5KP16A Transient Voltage Suppressor - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 5KP16A is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This through-hole component operates across a wide temperature range (-55°C to 175°C) and delivers 5000W peak pulse power with a 16V reverse standoff voltage and 26V maximum clamping voltage. The part maintains Active product status with full ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating.

Equivalent and substitute parts are identified based on matching or closely aligned electrical parameters including reverse standoff voltage, clamping voltage, peak pulse current capability, and power dissipation rating, while accommodating different package styles and manufacturer implementations.

Key Parameters

Parameter	5KP16A Value	Unit
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	16V	V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	17.8V	V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	26V	V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	196.2A	A
Power - Peak Pulse	5000W	W
Operating Temperature Range	-55°C to 175°C	°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	-
Package / Case	P600, Axial	-
Type	Zener	-
Unidirectional Channels	1	-

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 5KP16A is determined by the following criteria:

Primary Matching Parameters:

Reverse standoff voltage within ±1V of 16V nominal
Clamping voltage within ±2V of 26V maximum
Peak pulse current capability of 150A or greater
Power dissipation rating of 1500W or greater
Unidirectional channel configuration (single channel)
Through-hole axial mounting

Secondary Considerations:

Operating temperature range minimum of -55°C
ROHS3 compliance and unlimited MSL rating
Active or current product status preferred

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: High-Power Series (5KP and 1.5KE series with 5000W or 1500W ratings) and Standard-Power Series (P6KE and SA series with 600W or 500W ratings). Selection depends on application power dissipation requirements and available board space for different package geometries.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Standoff Voltage (V)	Breakdown Min (V)	Clamp Voltage (V)	Peak Pulse Current (A)	Power Rating (W)	Package	Status
5KP16A	Littelfuse Inc.	16	17.8	26	196.2	5000	P600, Axial	Active
5KP15A	Littelfuse Inc.	15	16.7	24.4	209	5000	P600, Axial	Active
5KP17A	Littelfuse Inc.	17	18.9	27.6	184.8	5000	P600, Axial	Active
5KP18A	Diotec Semiconductor	18	20	29.2	171	5000	P600, Axial	Active
1.5KE18A	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	15.3	17.1	25.5	60	1500	DO-201AA, Axial	Active
1.5KE20A	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	17.1	19	27.7	56	1500	DO-201AA, Axial	Active
P6KE18A	Fairchild Semiconductor	15.3	17.1	25.2	25	600	DO-15, Axial	Active
P6KE20A	Fairchild Semiconductor	17.1	19	27.7	22	600	DO-15, Axial	Active
SA15A	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	15	16.7	24.4	21	500	DO-204AC, Axial	Active
SA16A	Fairchild Semiconductor	16	17.8	26	19.2	500	DO-204AC, Axial	Obsolete
SA17A	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	17	18.9	27.7	19	500	DO-204AC, Axial	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

High-Power Applications (5000W Rating): The 5KP15A, 5KP17A, and 5KP18A maintain the same P600 package and 5000W power dissipation as the 5KP16A. These parts are direct mechanical and electrical substitutes within the 5KP series, with voltage ratings spanning 15V to 18V standoff. All three maintain Active product status and ROHS3 compliance. Selection among these depends on the specific reverse standoff voltage requirement of the application circuit.

Medium-Power Applications (1500W Rating): The 1.5KE18A and 1.5KE20A offer reduced power handling (1500W) in the DO-201AA package. These parts are suitable for applications where peak pulse current requirements do not exceed 60A. Both maintain Active status and full temperature range operation (-55°C to 175°C). The DO-201AA package provides a different footprint than P600, requiring PCB layout modification.

Standard-Power Applications (600W or 500W Rating): The P6KE18A, P6KE20A, SA15A, SA16A, and SA17A series deliver 600W or 500W peak pulse power in compact DO-15 or DO-204AC packages. These are suitable only for applications with peak pulse currents below 25A. The SA16A is marked Obsolete and should be avoided for new designs. The SA15A and SA17A maintain the highest inventory availability (300,000+ units) and Active status.

Compliance and Availability: All recommended Active-status substitutes maintain ROHS3 compliance and unlimited MSL rating. The 5KP series from Littelfuse offers the most direct substitution path with consistent packaging and power rating. For cost-sensitive applications with lower current requirements, the SA series provides viable alternatives with superior inventory levels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I substitute a 1.5KE18A for a 5KP16A in a high-current transient protection circuit?

A: The 1.5KE18A has a maximum peak pulse current of 60A compared to the 5KP16A's 196.2A. Substitution is only valid if your application's actual peak pulse current does not exceed 60A. The 1500W power rating is also significantly lower than the 5000W rating of the 5KP16A. Verify your circuit's transient current profile before substitution.

Q: What is the difference between the P600 and DO-201AA packages?

A: Both are through-hole axial packages for TVS diodes. The P600 package is larger and accommodates higher power dissipation (5000W in the 5KP series). The DO-201AA is a smaller package used in the 1.5KE series rated for 1500W. Package selection affects PCB layout, thermal management, and board space requirements. Mechanical compatibility must be verified before substitution.

Q: Why is SA16A listed as Obsolete?

A: The SA16A is marked with Obsolete product status by Fairchild Semiconductor. While electrical parameters match the 5KP16A (16V standoff, 26V clamp), the obsolete status indicates discontinued manufacturing and limited future availability. For new designs, select Active-status alternatives such as 5KP16A, 5KP15A, 5KP17A, or SA17A.

Q: Can I use a P6KE20A instead of a 5KP16A?

A: The P6KE20A has a 17.1V standoff voltage (versus 16V) and 27.7V clamping voltage (versus 26V), which are within acceptable tolerance ranges. However, the peak pulse current is only 22A compared to 196.2A, and power rating is 600W versus 5000W. Substitution is valid only for low-current applications below 22A peak pulse. High-current applications require the 5KP series.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: All Active-status substitute parts listed (5KP15A, 5KP17A, 5KP18A, 1.5KE18A, 1.5KE20A, P6KE18A, P6KE20A, SA15A, SA17A) maintain ROHS3 compliance. The SA16A (Obsolete) also carries ROHS3 compliance but should not be selected for new designs due to discontinued status.

Q: What operating temperature range should I verify for substitution?

A: The 5KP16A operates from -55°C to 175°C. All recommended Active-status substitutes maintain this same temperature range or better. The 5KP18A from Diotec operates from -50°C to 175°C (slightly narrower minimum), which is acceptable for most applications. Verify your specific application's temperature requirements before final selection.

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