Equivalent & Substitute Parts for 5KP160C TVS Diode

Part Overview

The 5KP160C is a transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This bidirectional Zener diode features a 160V reverse standoff voltage and 5000W peak pulse power rating in a through-hole P600 axial package. The part is currently listed as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement.

Substiute Parts

5KP160C

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 11795KP160C Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

5KP160CA

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 51185KP160CA Datasheet

DirectRFQ

1.5KE180CA

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 149681.5KE180CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

1.5KE200CA

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 105101.5KE200CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

1.5KE220CA

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 10471.5KE220CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

1.5KE180CA-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 11921.5KE180CA-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE180CA

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 18153P6KE180CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE200CA

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 21510P6KE200CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the 5KP160C is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): Must match or closely approximate 160V to maintain circuit protection thresholds
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: Must remain within acceptable limits to prevent downstream component damage
• Power - Peak Pulse Rating: Determines surge handling capability; higher ratings provide additional margin
• Bidirectional Channels: Must be 1 (single channel) for equivalent functionality
• Operating Temperature Range: Must support -55°C ~ 175°C minimum
• Mounting Type & Package: Through-hole axial packages are functionally equivalent; P600, DO-201, and DO-15 packages are all through-hole axial configurations
• RoHS Compliance: ROHS3 compliance required for regulatory alignment

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on power rating and package type:

Category A - Direct Littelfuse Series (5KP160CA): Same manufacturer, same series, identical voltage specifications, active product status.

Category B - Alternative Manufacturers (1.5KE and P6KE Series): Different manufacturers and series with comparable voltage protection characteristics but reduced power ratings (1500W or 600W versus 5000W original).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitute: 5KP160CA

The 5KP160C should be replaced with 5KP160CA as the first choice. Both parts are manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., belong to the same 5KP series, and share identical voltage specifications (160V reverse standoff, 168.75V minimum breakdown). The 5KP160CA is currently in active production status with 5011 units in stock, compared to the obsolete 5KP160C. Both maintain ROHS3 compliance and identical operating temperature ranges. The 5KP160CA is available in Cut Tape packaging, providing standard component handling for production environments.

Secondary Substitutes: 1.5KE Series (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation)

The 1.5KE180CA, 1.5KE200CA, and 1.5KE220CA are functionally equivalent alternatives with active product status. These parts maintain the same bidirectional Zener topology and through-hole axial mounting configuration. However, they feature reduced peak pulse power ratings (1500W versus 5000W) and different voltage standoff points. The 1.5KE180CA provides the closest voltage match to the original 5KP160C with a 154V standoff voltage. All three variants are ROHS3 compliant and support the full -55°C to 175°C operating temperature range. These parts are suitable for applications where the 5000W power rating is not required.

Tertiary Substitutes: P6KE Series (Fairchild Semiconductor)

The P6KE180CA and P6KE200CA offer the lowest power rating (600W) among available substitutes. These parts maintain comparable voltage clamping characteristics (246V and 274V respectively) but are limited to lower surge current handling. The P6KE series uses the smaller DO-15 package compared to the P600 or DO-201 packages of other alternatives. These parts are suitable only for low-energy transient protection applications and should not be used in high-power surge environments.

Alternative: 1.5KE180CA-TP (Micro Commercial Co)

This variant provides automotive-grade qualification with comparable electrical specifications to the standard 1.5KE180CA. It is suitable for automotive and telecom applications requiring enhanced reliability certifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I directly replace 5KP160C with 5KP160CA without circuit modifications?

A: Yes. The 5KP160CA is a direct equivalent with identical voltage specifications, operating temperature range, and power rating. Both use the same P600 axial through-hole package. No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What is the main difference between the 5KP160CA and the 1.5KE series substitutes?

A: The primary difference is power rating. The 5KP160CA maintains the original 5000W peak pulse power specification, while the 1.5KE series is rated for 1500W. Additionally, the 1.5KE series uses different package types (DO-201 versus P600). Select based on your circuit's surge energy requirements.

Q: Are the 1.5KE180CA, 1.5KE200CA, and 1.5KE220CA interchangeable?

A: These parts are not interchangeable. They have different reverse standoff voltages (154V, 171V, and 185V respectively) and different clamping voltages. Selection depends on the specific protection voltage threshold required by your circuit.

Q: Can I use P6KE180CA or P6KE200CA as substitutes for the 5KP160C?

A: These parts are functionally equivalent for low-energy transient protection but have significantly reduced power ratings (600W versus 5000W). Use only if your application does not require high-power surge handling. The smaller DO-15 package may also require PCB layout modifications.

Q: Do all substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance?

A: The 5KP160CA, 1.5KE180CA, 1.5KE200CA, and 1.5KE220CA are explicitly ROHS3 compliant. RoHS status for the P6KE series and 1.5KE180CA-TP is not specified in the provided data. Verify compliance requirements with your procurement department before selection.

Q: What is the operating temperature range for all substitutes?

A: The 5KP160CA and all 1.5KE variants support -55°C to 175°C. The P6KE series supports -50°C to 175°C, which is a slightly narrower low-temperature range. Verify compatibility with your application's thermal requirements.

Q: Are through-hole packages P600, DO-201, and DO-15 mechanically compatible?

A: All three are axial through-hole packages with different physical dimensions. While electrically equivalent, they require different PCB footprints. DO-15 is the smallest package, followed by DO-201, then P600. PCB layout modifications may be necessary when switching between package types.