3KP170A Transient Voltage Suppressor - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 3KP170A is a unidirectional Zener transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This component features a 170V reverse standoff voltage with 275V maximum clamping voltage and 10.9A peak pulse current capability in a through-hole P600 axial package. The 3KP170A is currently classified as obsolete, making identification of suitable substitute components essential for ongoing design support and production continuity.

Substiute Parts

3KP170A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 10953KP170A Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

5KP170A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 70425KP170A Datasheet

DirectRFQ

3KP170A-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 11103KP170A-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute components for the 3KP170A are identified based on strict electrical and mechanical parameter matching within the constraints of TVS diode specifications. The primary substitution criteria are:

Critical Matching Parameters:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 170V
• Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 189V
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 275V
• Unidirectional Zener type configuration
• Through-hole axial mounting capability
• Operating temperature range: -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)

Acceptable Variation Parameters:

• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): Equal or greater than 10.9A
• Power - Peak Pulse: Equal or greater than 3000W
• Package designation: P600 or equivalent axial through-hole packages (R-6)
• Manufacturer: Alternative qualified manufacturers acceptable

The 5KP170A represents an enhanced-performance substitute with identical voltage specifications but increased current handling (18.5A) and power dissipation (5kW). The 3KP170A-TP from Micro Commercial Co provides direct electrical equivalence with identical current and power ratings but uses an R-6 package variant.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

5KP170A (Littelfuse Inc.): This substitute is the preferred choice for new designs and production continuity. It maintains identical voltage specifications to the 3KP170A while offering enhanced current handling (18.5A versus 10.9A) and increased power dissipation capability (5kW versus 3kW). The 5KP170A carries Active product status with ROHS3 compliance and is available in standard P600 axial packaging. The increased performance margin provides design flexibility for applications with variable transient conditions.

3KP170A-TP (Micro Commercial Co): This substitute provides direct electrical equivalence with identical current (10.9A) and power (3kW) specifications. It is suitable for applications requiring exact performance matching to the original 3KP170A. The component uses an R-6 axial package variant, which is mechanically compatible with P600 through-hole mounting. Active product status ensures ongoing availability. REACH compliance is confirmed; RoHS status is not specified in available documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 5KP170A be used as a direct replacement for the 3KP170A?

A: Yes. The 5KP170A maintains identical voltage specifications (170V standoff, 189V breakdown minimum, 275V clamping maximum) and operating temperature range. The increased current rating (18.5A versus 10.9A) and power dissipation (5kW versus 3kW) represent performance enhancements that do not compromise compatibility. Both components use P600 axial through-hole packaging.

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

A: Both P600 and R-6 are axial through-hole package designations for TVS diodes. The R-6 package used by the 3KP170A-TP is mechanically compatible with P600 mounting footprints. Component lead spacing and hole diameter requirements should be verified against your specific PCB design.

Q: Why is the 3KP170A obsolete?

A: The 3KP170A is classified as obsolete by Littelfuse Inc. The 5KP170A serves as the active product line continuation, offering improved performance specifications while maintaining voltage compatibility.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: The 5KP170A is confirmed ROHS3 compliant. The 3KP170A-TP RoHS status is not specified in available technical documentation and should be confirmed with the manufacturer or supplier for applications requiring RoHS certification.

Q: Can I use the 3KP170A-TP if I need exact current and power specifications?

A: Yes. The 3KP170A-TP provides identical current (10.9A) and power (3kW) ratings to the original 3KP170A. Voltage specifications are also identical. This substitute is appropriate for applications where performance margin reduction is not acceptable.

Q: What inventory status should I consider when selecting a substitute?

A: The 5KP170A has significantly higher inventory availability (7000 pcs) compared to the 3KP170A-TP (1068 pcs). For production planning and supply chain continuity, the 5KP170A represents the more reliable long-term sourcing option.