MP6KE20AE3 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MP6KE20AE3 is an active-status transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Microchip Technology. This unidirectional zener-type device provides transient overvoltage protection in general-purpose applications through a through-hole T-18 axial package. The device operates across a temperature range of -65°C to 150°C and meets MIL-PRF-19500 military qualification standards.

Substitute parts are identified when equivalent electrical performance parameters are maintained across critical specifications including reverse standoff voltage, breakdown voltage, clamping voltage, peak pulse current, and peak pulse power ratings. Package form factor differences may exist between equivalent devices while maintaining functional interchangeability in circuit applications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	17.1	V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	19	V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	27.7	V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	22	A
Power - Peak Pulse	600	W
Operating Temperature Range	-65 to 150	°C (TJ)
Type	Zener	-
Unidirectional Channels	1	-
Mounting Type	Through Hole	-

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the MP6KE20AE3 are identified based on electrical parameter equivalence. The critical substitution criteria are:

Electrical Parameters (Must Match):

Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 17.1V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 19V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 27.7V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): 22A
Power - Peak Pulse: 600W
Type: Zener
Unidirectional Channels: 1

Mechanical Parameters (Must Match):

Mounting Type: Through Hole
Axial package configuration

The P6KE20A from Fairchild Semiconductor meets all electrical parameter requirements and maintains through-hole axial mounting compatibility. Package designation differs (DO-15/DO-204AC versus T-18), but both are industry-standard through-hole axial formats suitable for equivalent circuit board integration.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	MP6KE20AE3 (Microchip)	P6KE20A (Fairchild)	Match Status
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	17.1V	17.1V	Equivalent
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	19V	19V	Equivalent
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	27.7V	27.7V	Equivalent
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	22A	22A	Equivalent
Power - Peak Pulse	600W	600W	Equivalent
Type	Zener	Zener	Equivalent
Unidirectional Channels	1	1	Equivalent
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Equivalent
Package / Case	T-18, Axial	DO-15 (DO-204AC), Axial	Different Package, Same Form Factor
Operating Temperature Range	-65°C to 150°C	-50°C to 175°C	P6KE20A Has Extended Range
Product Status	Active	Active	Equivalent

Engineering Selection Recommendations

MP6KE20AE3 Selection Criteria:

Required for applications demanding MIL-PRF-19500 military qualification compliance
Specified when military-grade component certification is a design requirement
Preferred for temperature-constrained applications within the -65°C to 150°C operating window
Appropriate for designs requiring RoHS non-compliant component documentation

P6KE20A Selection Criteria:

Suitable for general-purpose applications where military qualification is not required
Applicable when extended operating temperature range (-50°C to 175°C) provides design margin
Appropriate for applications where DO-15 package form factor is compatible with board layout
Acceptable for designs without military-grade certification requirements

Both devices maintain identical electrical performance across all critical TVS diode parameters. Selection between these parts depends on compliance requirements, temperature operating range needs, and package form factor compatibility with existing circuit board designs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the P6KE20A directly replace the MP6KE20AE3 in all applications?

A: The P6KE20A provides electrical equivalence across all critical TVS diode parameters. Direct replacement is possible in applications where military qualification (MIL-PRF-19500) is not a design requirement and the operating temperature range of -50°C to 175°C is acceptable. Package form factor differences (DO-15 versus T-18) do not affect electrical performance but may require board layout verification for physical fit.

Q: What is the difference between T-18 and DO-15 packages?

A: Both T-18 and DO-15 are industry-standard through-hole axial package designations for two-terminal diode devices. T-18 is the Microchip designation; DO-15 (DO-204AC) is the Fairchild designation. Both packages provide equivalent mechanical and electrical mounting characteristics for through-hole circuit board assembly.

Q: Are there compliance differences between these parts?

A: The MP6KE20AE3 carries MIL-PRF-19500 military qualification certification. The P6KE20A does not include this certification. Both devices share identical ECCN (EAR99) and HTSUS (8541.10.0080) classifications. The MP6KE20AE3 is RoHS non-compliant; the P6KE20A compliance status was not provided in available data.

Q: How do operating temperature ranges affect substitution?

A: The MP6KE20AE3 operates from -65°C to 150°C (TJ). The P6KE20A operates from -50°C to 175°C (TJ). The P6KE20A provides extended upper temperature capability. For applications operating below -50°C, the MP6KE20AE3 is required. For applications above 150°C, the P6KE20A is required.

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

A: Critical matching parameters are reverse standoff voltage, breakdown voltage, clamping voltage, peak pulse current, and peak pulse power. The MP6KE20AE3 and P6KE20A match across all these parameters: 17.1V standoff, 19V breakdown minimum, 27.7V clamping maximum, 22A peak pulse current, and 600W peak pulse power.

Q: Is inventory availability a factor in part selection?

A: The MP6KE20AE3 has 1036 pieces in stock. The P6KE20A has 1490 pieces in stock. Both devices are available as new original components. Inventory status should be verified at time of procurement.

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