3KP90C Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 3KP90C is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. Featuring a 90V reverse standoff voltage, 153.3V maximum clamping voltage, and 3000W peak pulse power rating, this component operates through a P600 axial package. The 3KP90C is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement.

Substiute Parts

3KP90C

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 11613KP90C Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

5KP90CA

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 44805KP90CA Datasheet

DirectRFQ

1.5KE100CA

Diotec SemiconductorIn Stock: 149691.5KE100CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

1.5KE110CA

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 10821.5KE110CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE100CA

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 1543P6KE100CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE110CA

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 3953P6KE110CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE91CA

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 1735P6KE91CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE110CA

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 3953P6KE110CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE91CA

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 1735P6KE91CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the 3KP90C is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Matching Criteria:

• Reverse standoff voltage: 90V nominal
• Bidirectional operation: 1 channel
• Zener diode type
• Through-hole mounting configuration
• General-purpose application classification

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

• Clamping voltage range (130V–155V acceptable)
• Peak pulse current capability (minimum 10A)
• Peak pulse power rating (minimum 1500W)
• Operating temperature range overlap (-55°C to 175°C)
• RoHS3 compliance

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on package compatibility:

Group 1: P600 Axial Package (Direct Mechanical Replacement)

• 5KP90CA: Higher power rating (5000W), increased current capacity (34.9A), active product status

Group 2: DO-201/DO-15 Axial Packages (Functional Equivalents)

• 1.5KE100CA, 1.5KE110CA: Lower power ratings (1500W), reduced current capacity, alternative package form
• P6KE91CA, P6KE100CA, P6KE110CA: Lowest power ratings (600W), minimal current capacity (4–5A), compact DO-15 package

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (P600 Package Retention): The 5KP90CA is the primary substitute for the 3KP90C. Both components share identical reverse standoff voltage (90V), bidirectional operation, and P600 axial package configuration. The 5KP90CA offers superior performance with 5000W peak pulse power and 34.9A peak pulse current, compared to the 3KP90C's 3000W and 20.5A ratings. Both maintain ROHS3 compliance and -55°C to 175°C operating temperature range. The 5KP90CA is active in production, ensuring long-term availability.

For Alternative Package Configurations: When PCB layout modifications are acceptable, the 1.5KE series (1.5KE100CA, 1.5KE110CA) and P6KE series (P6KE91CA, P6KE100CA, P6KE110CA) provide functional alternatives with reduced power handling. These components operate within compatible voltage ranges but deliver lower peak pulse power (1500W or 600W) and reduced peak pulse current. Selection depends on circuit protection requirements and available transient energy levels.

The 1.5KE110CA and P6KE110CA maintain ROHS3 compliance and full operating temperature range alignment with the original 3KP90C specification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 5KP90CA directly replace the 3KP90C without PCB modifications? A: Yes. The 5KP90CA uses the identical P600 axial package and shares the same reverse standoff voltage (90V) and bidirectional configuration. No PCB layout changes are required. The higher power rating (5000W vs. 3000W) provides enhanced protection margin.

Q: What is the key difference between P600 and DO-201 packages? A: P600 is a larger axial package with higher power dissipation capability, while DO-201 (DO-27) is a standard axial package with reduced thermal performance. Both are through-hole mounted, but PCB footprint and lead spacing differ. Substitution requires PCB redesign.

Q: Are the P6KE series parts suitable for high-energy transient protection? A: The P6KE series (600W peak pulse power) is rated for lower-energy transient events compared to the 3KP90C (3000W). Selection depends on the actual transient energy present in the application. Use only if circuit analysis confirms transient energy does not exceed 600W.

Q: Which substitute offers the best compliance profile? A: The 5KP90CA, 1.5KE110CA, and P6KE110CA all maintain ROHS3 compliance. The 5KP90CA additionally provides REACH Unaffected status and full EAR99 classification, matching the original 3KP90C compliance framework.

Q: What is the impact of lower reverse standoff voltage in substitute parts? A: The 1.5KE100CA (85.5V) and P6KE91CA (77.8V) have lower reverse standoff voltages than the 3KP90C (90V). These parts trigger protection at lower voltage thresholds. Use only if circuit design tolerates earlier clamping activation.

Q: Can multiple lower-power parts be used in parallel to match the 3KP90C power rating? A: Parallel operation of TVS diodes is not recommended without detailed thermal and current-sharing analysis. Each component must be individually rated for the full transient current, and thermal management becomes complex. Direct substitution with the 5KP90CA is the preferred approach.