P4KE15A-B Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The P4KE15A-B is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse, designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This component features a 12.8V reverse standoff voltage with a 21.2V maximum clamping voltage and 19.3A peak pulse current capability in a DO-204AL (DO-41) axial through-hole package. The part is currently active and RoHS3 compliant. Equivalent and substitute parts are identified based on matching electrical characteristics (voltage ratings, clamping specifications, and peak pulse current) and compatible package configurations.

Substiute Parts

P4KE15A-B

LittelfuseIn Stock: 1826P4KE15A-B Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

1.5KE15A

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 150811.5KE15A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P4KE15A

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 300472P4KE15A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE15A

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 35449P6KE15A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA12A

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 2436SA12A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA14A

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 300422SA14A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P4KE15A-E3/54

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 6567P4KE15A-E3/54 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE15A

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 35449P6KE15A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the P4KE15A-B are qualified based on the following electrical and mechanical criteria:

Primary Matching Criteria:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 12.8V
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 21.2V
• Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 14.3V
• Unidirectional Channels: 1
• Type: Zener
• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Applications: General Purpose

Secondary Considerations:

• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): 19.3A nominal (range 18.9A to 74A acceptable based on application headroom)
• Power - Peak Pulse: 400W nominal (600W to 1500W acceptable for higher dissipation margin)
• Package / Case: DO-204AL (DO-41), DO-204AC (DO-15), or DO-201AA (DO-27) axial configurations
• Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to 175°C minimum
• Product Status: Active preferred; Obsolete parts listed for reference only
• RoHS3 Compliance: Required

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Equivalents (Same Package, Identical Electrical Characteristics):

P4KE15A (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation) and P4KE15A-E3/54 (Vishay General Semiconductor) are direct functional equivalents to the P4KE15A-B. Both maintain identical voltage ratings (12.8V standoff, 21.2V clamping) and compatible DO-204AL (DO-41) packaging. Both are active products with RoHS3 compliance. Peak pulse current specifications (20A and 18.9A respectively) fall within acceptable tolerance of the main part's 19.3A rating.

Higher Current Capacity Substitutes (Same Voltage, Enhanced Dissipation):

P6KE15A (Fairchild Semiconductor) and 1.5KE15A (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation) provide identical voltage characteristics with increased peak pulse current ratings (29A and 74A respectively) and higher power dissipation (600W and 1500W). These parts are suitable for applications requiring additional thermal margin or higher transient energy absorption. P6KE15A uses DO-204AC (DO-15) packaging; 1.5KE15A uses DO-201AA (DO-27) packaging. Both are active products with RoHS3 compliance.

Obsolete Parts (Reference Only):

SA12A and SA14A are obsolete Fairchild Semiconductor products. SA12A exhibits lower clamping voltage (19.9V) and different standoff voltage (12V). SA14A exhibits higher standoff voltage (14V) and clamping voltage (23.2V), making it unsuitable for direct substitution. These parts are listed for legacy system reference only and should not be selected for new designs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I substitute P4KE15A-B with 1.5KE15A?

A: Yes, 1.5KE15A is electrically compatible with identical voltage ratings (12.8V standoff, 21.2V clamping). The primary difference is package configuration: 1.5KE15A uses DO-201AA (DO-27) axial format versus P4KE15A-B's DO-204AL (DO-41). Physical dimensions differ; verify PCB layout compatibility before substitution. 1.5KE15A provides higher peak pulse current (74A) and power dissipation (1500W), offering additional design margin.

Q: What is the difference between P4KE15A-B and P6KE15A?

A: Both parts share identical voltage specifications (12.8V standoff, 21.2V clamping). P6KE15A provides higher peak pulse current (29A versus 19.3A) and power dissipation (600W versus 400W). P6KE15A uses DO-204AC (DO-15) packaging instead of DO-204AL (DO-41). Select P6KE15A when application transient energy exceeds 400W or when higher current capacity is required.

Q: Are SA12A and SA14A suitable replacements?

A: No. Both SA12A and SA14A are obsolete products with voltage characteristics that deviate from P4KE15A-B specifications. SA12A exhibits lower clamping voltage (19.9V); SA14A exhibits higher standoff voltage (14V) and clamping voltage (23.2V). These parts are not recommended for new designs or field replacements.

Q: Does package type affect electrical performance?

A: Package type (DO-204AL, DO-204AC, DO-201AA) does not alter electrical performance but affects physical dimensions, PCB footprint, and thermal dissipation characteristics. All listed packages are axial through-hole configurations suitable for general-purpose TVS applications. Verify mechanical compatibility with existing PCB layouts before substitution.

Q: Which substitute offers the best thermal performance?

A: 1.5KE15A provides the highest power dissipation rating (1500W), followed by P6KE15A (600W). Both exceed the main part's 400W specification. Selection depends on application transient energy requirements and thermal design constraints.

Q: Is RoHS3 compliance maintained across all substitutes?

A: RoHS3 compliance is confirmed for P4KE15A (TSC), P4KE15A-E3/54, SA12A, and SA14A. P6KE15A and 1.5KE15A do not specify RoHS status in provided documentation. Verify compliance requirements with your supply chain or manufacturer if RoHS certification is mandatory for your application.