5KP170C Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 5KP170C is a transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This bidirectional Zener diode features a 170V reverse standoff voltage and 288.75V maximum clamping voltage with 5000W peak pulse power handling capability in a through-hole P600 axial package.

The 5KP170C 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 requiring transient voltage suppression at this voltage level.

Substiute Parts

5KP170C

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 10295KP170C Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

5KP170CA

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 24675KP170CA 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

Substitute parts for the 5KP170C are grouped based on the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters that determine functional equivalence:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Reverse standoff voltage within the 170V nominal range
• Bidirectional Zener diode configuration (1 channel)
• Through-hole axial mounting
• Operating temperature range of -55°C to 175°C
• ROHS3 compliance

Substitution Groups:

Group 1: Direct Series Equivalent (5KP Series) The 5KP170CA is the active production equivalent within the same 5KP series. It maintains identical reverse standoff voltage (170V), identical package (P600 axial), and identical power rating (5000W). The primary difference is the clamping voltage specification (275V vs. 288.75V) and peak pulse current rating (18.5A vs. unspecified for 5KP170C).

Group 2: Lower Power Alternatives (1.5KE Series) The 1.5KE180CA, 1.5KE200CA, 1.5KE220CA, and 1.5KE180CA-TP represent lower power alternatives with reduced peak pulse power (1500W vs. 5000W). These parts operate at comparable voltage levels but in the DO-201 package instead of P600. Reverse standoff voltages range from 154V to 185V, providing coverage across the 170V nominal specification.

Group 3: Compact Package Alternative (P6KE Series) The P6KE180CA and P6KE200CA offer the lowest power rating (600W) in the DO-15 package. These are suitable only for applications with reduced transient energy requirements and represent the most significant trade-off in power handling capability.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: 5KP170CA

The 5KP170CA is the preferred substitute for the obsolete 5KP170C. Both parts are manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., share identical reverse standoff voltage (170V), identical power rating (5000W), and identical P600 axial package. The 5KP170CA is in active production status with ROHS3 compliance certification. This substitution requires no circuit board redesign and maintains full electrical and mechanical compatibility.

Secondary Recommendation: 1.5KE200CA

The 1.5KE200CA from Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation is suitable for applications where power dissipation requirements are lower than the original 5kW specification. This part maintains a reverse standoff voltage of 171V (within 1V of the original 170V specification) and provides a clamping voltage of 274V, closely matching the original 288.75V specification. The 1.5KE200CA is in active production with ROHS3 compliance. Circuit board modification is required to accommodate the DO-201 package transition from P600.

Tertiary Recommendation: 1.5KE180CA or 1.5KE180CA-TP

These alternatives provide 154V reverse standoff voltage and 246V clamping voltage. The 1.5KE180CA-TP from Micro Commercial Co includes automotive-grade qualification. Both parts are suitable for applications with lower transient energy requirements and require package transition from P600 to DO-201.

Not Recommended for Direct Substitution: P6KE Series

The P6KE180CA and P6KE200CA offer only 600W peak pulse power, representing a 92% reduction from the original 5000W specification. These parts are suitable only for applications with significantly reduced transient energy requirements and should not be selected as direct replacements without thorough circuit analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 5KP170CA be used as a direct replacement for the 5KP170C without any modifications?

A: Yes. The 5KP170CA is the active production equivalent within the same 5KP series. Both parts share identical reverse standoff voltage (170V), identical power rating (5000W), identical package (P600 axial), and identical operating temperature range (-55°C to 175°C). No circuit board modifications are required.

Q: What is the primary difference between the 5KP170C and 5KP170CA?

A: The 5KP170C is obsolete, while the 5KP170CA is in active production. The clamping voltage differs slightly (288.75V vs. 275V), and the 5KP170CA specifies a peak pulse current of 18.5A, whereas the 5KP170C does not provide this specification.

Q: Can I use a 1.5KE series part instead of the 5KP170C?

A: The 1.5KE series parts are functionally compatible but represent a significant trade-off in power handling capability. The 1.5KE series provides only 1500W peak pulse power compared to the 5000W rating of the 5KP170C. Selection depends on the actual transient energy requirements of your application. Additionally, the 1.5KE series uses the DO-201 package instead of P600, requiring circuit board modification.

Q: What is the voltage compatibility range for substitution?

A: Substitute parts maintain functional equivalence within a reverse standoff voltage range of 154V to 185V. The 5KP170C operates at 170V nominal. The 1.5KE200CA at 171V and 1.5KE180CA at 154V both fall within acceptable operating parameters for most general-purpose transient suppression applications.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: The 5KP170CA, 1.5KE180CA, 1.5KE200CA, and 1.5KE220CA are confirmed ROHS3 compliant. The 1.5KE180CA-TP, P6KE180CA, and P6KE200CA do not specify ROHS3 compliance in the provided data. Verify compliance requirements with your procurement specifications before selection.

Q: What package considerations apply when selecting a substitute?

A: The 5KP170CA maintains the P600 axial package, requiring no board modifications. The 1.5KE series uses the DO-201 package, and the P6KE series uses the DO-15 package. Both alternative packages are through-hole axial configurations but have different physical dimensions. Verify PCB footprint compatibility before design implementation.

Q: Can I use the P6KE series as a substitute?

A: The P6KE180CA and P6KE200CA are not recommended as direct substitutes due to their significantly reduced power rating (600W vs. 5000W). These parts are suitable only for applications with substantially lower transient energy requirements. Thorough circuit analysis is required to confirm adequacy before selection.