5KP160A-G Transient Voltage Suppressor - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 5KP160A-G is an active Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Comchip Technology, designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This unidirectional zener-type TVS diode features a 160V reverse standoff voltage with a 259V maximum clamping voltage and 19.31A peak pulse current capability. The component is housed in an R-6 axial through-hole package and is ROHS3 compliant with unlimited moisture sensitivity rating.

Substitute parts are identified when equivalent electrical performance and mechanical compatibility can be maintained across the specified parameter ranges, allowing for design flexibility, supply chain optimization, and inventory management without compromising circuit protection requirements.

Substiute Parts

5KP160A-G

Comchip TechnologyIn Stock: 8975KP160A-G Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

20KPA160A

MDE Semiconductor IncIn Stock: 179120KPA160A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

5KP160A-E3/54

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 16285KP160A-E3/54 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE180A

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 3866P6KE180A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE200A

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 165248P6KE200A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 5KP160A-G is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Electrical Criteria:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 160V nominal
• Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 178V minimum threshold
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 259V maximum at peak pulse current
• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): minimum 19.31A capability
• Power - Peak Pulse: minimum 5000W dissipation

Secondary Compatibility Criteria:

• Unidirectional zener-type TVS diode configuration
• Through-hole axial mounting capability
• General-purpose application classification
• ROHS3 compliance and unlimited MSL rating

Parts meeting these electrical and mechanical parameters within the specified tolerances are classified as direct substitutes. Variations in package form factor (R-6 vs. P600 vs. DO-15) are acceptable provided through-hole axial mounting is maintained and board layout accommodates dimensional differences.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Tier 1 - Direct Electrical Equivalents (Preferred):

The 5KP160A-E3/54 (Vishay TransZorb®) and 20KPA160A (MDE Semiconductor) maintain identical or near-identical reverse standoff voltage (160V), breakdown voltage (178-178.7V), and clamping voltage (258-259V) specifications. Both are ROHS3 compliant with unlimited MSL rating and active product status. The 5KP160A-E3/54 provides matched peak pulse current (19.3A) and power dissipation (5000W), making it the closest electrical equivalent. The 20KPA160A offers enhanced current handling (78.3A) and power capability (20000W), suitable for applications requiring additional margin or higher transient energy absorption.

Tier 2 - Voltage-Shifted Alternatives (Conditional):

The P6KE180A and P6KE200A (Fairchild Semiconductor) exhibit voltage parameter deviations outside the primary specification window. P6KE180A operates at 154V reverse standoff with 246V clamping, while P6KE200A operates at 171V reverse standoff with 274V clamping. Both devices demonstrate significantly reduced peak pulse current (2.2-2.5A) and power dissipation (600W), limiting their applicability to lower-energy transient protection scenarios. These alternatives are suitable only when circuit design tolerates the specified voltage shifts and reduced energy absorption capacity.

All substitute parts maintain through-hole axial mounting compatibility and general-purpose application classification. Product status is active for all candidates, ensuring ongoing availability and manufacturing support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 20KPA160A replace the 5KP160A-G in all applications?

A: The 20KPA160A maintains the critical 160V reverse standoff and 258V clamping voltage specifications, making it electrically compatible. The enhanced current rating (78.3A vs. 19.31A) and power capability (20kW vs. 5kW) provide additional transient energy absorption margin. Package form factor differs (P600 vs. R-6), requiring verification of board layout accommodation. Substitution is valid from an electrical standpoint.

Q: What is the key difference between the 5KP160A-E3/54 and the original 5KP160A-G?

A: Both devices share identical reverse standoff voltage (160V), breakdown voltage (178V), and clamping voltage (259V) specifications. Peak pulse current and power dissipation are matched (19.3A and 5000W respectively). The primary differences are manufacturer (Vishay vs. Comchip), package form factor (P600 vs. R-6), and operating temperature range extension (-55 to 175°C vs. -55 to 150°C). Electrical substitution is direct.

Q: Why are the Fairchild P6KE series listed as substitutes if their voltage ratings differ?

A: The P6KE180A and P6KE200A are included as documented substitutes in the original part specification, indicating they have been evaluated for specific application contexts. However, their voltage parameters (154V and 171V reverse standoff respectively) fall outside the primary 160V specification window, and their significantly reduced current and power ratings (2.2-2.5A, 600W) limit their applicability. These parts are suitable only for applications where the voltage shift and reduced energy absorption are acceptable.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: The 5KP160A-E3/54 and 20KPA160A are explicitly ROHS3 compliant with unlimited MSL rating. The Fairchild P6KE180A and P6KE200A do not specify RoHS compliance status in the provided data. Compliance verification is required before selection for applications with regulatory requirements.

Q: What mounting considerations apply when switching between R-6 and P600 packages?

A: Both R-6 and P600 packages are axial through-hole configurations suitable for PCB insertion. Physical dimensions differ, requiring board layout verification to ensure component clearance and lead spacing compatibility. Electrical performance is independent of package form factor; substitution is mechanically feasible provided layout accommodation is confirmed.