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5KP78C Equivalent & Substitute Parts
Part Overview
The 5KP78C is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This through-hole P600 axial package device operates across a temperature range of -55°C to 175°C and provides 5000W peak pulse power dissipation. The 5KP78C is currently listed as obsolete, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement.
Substiute Parts
Key Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Part Number | 5KP78C |
| Manufacturer | Littelfuse Inc. |
| Category | Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS) |
| Type | Zener |
| Bidirectional Channels | 1 |
| Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ) | 78V |
| Voltage - Breakdown (Min) | 82.13V |
| Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp | 132.3V |
| Power - Peak Pulse | 5000W (5kW) |
| Operating Temperature | -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ) |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole |
| Package / Case | P600, Axial |
| RoHS Status | ROHS3 Compliant |
| Product Status | Obsolete |
Substitute Part Grouping Explanation
Substitution of the 5KP78C is determined by the following critical parameters:
Electrical Compatibility Requirements:
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 78V (all substitutes must match)
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 82.13V to 87.1V range (acceptable variance)
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 126V to 139V range (acceptable variance)
- Power - Peak Pulse: minimum 5000W (5kW)
- Bidirectional Channels: 1
- Type: Zener
Mechanical Compatibility Requirements:
- Mounting Type: Through Hole
- Package / Case: P600 or R-6 Axial (both through-hole axial formats)
Environmental & Compliance Requirements:
- Operating Temperature: -55°C to 175°C or -55°C to 150°C (acceptable)
- RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant
Substitutes are grouped into two categories based on power rating and package format: standard 5kW devices in P600 or R-6 packages, and higher-power variants (15kW and 30kW) for applications requiring enhanced transient protection capability.
Parameter Comparison
| Part Number | Manufacturer | Voltage Standoff (Typ) | Voltage Breakdown (Min) | Voltage Clamping (Max) | Power Peak Pulse | Package | Operating Temp | Product Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5KP78C | Littelfuse Inc. | 78V | 82.13V | 132.3V | 5000W | P600, Axial | -55°C ~ 175°C | Obsolete |
| 5KP78CA | Littelfuse Inc. | 78V | 86.7V | 126V | 5000W | P600, Axial | -55°C ~ 175°C | Active |
| 5KP78CAE3/TR13 | Microchip Technology | 78V | 86.7V | 126V | 5000W | P600, Axial | -55°C ~ 175°C | Active |
| 5KP78CE3/TR13 | Microchip Technology | 78V | 86.7V | 139V | 5000W | P600, Axial | -55°C ~ 175°C | Active |
| 5KP78CA-TP | Micro Commercial Co | 78V | 86.7V | 126V | 5000W | R-6, Axial | -55°C ~ 175°C | Active |
| 5KP78CA-G | Comchip Technology | 78V | 86.7V | 126V | 5000W | R-6, Axial | -55°C ~ 150°C | Active |
| A5KP78CA-G | Comchip Technology | 78V | 86.7V | 126V | 5000W | R-6, Axial | -55°C ~ 150°C | Active |
| 3KP78CA-TP | Micro Commercial Co | 78V | 86.7V | 126V | 3000W | R-6, Axial | -55°C ~ 175°C | Active |
| 15KP78CA-TP | Micro Commercial Co | 78V | 86.7V | 126V | 15000W | R-6, Axial | -55°C ~ 175°C | Active |
| 30KP78CA-TP | Micro Commercial Co | 78V | 87.1V | 129V | 30000W | R-6, Axial | -55°C ~ 175°C | Active |
Engineering Selection Recommendations
Primary Substitutes (Direct Replacement - Same Power Rating):
5KP78CA (Littelfuse Inc.) and 5KP78CAE3/TR13 (Microchip Technology) are the most direct electrical equivalents, maintaining the 5000W power rating and 78V standoff voltage. Both are active products with full temperature range support (-55°C to 175°C). The 5KP78CA is available in P600 axial packaging matching the original 5KP78C footprint. The 5KP78CAE3/TR13 offers equivalent electrical performance with Microchip manufacturing support.
5KP78CA-TP (Micro Commercial Co) and 5KP78CA-G (Comchip Technology) provide 5000W equivalents with R-6 axial packaging. Both maintain electrical compatibility. The 5KP78CA-G operates to 150°C maximum junction temperature, which is acceptable for most general-purpose applications but represents a reduced upper temperature limit compared to the original specification.
Higher Power Alternatives (Enhanced Protection):
15KP78CA-TP and 30KP78CA-TP (Micro Commercial Co) provide 15kW and 30kW peak pulse power ratings respectively, suitable for applications requiring greater transient energy absorption. These devices maintain the 78V standoff voltage and are available in R-6 axial packages with full -55°C to 175°C temperature range support.
Lower Power Alternative:
3KP78CA-TP (Micro Commercial Co) provides a 3000W variant. This part is suitable only for applications where the original 5000W specification can be reduced without compromising circuit protection.
Automotive Grade Option:
A5KP78CA-G (Comchip Technology) is AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive applications, offering the same electrical performance as 5KP78CA-G with automotive-grade reliability certification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use a substitute part with a different clamping voltage?
A: Yes, within limits. The 5KP78C specifies 132.3V maximum clamping voltage. Substitutes with 126V to 139V clamping voltages are acceptable because they remain within the functional protection envelope for 78V standoff applications. Lower clamping voltages provide tighter protection; higher clamping voltages provide more margin. Verify your circuit's transient tolerance before selection.
Q: What is the difference between P600 and R-6 packages?
A: Both are through-hole axial packages suitable for PCB mounting. P600 and R-6 are different mechanical formats from different manufacturers but serve identical electrical functions. Verify PCB pad spacing and lead diameter compatibility with your design before substitution.
Q: Can I substitute a 3000W part for the 5000W original?
A: Only if your application's transient energy requirements do not exceed 3000W peak pulse. The 3KP78CA-TP is electrically compatible but has reduced power dissipation capability. Consult your circuit analysis to confirm adequacy.
Q: Are higher power ratings (15kW, 30kW) backward compatible?
A: Yes. Higher power-rated devices (15KP78CA-TP, 30KP78CA-TP) are electrically and mechanically compatible with the 5KP78C application. They provide enhanced transient protection without circuit modification. Use higher ratings when additional margin is required or when upgrading protection capability.
Q: What is the impact of the 150°C temperature limit on 5KP78CA-G and A5KP78CA-G?
A: These parts operate to 150°C junction temperature versus 175°C for the original. For applications where junction temperature remains below 150°C, these substitutes are fully compatible. Verify your thermal design to confirm operation within this limit.
Q: Is the A5KP78CA-G automotive qualification required for my application?
A: AEC-Q101 qualification is required only for automotive applications. For industrial or consumer applications, standard commercial-grade parts (5KP78CA, 5KP78CA-TP, 5KP78CA-G) are appropriate.
Q: How do I verify electrical compatibility in my circuit?
A: Confirm that your circuit design accommodates the substitute part's voltage breakdown range (82.13V to 87.1V minimum) and clamping voltage range (126V to 139V maximum). Verify that the through-hole axial package format matches your PCB layout. Confirm operating temperature requirements align with the selected substitute's temperature rating.
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