MP4KE20AE3 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MP4KE20AE3 is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Microchip Technology, designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This component features a 17.1V reverse standoff voltage with a 27.7V maximum clamping voltage and 14.5A peak pulse current capability in a through-hole DO-204AL (DO-41) axial package. The device is qualified to MIL-PRF-19500 military standards and operates across an extended temperature range of -65°C to 150°C. Equivalent and substitute parts are identified based on matching electrical performance parameters, functional characteristics, and mechanical compatibility within the TVS diode category.

Substiute Parts

MP4KE20AE3

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 804MP4KE20AE3 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

P4KE20A

Diotec SemiconductorIn Stock: 1176P4KE20A Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the MP4KE20AE3 are identified based on electrical parameter equivalence within the TVS diode category. The substitution logic is based on the following critical parameters:

Electrical Equivalence Criteria:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 17.1V
• Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 19V
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 27.7V
• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): ≥14.5A
• Power - Peak Pulse: 400W
• Type: Zener, Unidirectional

Mechanical Compatibility Criteria:

• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Package Category: Axial (DO-204 series variants acceptable)

The P4KE20A from Diotec Semiconductor meets these electrical and mechanical criteria, with matching voltage specifications and equivalent power handling. Both devices share the same base product number (P4KE20) and are classified as general-purpose TVS diodes with identical functional characteristics.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

MP4KE20AE3 (Microchip Technology):

• Primary selection for applications requiring MIL-PRF-19500 military qualification
• Specified for extended low-temperature operation (-65°C minimum)
• RoHS non-compliant status requires verification against procurement requirements
• Active product status with established supply chain

P4KE20A (Diotec Semiconductor):

• Functionally equivalent substitute with identical electrical performance
• Extended high-temperature capability (175°C maximum) suitable for elevated ambient applications
• Compatible through-hole axial package (DO-15 variant) with standard PCB footprint compatibility
• Active product status with confirmed inventory availability
• RoHS compliance status not applicable; REACH status vendor-undefined

Selection between these parts depends on specific application requirements: military qualification necessity, temperature range constraints, and regulatory compliance mandates. Both devices provide equivalent transient voltage suppression performance for the 17.1V standoff voltage class.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the P4KE20A directly replace the MP4KE20AE3 in existing designs?

A: The P4KE20A provides electrical equivalence across all critical TVS parameters (voltage standoff, breakdown, clamping, and power ratings). Both are through-hole axial devices. Package variants (DO-41 versus DO-15) are mechanically compatible on standard PCB layouts. Substitution is valid for general-purpose applications where MIL-PRF-19500 qualification is not a requirement.

Q: What are the key differences between these two parts?

A: The primary differences are: (1) Manufacturer qualification—MP4KE20AE3 carries MIL-PRF-19500 military qualification while P4KE20A does not; (2) Operating temperature range—MP4KE20AE3 operates to -65°C minimum, P4KE20A to -50°C minimum; (3) High-temperature capability—P4KE20A extends to 175°C versus 150°C for MP4KE20AE3; (4) Package designation—DO-204AL (DO-41) versus DO-204AC (DO-15), both axial through-hole formats; (5) RoHS status—MP4KE20AE3 is non-compliant, P4KE20A status is not applicable.

Q: Are the package differences between DO-41 and DO-15 significant for PCB layout?

A: Both DO-41 and DO-15 designations refer to axial through-hole packages with standard lead spacing compatible with conventional PCB designs. Physical dimensions and lead configurations are within industry-standard tolerances for axial component placement. No PCB redesign is required for package substitution.

Q: What electrical parameters must match for TVS diode substitution?

A: Critical matching parameters are: Voltage - Reverse Standoff (17.1V), Voltage - Breakdown minimum (19V), Voltage - Clamping maximum (27.7V), Current - Peak Pulse rating (≥14.5A), and Power - Peak Pulse (400W). These parameters define the overvoltage protection threshold and transient energy absorption capability. Deviations outside these specifications result in incompatible protection performance.

Q: Is the higher peak pulse current rating (15A) of the P4KE20A an advantage?

A: The P4KE20A peak pulse current rating of 15A exceeds the MP4KE20AE3 specification of 14.5A. This represents enhanced transient current handling capability and provides additional design margin for applications with variable surge conditions. The higher rating does not create compatibility issues and may improve reliability in high-stress environments.

Q: Which part should be selected for military or aerospace applications?

A: The MP4KE20AE3 is the specified selection for military applications due to MIL-PRF-19500 qualification. This certification is mandatory for defense procurement and regulated environments. The P4KE20A lacks this qualification and is not suitable for military specification requirements.