5KP16C Transient Voltage Suppressor - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 5KP16C is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This part features a 16V reverse standoff voltage, 27.3V maximum clamping voltage, and 5000W peak pulse power rating in a through-hole P600 axial package. The 5KP16C is classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent substitute parts essential for ongoing design support and procurement.

Key Parameters

Parameter	5KP16C Value
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	16V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	16.88V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	27.3V
Power - Peak Pulse	5000W (5kW)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	P600, Axial
Operating Temperature	-55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
Type	Zener
Bidirectional Channels	1
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 5KP16C is determined by the following critical parameters:

Reverse Standoff Voltage (16V nominal): Substitute parts must maintain the same or equivalent standoff voltage to ensure proper circuit protection threshold
Peak Pulse Power Rating (5000W): The substitute must support equivalent or higher power dissipation capability
Package Type (P600 Axial): Physical compatibility with through-hole mounting and axial lead configuration
Clamping Voltage Range (27.3V maximum): Substitute parts must clamp within acceptable voltage limits to prevent downstream component damage
Operating Temperature Range (-55°C ~ 175°C): Thermal performance must match or exceed the original specification
Bidirectional Protection: Single-channel bidirectional capability required for AC or dual-polarity protection

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Category 1 - Direct Package Compatibility (P600 Axial): Parts maintaining the identical P600 package for direct board-level replacement without layout modification.

Category 2 - Functional Equivalents (Alternative Packages): Parts with equivalent electrical performance but different package types (DO-201, DO-15), requiring board redesign or adapter consideration.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Standoff Voltage (V)	Breakdown Min (V)	Clamp Max @ Ipp (V)	Peak Power (W)	Package	Status
5KP16C	Littelfuse Inc.	16	16.88	27.3	5000	P600, Axial	Obsolete
5KP16CA	Littelfuse Inc.	16	17.8	26	5000	P600, Axial	Active
SLD16-018	Littelfuse Inc.	16	18	26	5000	P600, Axial	Active
1.5KE18CA	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	15.3	17.1	25.5	1500	DO-201AA, Axial	Active
1.5KE20CA	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	17.1	19	27.7	1500	DO-201AA, Axial	Active
1.5KE18CA-TP	Micro Commercial Co	15.3	17.1	25.2	1500	DO-201AE, Axial	Active
P6KE18CA	Diotec Semiconductor	15.3	17.1	25.2	600	DO-15, Axial	Active
P6KE20CA	Fairchild Semiconductor	17.1	19	27.7	600	DO-15, Axial	Active
SA15CA	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	15	16.7	24.4	500	DO-204AC, Axial	Active
SA15CA-B	Littelfuse Inc.	15	16.7	24.4	500	DO-204AC, Axial	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (Direct P600 Package Replacement)

5KP16CA and SLD16-018 are the preferred direct replacements for the obsolete 5KP16C. Both maintain the P600 axial package, 16V standoff voltage, and 5000W peak power rating. 5KP16CA is available in active production status with 4300 units in stock and carries ROHS3 compliance. SLD16-018 offers automotive-grade qualification (AEC-Q101) with active status and 3899 units available, suitable for applications requiring automotive-level reliability.

Secondary Substitutes (Functional Equivalents with Power Derating)

1.5KE18CA, 1.5KE20CA, and 1.5KE18CA-TP provide functional voltage protection within the 15-20V standoff range but with reduced peak power capability (1500W versus 5000W). These parts are suitable for applications where peak pulse power requirements do not exceed 1500W. All three maintain active production status and ROHS3 compliance. 1.5KE18CA-TP includes automotive-grade qualification.

Lower-Power Alternatives (Significant Power Derating)

P6KE18CA, P6KE20CA, SA15CA, and SA15CA-B operate at 500-600W peak power levels, representing substantial derating from the original 5000W specification. These parts are appropriate only for low-energy transient suppression applications. SA15CA and SA15CA-B are available from multiple manufacturers with active status and ROHS3 compliance.

All recommended substitutes maintain the -55°C to 175°C operating temperature range and bidirectional protection capability of the original 5KP16C.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can 5KP16CA be used as a direct replacement for 5KP16C?

A: Yes. 5KP16CA maintains identical package (P600 axial), standoff voltage (16V), and peak power rating (5000W). The primary difference is product status: 5KP16C is obsolete while 5KP16CA is in active production. Electrical performance is equivalent for circuit protection applications.

Q: What is the difference between 5KP16CA and SLD16-018?

A: Both parts share P600 package, 16V standoff voltage, and 5000W power rating. SLD16-018 includes automotive-grade qualification (AEC-Q101) and is designated for automotive applications. 5KP16CA is suitable for general-purpose applications. Selection depends on application requirements.

Q: Can 1.5KE18CA replace 5KP16C in all applications?

A: 1.5KE18CA provides equivalent voltage protection (15.3V standoff, 25.5V clamp) but with reduced peak power capability (1500W versus 5000W). Substitution is valid only for applications where peak transient energy does not exceed 1500W. The DO-201 package differs from P600, requiring board layout modification.

Q: Why do SA15CA and P6KE series parts have lower power ratings?

A: SA15CA (500W) and P6KE series (600W) are designed for lower-energy transient suppression. These parts are suitable for signal-level protection but inadequate for high-energy power line transients. Selection must match application peak pulse energy requirements.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: All recommended substitutes carry ROHS3 compliance status, meeting environmental and hazardous substance restrictions equivalent to the original 5KP16C.

Q: What package considerations apply when selecting substitutes?

A: 5KP16CA and SLD16-018 maintain P600 axial package for direct board replacement. 1.5KE series parts use DO-201 package; P6KE and SA series use DO-15 or DO-204AC packages. Alternative packages require PCB layout modification and may affect thermal performance due to different lead geometry and package size.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message