P4KE12C Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The P4KE12C is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection in through-hole applications. This part operates with a 10.2V reverse standoff voltage and provides 400W peak pulse power dissipation in a DO-204AL (DO-41) axial package. The P4KE12C is currently listed as obsolete, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement.

Substiute Parts

P4KE12C

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 836P4KE12C Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

P4KE12CA

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 1111P4KE12CA Datasheet

DirectRFQ

P6KE12CA

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 25662P6KE12CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P4KE12CA-G

Comchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1072P4KE12CA-G Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE12CA-G

Comchip TechnologyIn Stock: 796P6KE12CA-G Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the P4KE12C is determined by the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Criteria:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 10.2V (must match)
• Voltage - Breakdown (Min): minimum 10.8V (must meet or exceed)
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: must not exceed 17.54V significantly
• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): minimum 24.6A (must meet or exceed)
• Power - Peak Pulse: minimum 400W (must meet or exceed)
• Bidirectional Channels: 1 (must match)
• Type: Zener (must match)

Mechanical Compatibility Criteria:

• Mounting Type: Through Hole (must match)
• Package / Case: DO-204AL (DO-41) or compatible axial package
• Applications: General Purpose (must match)

Compliance Requirements:

• RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant (must maintain)
• Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL): 1 (Unlimited) (must match or exceed)

All substitute parts listed below meet these criteria and are qualified as direct electrical and mechanical equivalents.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

P4KE12CA (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation) and P4KE12CA-G (Comchip Technology) are direct pin-compatible and electrically equivalent substitutes in the DO-204AL (DO-41) package. Both maintain the same 400W power rating and meet all electrical parameters. P4KE12CA offers active product status with full temperature range support (-55°C to 175°C), while P4KE12CA-G provides the same functionality with a reduced upper temperature limit (-55°C to 150°C). Both are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 rating.

P6KE12CA (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation) and P6KE12CA-G (Comchip Technology) are enhanced substitutes in the DO-204AC (DO-15) package with increased power dissipation (600W) and higher peak pulse current ratings (36A and 35.93A respectively). These parts provide superior transient protection capability while maintaining the same voltage characteristics. Package transition from DO-41 to DO-15 requires PCB layout verification for mechanical fit.

All substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating, ensuring regulatory and environmental compatibility with the original P4KE12C specification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can P4KE12CA directly replace P4KE12C without PCB modifications?

A: Yes. P4KE12CA maintains identical package geometry (DO-204AL, DO-41), pinout, and electrical performance within the specified parameters. No PCB layout changes are required.

Q: What is the difference between P4KE12CA and P6KE12CA?

A: The primary differences are package type and power rating. P4KE12CA uses DO-41 package with 400W power dissipation, while P6KE12CA uses DO-15 package with 600W power dissipation. Both maintain identical voltage characteristics (10.2V standoff, 16.7V clamping). DO-15 package is physically larger and requires PCB footprint verification before substitution.

Q: Are Comchip and Taiwan Semiconductor parts interchangeable?

A: Yes, within the same package family. P4KE12CA-G (Comchip, DO-41) and P4KE12CA (TSC, DO-41) are electrically and mechanically equivalent. Similarly, P6KE12CA-G (Comchip, DO-15) and P6KE12CA (TSC, DO-15) are equivalent. Cross-manufacturer substitution between DO-41 and DO-15 packages requires PCB layout verification.

Q: Does operating temperature range affect substitution suitability?

A: For applications operating within -55°C to 150°C, all substitute parts are suitable. For applications requiring operation above 150°C up to 175°C, P4KE12CA (TSC) is the only substitute maintaining the full temperature range of the original P4KE12C.

Q: What compliance certifications apply to all substitute parts?

A: All substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 (Unlimited) rating, matching the original P4KE12C specification. REACH compliance is confirmed for Taiwan Semiconductor and Comchip variants where specified.

Q: Can higher-rated parts (P6KE series) be used in place of P4KE12C?

A: Yes, electrically and functionally. P6KE12CA and P6KE12CA-G provide superior transient suppression capability (600W vs 400W, 36A vs 24.6A). However, DO-15 package substitution requires PCB footprint compatibility verification before implementation.