Equivalent & Substitute Parts for 3KP160C

Part Overview

The 3KP160C is a Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse, designed for general-purpose transient voltage protection applications. This component features a 160V reverse standoff voltage rating and a 271.95V maximum clamping voltage with 11.6A peak pulse current capability in a through-hole P600 axial package.

The 3KP160C is classified as obsolete. Identifying suitable substitute components is necessary to maintain design continuity and ensure availability for new production runs, repairs, and system upgrades where this protection function remains required.

Substiute Parts

3KP160C

LittelfuseIn Stock: 8813KP160C Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

5KP160CA

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 51185KP160CA Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 3KP160C is determined by the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

• Voltage Rating Match: Reverse standoff voltage of 160V and breakdown voltage minimum of 168.75V establish the protection threshold. Substitute parts must maintain these voltage specifications to ensure equivalent circuit protection.
• Current Handling Capacity: Peak pulse current rating of 11.6A defines the transient energy absorption capability. Substitute parts with equal or greater current ratings are electrically compatible.
• Clamping Voltage: Maximum clamping voltage of 271.95V at peak pulse current determines the voltage stress on protected circuitry. Substitute parts with clamping voltages at or below this threshold maintain equivalent protection characteristics.
• Package Compatibility: P600 axial through-hole package ensures mechanical and thermal compatibility with existing PCB layouts and mounting infrastructure.
• Temperature Range: Operating range of -55°C to 175°C (TJ) must be maintained for equivalent thermal performance.

The 5KP160CA meets all substitution criteria while offering enhanced electrical performance characteristics.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The 5KP160CA is the qualified substitute for the obsolete 3KP160C. Both components are manufactured by Littelfuse and share identical voltage standoff and operating temperature specifications. The 5KP160CA maintains full electrical compatibility while offering enhanced performance margins: peak pulse current capacity increases from 11.6A to 19.7A, and peak pulse power rating increases from 3000W to 5000W. The clamping voltage is reduced from 271.95V to 259V, providing improved transient suppression characteristics.

Both parts are ROHS3 compliant and carry MSL rating of 1 (Unlimited), ensuring equivalent environmental and handling compliance. The 5KP160CA holds active product status with established supply availability, eliminating obsolescence risk associated with the 3KP160C.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 5KP160CA be used as a direct replacement for the 3KP160C?

A: Yes. Both components share identical reverse standoff voltage (160V), breakdown voltage specifications, operating temperature range (-55°C to 175°C), and P600 axial through-hole package. The 5KP160CA meets all electrical and mechanical substitution criteria.

Q: What are the key differences between these two parts?

A: The 5KP160CA provides higher current handling capacity (19.7A versus 11.6A) and greater peak pulse power rating (5000W versus 3000W). The clamping voltage is lower (259V versus 271.95V), resulting in improved transient voltage suppression. The 5KP160CA is an active product, while the 3KP160C is obsolete.

Q: Are there any package or mounting differences?

A: No. Both components use the P600 axial through-hole package and are mechanically compatible with existing PCB layouts designed for the 3KP160C.

Q: Do both parts meet the same compliance standards?

A: Yes. Both the 3KP160C and 5KP160CA are ROHS3 compliant with MSL rating of 1 (Unlimited), ensuring equivalent environmental and handling compliance.

Q: Why is the 3KP160C obsolete?

A: The 3KP160C has been discontinued by Littelfuse. The 5KP160CA represents the current active product offering that fulfills the same protection function with enhanced electrical performance.