5KP120C Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 5KP120C is a bidirectional Zener transient voltage suppressor diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. Featuring a 120V reverse standoff voltage and 5000W peak pulse power rating in a P600 axial through-hole package, this component provides robust transient suppression across industrial and commercial circuits.

The 5KP120C is classified as obsolete. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure supply chain availability, and support ongoing production requirements for applications currently utilizing this component.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	5KP120C
Manufacturer	Littelfuse Inc.
Category	Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS)
Type	Zener
Bidirectional Channels	1
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	120V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	126V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	202.65V
Power - Peak Pulse	5000W (5kW)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	P600, Axial
Operating Temperature	-55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
Product Status	Obsolete
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 5KP120C is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Bidirectional Zener TVS diode type
Reverse standoff voltage: 120V nominal
Through-hole axial mounting configuration
Operating temperature range: -55°C to 175°C
RoHS3 compliance

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

Peak pulse power rating (5000W preferred for direct replacement; lower ratings acceptable for reduced transient energy applications)
Voltage clamping characteristics (Max @ Ipp)
Peak pulse current capability
Package form factor (P600 preferred; DO-201, DO-15, and DO-204AL packages acceptable with mechanical redesign)

Substitute parts are grouped into three categories based on package compatibility and electrical performance alignment:

Category 1: Direct Package Equivalent (P600 Axial)

5KP120CA (Littelfuse Inc.) - Active status, identical package, same power rating
5KP100CA (Littelfuse Inc.) - Active status, identical package, same power rating, lower standoff voltage
5KP110CA (Littelfuse Inc.) - Active status, identical package, same power rating, intermediate standoff voltage

Category 2: Reduced Power Rating (DO-201 Axial)

1.5KE120CA (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation) - Active status, 1500W power rating, similar voltage characteristics
1.5KE130CA (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation) - Active status, 1500W power rating, higher standoff voltage

Category 3: Compact Package (DO-15/DO-204AL Axial)

P6KE120CA (Fairchild Semiconductor) - Active status, 600W power rating, DO-15 package
P6KE130CA (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation) - Active status, 600W power rating, DO-15 package
P4KE120CA (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation) - Active status, 400W power rating, DO-204AL package
P4KE130CA (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation) - Active status, 400W power rating, DO-204AL package
SA100CA (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation) - Active status, 500W power rating, DO-15 package

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	Power - Peak Pulse	Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	Package / Case	Product Status	Operating Temperature
5KP120C	Littelfuse Inc.	120V	126V	202.65V	5000W	—	P600, Axial	Obsolete	-55°C ~ 175°C
5KP120CA	Littelfuse Inc.	120V	133V	193V	5000W	26.4A	P600, Axial	Active	-55°C ~ 175°C
5KP100CA	Littelfuse Inc.	100V	110V	162V	5000W	31.5A	P600, Axial	Active	-55°C ~ 175°C
5KP110CA	Littelfuse Inc.	110V	122V	177V	5000W	28.8A	P600, Axial	Active	-55°C ~ 175°C
1.5KE120CA	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	102V	114V	165V	1500W	9.5A	DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial	Active	-55°C ~ 175°C
1.5KE130CA	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	111V	124V	179V	1500W	8.7A	DO-201AA, DO-27, Axial	Active	-55°C ~ 175°C
P6KE120CA	Fairchild Semiconductor	102V	114V	165V	600W	3.8A	DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial	Active	-50°C ~ 175°C
P6KE130CA	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	111V	124V	179V	600W	3.4A	DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial	Active	—
P4KE120CA	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	102V	114V	165V	400W	2.5A	DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial	Active	-55°C ~ 175°C
P4KE130CA	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	111V	124V	179V	400W	2.3A	DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial	Active	-55°C ~ 175°C
SA100CA	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	100V	111V	162V	500W	3.2A	DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial	Active	-55°C ~ 175°C

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: 5KP120CA

The 5KP120CA is the optimal direct substitute for the obsolete 5KP120C. Both components share identical package geometry (P600 axial), matching power dissipation capability (5000W), and equivalent reverse standoff voltage (120V). The 5KP120CA maintains active product status with full RoHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity level (MSL 1). This substitution requires no circuit board redesign and provides electrical performance continuity.

