AK3-015C Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The AK3-015C is a 15V Zener Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose transient protection applications. This axial through-hole component features a 28V maximum clamping voltage and 3000A peak pulse current capability with an 8/20µs waveform. The part is currently active in production with full RoHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating. Substitute parts are identified when equivalent electrical performance and mechanical compatibility are required due to inventory constraints, supply chain considerations, or design flexibility needs.

Substiute Parts

AK3-015C
Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1119AK3-015C Datasheet
AK3-015C
Current Part
PTVS3-015C-TH
Bourns Inc.In Stock: 1388PTVS3-015C-TH Datasheet
PTVS3-015C-TH
Direct

Key Parameters

Parameter Value
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ) 15V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min) 16V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp 28V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs) 3000A (3kA) (8/20µs)
Bidirectional Channels 1
Type Zener
Mounting Type Through Hole
Package / Case Axial, Right Angle Bend (24.15mm Center)
Operating Temperature Range -55°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The PTVS3-015C-TH from Bourns Inc. qualifies as a direct substitute based on the following critical parameters:

  • Voltage - Reverse Standoff: 15V (matching specification)
  • Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 16V (matching specification)
  • Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 28V (matching specification)
  • Current - Peak Pulse: 3000A (3kA) (8/20µs) (matching specification)
  • Bidirectional Channels: 1 (matching specification)
  • Type: Zener (matching specification)
  • Mounting Type: Through Hole (matching specification)
  • Package / Case: Axial, Right Angle Bend (24.15mm Center) (matching specification)
  • RoHS3 Compliance: Both parts meet RoHS3 requirements

The substitute part maintains electrical equivalence across all critical transient suppression parameters and mechanical compatibility with the original design footprint.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter AK3-015C (Littelfuse) PTVS3-015C-TH (Bourns)
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ) 15V 15V (Max)
Voltage - Breakdown (Min) 16V 16V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp 28V 28V (Typ)
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs) 3000A (3kA) (8/20µs) 3000A (3kA) (8/20µs)
Bidirectional Channels 1 1
Type Zener Zener
Mounting Type Through Hole Through Hole
Package / Case Axial, Right Angle Bend (24.15mm Center) Axial, Right Angle Bend (24.15mm Center)
Operating Temperature Range -55°C ~ 125°C (TJ) -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
Capacitance @ 10kHz 9000pF 7500pF
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Both the AK3-015C and PTVS3-015C-TH are active production components with full RoHS3 compliance. The AK3-015C provides an extended operating temperature range of -55°C to 125°C, while the PTVS3-015C-TH operates from -40°C to 125°C. Selection between these parts should be based on the specific application temperature requirements. The AK3-015C is suitable for applications requiring the full -55°C lower temperature limit. The PTVS3-015C-TH is suitable for applications within the -40°C to 125°C range. Both parts meet identical electrical specifications for transient suppression and are mechanically interchangeable in axial through-hole PCB designs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can PTVS3-015C-TH replace AK3-015C in all applications?

A: The PTVS3-015C-TH is electrically and mechanically equivalent for applications operating within -40°C to 125°C. Applications requiring operation below -40°C must use the AK3-015C, which is rated to -55°C.

Q: Are the axial package dimensions identical?

A: Both parts use Axial, Right Angle Bend packaging with 24.15mm center spacing, ensuring direct mechanical compatibility on PCB layouts designed for either component.

Q: What is the difference in capacitance between these parts?

A: The AK3-015C has 9000pF capacitance at 10kHz, while the PTVS3-015C-TH has 7500pF at 10kHz. This difference may affect high-frequency circuit behavior and should be evaluated in applications sensitive to parasitic capacitance.

Q: Do both parts meet the same compliance standards?

A: Both parts are RoHS3 compliant and rated for EAR99 export classification. The AK3-015C has unlimited moisture sensitivity (MSL 1), while the PTVS3-015C-TH is not subject to moisture sensitivity requirements.

Q: What are the key electrical parameters that define substitution?

A: Substitution is based on matching reverse standoff voltage (15V), breakdown voltage (16V minimum), clamping voltage (28V maximum), peak pulse current (3000A at 8/20µs), and single bidirectional channel configuration.

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