P4KE12CA Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The P4KE12CA is an active Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose voltage protection applications. This bidirectional zener diode operates in the DO-204AL (DO-41) axial through-hole package and provides peak pulse power handling of 400W with a clamping voltage of 16.7V at peak pulse current. The part is ROHS3 compliant and carries unlimited moisture sensitivity rating (MSL 1), making it suitable for standard industrial and commercial environments. Equivalent and substitute parts are identified based on matching electrical performance parameters and compatible packaging specifications.

Substiute Parts

P4KE12CA

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 5195P4KE12CA Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

P6KE12CA

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 25662P6KE12CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the P4KE12CA is determined by electrical parameter compatibility within the TVS diode category. The critical parameters for substitution are:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 10.2V
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 16.7V
• Bidirectional operation (1 channel)
• Through-hole axial mounting
• ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating

The P6KE12CA from Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation qualifies as a direct substitute based on matching reverse standoff voltage (10.2V), breakdown voltage (11.4V minimum), and clamping voltage (16.7V maximum). Both parts operate within the same voltage protection window and share compatible through-hole axial packaging. The P6KE12CA provides enhanced peak pulse current capability (36A versus 24.6A) and higher peak pulse power (600W versus 400W), making it suitable for applications requiring equal or greater transient protection margins.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The P6KE12CA is a qualified substitute for the P4KE12CA in applications requiring 10.2V reverse standoff protection with 16.7V clamping voltage. Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating, ensuring regulatory and environmental compatibility. The P6KE12CA provides superior transient energy absorption capability (600W peak pulse power versus 400W), making it suitable for replacement in existing P4KE12CA designs without circuit modification. The axial through-hole package format remains consistent between both parts, supporting direct mechanical and electrical substitution in PCB layouts designed for DO-41 or DO-15 axial components. Selection between these parts depends on application transient energy requirements and available inventory.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the P6KE12CA directly replace the P4KE12CA in existing designs?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical reverse standoff voltage (10.2V), breakdown voltage (11.4V minimum), and clamping voltage (16.7V maximum). The P6KE12CA's higher peak pulse current (36A) and power rating (600W) provide equal or greater protection margins. Through-hole axial packaging is compatible between both parts.

Q: What are the key electrical parameters that determine substitution compatibility?

A: Substitution is determined by matching reverse standoff voltage, breakdown voltage, clamping voltage, and bidirectional operation. For the P4KE12CA and P6KE12CA, these parameters are identical: 10.2V standoff, 11.4V breakdown minimum, and 16.7V clamping maximum.

Q: Are there package differences between P4KE12CA and P6KE12CA?

A: Both parts use through-hole axial packages. The P4KE12CA is specified as DO-204AL (DO-41), while the P6KE12CA is specified as DO-204AC (DO-15). These designations refer to the same physical axial package format and are mechanically compatible.

Q: Do both parts meet the same compliance standards?

A: Yes. Both the P4KE12CA and P6KE12CA are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 (unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating. Both carry REACH Unaffected status and EAR99 ECCN classification.

Q: What is the advantage of using P6KE12CA over P4KE12CA?

A: The P6KE12CA provides higher peak pulse current handling (36A versus 24.6A) and greater peak pulse power capacity (600W versus 400W). This allows for increased transient energy absorption in the same voltage protection window, beneficial for applications with higher surge current exposure.