M15KP240AE3 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The M15KP240AE3 is a unidirectional Zener transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Microchip Technology, designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This through-hole component operates with a 240V reverse standoff voltage and provides 388V maximum clamping voltage at peak pulse current. The device is qualified to MIL-PRF-19500 military standards and is currently in active production status with 883 units available in inventory.

Substitute parts are identified when equivalent electrical performance can be achieved within the specified parameter tolerances while maintaining functional compatibility in the target application circuit.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	240	V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	267	V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	388	V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	39	A
Power - Peak Pulse	15000	W
Operating Temperature Range	-65 to 150	°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	DO-204AR, Axial	—
Type	Zener	—
Unidirectional Channels	1	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the M15KP240AE3 is determined by the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Criteria:

Reverse standoff voltage within 240V specification
Breakdown voltage minimum at or above 267V
Clamping voltage maximum at or below 388V
Peak pulse current capability at or above 39A
Peak pulse power rating at or above 15000W
Unidirectional channel configuration (single channel)
Zener diode type classification

Mechanical Compatibility Criteria:

Through-hole mounting configuration
Axial package orientation
DO-204AR or equivalent axial package footprint

The substitute part 15KPA240A meets these criteria with equivalent voltage ratings, peak pulse specifications, and through-hole axial packaging, enabling direct functional replacement in circuit applications.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	M15KP240AE3 (Microchip)	15KPA240A (MDE Semiconductor)	Compatibility
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	240V	240V	Equivalent
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	267V	268.1V	Equivalent
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	388V	384.6V	Equivalent
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	39A	39.3A	Equivalent
Power - Peak Pulse	15000W	15000W	Equivalent
Operating Temperature Range	-65°C to 150°C	-55°C to 175°C	Substitute exceeds range
Type	Zener	Zener	Equivalent
Unidirectional Channels	1	1	Equivalent
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Equivalent
Package / Case	DO-204AR, Axial	P600, Axial	Functionally equivalent axial packages

Engineering Selection Recommendations

M15KP240AE3 (Microchip Technology):

Active product status with established supply chain
MIL-PRF-19500 military qualification
RoHS non-compliant status
Operating temperature range: -65°C to 150°C
DO-204AR package specification
Suitable for applications requiring military-grade certification

15KPA240A (MDE Semiconductor Inc):

Active product status with higher inventory availability (1150 units)
ROHS3 compliant
Extended operating temperature range: -55°C to 175°C
P600 axial package specification
Suitable for applications requiring RoHS compliance and extended temperature operation

Selection between these parts depends on specific application requirements regarding regulatory compliance (military qualification versus RoHS compliance) and operating temperature envelope. Both parts deliver equivalent electrical performance for general-purpose TVS diode applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 15KPA240A directly replace the M15KP240AE3 in existing circuit designs?

A: Yes. Both devices are unidirectional Zener TVS diodes with equivalent reverse standoff voltage (240V), breakdown voltage, clamping voltage, and peak pulse current specifications. The through-hole axial mounting configuration is identical, enabling direct PCB footprint compatibility.

Q: What is the difference between the DO-204AR and P600 packages?

A: Both are through-hole axial packages for TVS diodes. DO-204AR is the Microchip designation; P600 is the MDE Semiconductor designation. These packages are functionally equivalent for circuit applications, with identical lead spacing and mounting characteristics.

Q: Are there differences in clamping voltage between these parts?

A: The M15KP240AE3 specifies 388V maximum clamping voltage, while the 15KPA240A specifies 384.6V maximum clamping voltage. Both values fall within acceptable operating parameters for general-purpose TVS applications and represent negligible practical difference in overvoltage protection performance.

Q: Which part should be selected for military applications?

A: The M15KP240AE3 carries MIL-PRF-19500 qualification, making it the appropriate choice for applications requiring military-grade component certification.

Q: Which part should be selected for commercial applications requiring RoHS compliance?

A: The 15KPA240A is ROHS3 compliant, making it suitable for commercial applications subject to RoHS regulatory requirements. The M15KP240AE3 is RoHS non-compliant.

Q: What is the operating temperature difference between these parts?

A: The M15KP240AE3 operates from -65°C to 150°C. The 15KPA240A operates from -55°C to 175°C. The 15KPA240A provides an extended upper temperature limit of 25°C, beneficial for high-temperature environments.

Q: Are the peak pulse power ratings identical?

A: Yes. Both the M15KP240AE3 and 15KPA240A are rated for 15000W (15kW) peak pulse power, ensuring equivalent transient energy dissipation capability.

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