Secondary Recommendations for Reduced Transient Energy Applications:

When circuit design permits operation at lower peak pulse power levels, the following active alternatives are suitable:

5KP100CA or 5KP110CA (Littelfuse Inc.): Maintain P600 package compatibility with identical 5000W power rating. Selection depends on required standoff voltage tolerance.
1.5KE120CA or 1.5KE130CA (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation): Provide 1500W peak pulse power in DO-201 axial package. Suitable for applications with reduced transient energy requirements. Requires mechanical redesign for board layout accommodation.

Tertiary Recommendations for Space-Constrained Applications:

When board space limitations necessitate compact packaging:

P6KE120CA or P6KE130CA (600W, DO-15 package): Compact axial form factor with active product status and RoHS3 compliance.
P4KE120CA or P4KE130CA (400W, DO-204AL package): Smallest axial package option with active status and full compliance certifications.
SA100CA (500W, DO-15 package): Intermediate power rating with active status and RoHS3 compliance.

All recommended substitutes maintain through-hole axial mounting configuration, operating temperature range compatibility (-55°C to 175°C), and RoHS3 compliance status. Selection should be based on available circuit board space, required peak pulse power dissipation, and standoff voltage tolerance specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 5KP120CA directly replace the 5KP120C without circuit board modification?

A: Yes. The 5KP120CA is a direct mechanical and electrical substitute. Both components use the P600 axial through-hole package with identical lead spacing and footprint. No board redesign is required.

Q: What is the primary difference between the 5KP120C and 5KP120CA?

A: The 5KP120C is obsolete; the 5KP120CA is active production. Electrical specifications are similar, with minor variations in voltage breakdown (126V vs. 133V minimum) and clamping voltage (202.65V vs. 193V maximum). The 5KP120CA provides documented peak pulse current (26.4A) whereas the 5KP120C does not.

Q: Can I use a 1.5KE120CA in place of the 5KP120C?

A: Substitution is possible only if circuit design accommodates reduced peak pulse power (1500W vs. 5000W). The 1.5KE120CA requires board layout modification due to different package geometry (DO-201 vs. P600). Verify that transient energy levels in your application do not exceed 1500W dissipation capability.

Q: What are the package differences between P600, DO-201, DO-15, and DO-204AL?

A: All are through-hole axial packages with different physical dimensions and lead spacing. P600 is the largest, designed for 5000W dissipation. DO-201 and DO-15 are intermediate sizes for 1500W and 600W applications respectively. DO-204AL (DO-41) is the smallest, rated for 400W. Package selection depends on available board space and power dissipation requirements.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All recommended substitute parts listed carry RoHS3 compliance certification. The 5KP120C original part also maintains RoHS3 compliance status.

Q: What standoff voltage options are available among the substitutes?

A: Standoff voltage options include 100V (5KP100CA, SA100CA), 102V (1.5KE120CA, P6KE120CA, P4KE120CA), 111V (1.5KE130CA, P6KE130CA, P4KE130CA), and 120V (5KP120CA). Selection depends on circuit protection requirements and transient voltage characteristics.

Q: Can I use a lower power-rated substitute if my application has lower transient energy?

A: Yes, provided the lower power rating exceeds your circuit's actual transient energy dissipation. Verify peak pulse current and power requirements before substitution. Undersizing power rating risks component failure during transient events.

Q: What is the moisture sensitivity level (MSL) for these components?

A: Most substitute parts carry MSL 1 (Unlimited), indicating no moisture sensitivity restrictions for storage and handling. This applies to 5KP120CA, 5KP100CA, 5KP110CA, 1.5KE120CA, 1.5KE130CA, P4KE120CA, P4KE130CA, and SA100CA. Verify specific datasheets for P6KE variants if moisture sensitivity is a design consideration.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message