single-channel devices)
• Type: Must be Zener TVS diode (all substitutes are Zener type)
• Mounting Type: Must be Through Hole (all substitutes use through-hole mounting)
• Operating Temperature Range: Must support -55°C ~ 175°C (all substitutes meet or exceed this range)
• RoHS Compliance: Must be ROHS3 Compliant (all substitutes are ROHS3 compliant)

The substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on package configuration and electrical performance:

Group 1 - P600 Package (Direct Package Match):

• 5KP15CA-B (Littelfuse Inc.)
• 5KP15CAE3/TR13 (Microchip Technology)
• 5KP15CE3/TR13 (Microchip Technology)

Group 2 - R-6 Package (Alternative Package):

• 5KP15CA-TP (Micro Commercial Co)
• BZW50-15B (STMicroelectronics)

All substitute parts maintain the 15V reverse standoff voltage specification and support the same operating temperature range. Differences exist in clamping voltage, peak pulse current, and power dissipation ratings.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (P600 Package - Direct Mechanical Compatibility):

The 5KP15CA-B, 5KP15CAE3/TR13, and 5KP15CE3/TR13 are direct mechanical replacements for the 3KP15C-B, all utilizing the P600 axial package. These parts maintain identical reverse standoff voltage (15V) and operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 175°C). All three are ROHS3 compliant and carry active product status from their respective manufacturers.

The 5KP15CA-B (Littelfuse Inc.) offers the closest manufacturer continuity as a Littelfuse product. The 5KP15CAE3/TR13 and 5KP15CE3/TR13 (Microchip Technology) provide alternative sourcing with higher power dissipation ratings (5kW versus 3kW). The 5KP15CE3/TR13 exhibits a higher clamping voltage (26.9V) compared to the original 25.62V specification.

Secondary Substitutes (R-6 Package - Alternative Package Configuration):

The 5KP15CA-TP (Micro Commercial Co) and BZW50-15B (STMicroelectronics) utilize the R-6 axial package, requiring mechanical board layout modification. Both maintain the 15V reverse standoff voltage and ROHS3 compliance. The BZW50-15B exhibits significantly higher peak pulse current capability (1714A at 8/20µs pulse) and clamping voltage (35V), making it suitable for applications requiring enhanced transient suppression performance.

Compliance and Availability:

All substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant with MSL rating of 1 (Unlimited), matching the original part's environmental specifications. All substitutes carry active product status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain stability compared to the obsolete 3KP15C-B.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 5KP15CA-B directly replace the 3KP15C-B without board modification?

A: Yes. The 5KP15CA-B uses the same P600 axial through-hole package as the 3KP15C-B. No board layout changes are required. Both parts maintain identical reverse standoff voltage (15V) and operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 175°C).

Q: What is the difference between the P600 and R-6 package options?

A: Both are through-hole axial packages, but with different physical dimensions. The P600 package (used by 3KP15C-B, 5KP15CA-B, 5KP15CAE3/TR13, and 5KP15CE3/TR13) provides direct mechanical compatibility. The R-6 package (used by 5KP15CA-TP and BZW50-15B) requires board layout modification due to different lead spacing and body dimensions.

Q: Why do the substitute parts have higher power dissipation ratings (5kW versus 3kW)?

A: The 5KP series and BZW50 series are designed for higher transient energy absorption. The increased 5kW power rating provides additional margin for transient suppression applications. This does not affect compatibility; the parts remain suitable for applications originally designed for the 3kW-rated 3KP15C-B.

Q: Are there differences in clamping voltage among the substitutes?

A: Yes. The 5KP15CA-B and 5KP15CAE3/TR13 clamp at 24.4V, the 5KP15CE3/TR13 clamps at 26.9V, and the BZW50-15B clamps at 35V. All maintain the 15V reverse standoff voltage. Selection depends on circuit requirements for maximum allowable clamping voltage.

Q: Which substitute offers the best sourcing continuity?

A: The 5KP15CA-B (Littelfuse Inc.) maintains manufacturer continuity with the original 3KP15C-B, both being Littelfuse products. The 5KP15CAE3/TR13 and 5KP15CE3/TR13 (Microchip Technology) and BZW50-15B (STMicroelectronics) provide alternative manufacturer options with active product status.

Q: Are all substitutes ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All substitute parts listed are ROHS3 compliant with MSL rating of 1 (Unlimited), matching the environmental compliance of the original 3KP15C-B.

Q: What is the peak pulse current specification for the 5KP15CA-TP?

A: The peak pulse current for the 5KP15CA-TP is not specified in the available data. For applications requiring confirmed peak pulse current specifications, the 5KP15CA-B (209A), 5KP15CAE3/TR13 (205A), 5KP15CE3/TR13 (186A), or BZW50-15B (1714A) are recommended.