MP6KE160AE3 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MP6KE160AE3 is an active Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Microchip Technology, designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This unidirectional zener-type TVS diode features a 136V reverse standoff voltage and 219V maximum clamping voltage, with a peak pulse current rating of 2.7A and 600W peak pulse power dissipation capability. The device is housed in a T-18 axial through-hole package and is qualified to MIL-PRF-19500 military standards.

Equivalent and substitute parts are necessary when the primary part number becomes unavailable, when alternative packaging configurations are required for specific board layouts, or when sourcing from multiple suppliers is needed to ensure supply chain continuity. Substitute parts must maintain electrical equivalence across critical parameters including voltage ratings, current handling, and thermal operating range.

Substiute Parts

MP6KE160AE3

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 725MP6KE160AE3 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

P6KE160A

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 16658P6KE160A Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MP6KE160AE3 is determined by electrical and mechanical parameter equivalence. The critical parameters that define substitutability are:

Electrical Parameters:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 136V
• Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 152V
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 219V
• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): minimum 2.7A
• Power - Peak Pulse: 600W
• Type: Zener, Unidirectional

Mechanical Parameters:

• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Package Configuration: Axial lead format

Operational Parameters:

• Operating Temperature Range: must encompass or exceed -65°C to 150°C

The P6KE160A from Fairchild Semiconductor meets these substitution criteria with equivalent voltage ratings, comparable peak pulse current (2.8A), and identical power dissipation. The primary difference is the package format (DO-15/DO-204AC versus T-18) and operating temperature range extension (−50°C to 175°C).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

MP6KE160AE3 (Primary Selection): The MP6KE160AE3 is the specified part number and remains the primary selection when available. This device carries MIL-PRF-19500 military qualification and is actively produced by Microchip Technology. The T-18 package format is optimized for applications requiring this specific axial lead configuration. The operating temperature range of −65°C to 150°C is suitable for standard industrial and military applications.

P6KE160A (Substitute Selection): The P6KE160A from Fairchild Semiconductor is electrically equivalent and serves as a direct functional substitute when the MP6KE160AE3 is unavailable. The P6KE160A maintains all critical voltage and power parameters. The DO-15 (DO-204AC) package is mechanically compatible with through-hole PCB layouts, though physical dimensions differ from the T-18 package. The extended operating temperature range (−50°C to 175°C) provides additional thermal margin for high-temperature applications. Selection of this substitute requires verification that the DO-15 package footprint is compatible with the intended PCB design.

Both parts are active products with established supply chains. Selection between them is determined by package availability, PCB layout constraints, and temperature operating requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the P6KE160A directly replace the MP6KE160AE3 in all applications?

A: The P6KE160A is electrically equivalent and functionally interchangeable for overvoltage protection. However, the package format differs (DO-15 versus T-18). Direct PCB replacement requires that the DO-15 package footprint is compatible with the existing through-hole layout. Physical lead spacing and body dimensions must be verified against the PCB design.

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

A: The parts are electrically equivalent across all critical parameters: 136V reverse standoff voltage, 152V minimum breakdown voltage, and 219V maximum clamping voltage. The P6KE160A has a slightly higher peak pulse current rating (2.8A versus 2.7A), which provides additional margin. Both devices dissipate 600W peak pulse power.

Q: Does the operating temperature range difference affect substitution?

A: The P6KE160A operates from −50°C to 175°C, while the MP6KE160AE3 operates from −65°C to 150°C. The P6KE160A has a higher minimum temperature but extends the maximum temperature by 25°C. For applications requiring operation below −50°C, the MP6KE160AE3 is required. For applications requiring operation above 150°C, the P6KE160A is required.

Q: Are there compliance or qualification differences?

A: The MP6KE160AE3 carries MIL-PRF-19500 military qualification. The P6KE160A is an active commercial product. Both are RoHS non-compliant and carry EAR99 export classification. Compliance requirements for the specific application determine which part is appropriate.

Q: What is the significance of the package format difference?

A: Both parts use axial lead through-hole mounting. The T-18 package (MP6KE160AE3) and DO-15 package (P6KE160A) have different body dimensions and lead spacing. PCB layout compatibility must be confirmed before substitution. The axial lead configuration is identical, but the physical body size differs.

Q: Can these parts be used interchangeably in new designs?

A: Either part can be selected for new designs based on availability, package preference, and temperature requirements. The electrical specifications are equivalent. The choice between T-18 and DO-15 packages is a design decision based on PCB layout constraints and sourcing strategy.