Equivalent & Substitute Parts for 3KP20C-B TVS Diode

Part Overview

The 3KP20C-B is a Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose transient voltage protection applications. This bidirectional zener diode features a 20V reverse standoff voltage with a 34.02V maximum clamping voltage and 92.6A peak pulse current capability. The part is classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent alternatives necessary for ongoing design support and procurement.

Substiute Parts

3KP20C-B

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 7183KP20C-B Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

5KP20CA-B

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 11005KP20CA-B Datasheet

DirectRFQ

15KP20CA-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 97515KP20CA-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

15KPA20CAE3/TR13

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 95815KPA20CAE3/TR13 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

5KP20CA-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 15375KP20CA-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 3KP20C-B is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): Must be 20V to maintain circuit protection threshold
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: Must be within acceptable range (32.4V to 34.3V) to ensure transient suppression effectiveness
• Mounting Type: Must be Through Hole to maintain PCB compatibility
• Package / Case: P600 or R-6 axial packages are mechanically compatible
• Operating Temperature Range: Must support -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ) minimum
• RoHS Status: Must maintain ROHS3 Compliance for regulatory alignment

The substitute parts listed below meet these criteria while offering improved availability (active product status) and in some cases enhanced performance characteristics (higher peak pulse power ratings).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

5KP20CA-B (Littelfuse Inc.) is the primary substitute for direct replacement. It maintains identical reverse standoff voltage (20V), operates within the same temperature range, and uses the same P600 axial package. The part is currently in active production status with 1059 units in stock. The clamping voltage of 32.4V is within acceptable tolerance of the original 34.02V specification. Peak pulse power is increased to 5000W, providing enhanced transient suppression capability without circuit incompatibility.

15KPA20CAE3/TR13 (Microchip Technology) offers the highest performance alternative with 15000W peak pulse power and 440.2A peak pulse current. This part maintains the P600 package compatibility and all electrical parameters within specification. Active product status and REACH compliance certification support long-term availability. This option is suitable for applications requiring enhanced transient protection margins.

15KP20CA-TP (Micro Commercial Co) provides 15000W peak pulse power in an R-6 axial package. While mechanically compatible with through-hole mounting, the R-6 package has different lead spacing than the P600. This part is suitable only if PCB layout accommodates R-6 package dimensions.

5KP20CA-TP (Micro Commercial Co) offers 5000W peak pulse power in an R-6 axial package. Like the 15KP20CA-TP, this requires PCB layout verification for R-6 package compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use 5KP20CA-B as a direct replacement for 3KP20C-B?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical reverse standoff voltage (20V), operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 175°C), and P600 axial package. The 5KP20CA-B clamping voltage (32.4V) is within acceptable tolerance of the original (34.02V). The increased peak pulse power (5000W vs 3000W) provides enhanced protection without introducing circuit incompatibility.

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

A: Both are axial through-hole packages for TVS diodes. P600 and R-6 differ in lead diameter and spacing. PCB layout must accommodate the specific package type. Verify footprint compatibility before selecting parts with different package designations.

Q: Why do some substitute parts have higher peak pulse power ratings?

A: The 5KP, 15KP, and 15KPA series represent different power classes within the 20V TVS diode family. Higher power ratings (5000W, 15000W) indicate enhanced transient suppression capability. These parts are functionally compatible with the 3KP20C-B in applications where the original 3000W rating is sufficient, and they provide additional protection margin.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts maintain ROHS3 Compliance status, ensuring regulatory alignment with the original 3KP20C-B specification.

Q: Which substitute offers the best long-term availability?

A: 5KP20CA-B (Littelfuse Inc.) and 15KPA20CAE3/TR13 (Microchip Technology) both carry active product status with substantial inventory levels (1059 and 914 units respectively). Both manufacturers support established distribution channels for ongoing procurement.