P4KE15C Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The P4KE15C is a transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose voltage clamping applications. This bidirectional zener diode operates in the 12.8V reverse standoff range with a 400W peak pulse power rating and is housed in a DO-204AL (DO-41) through-hole package. The part is currently listed as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	P4KE15C
Manufacturer	Littelfuse Inc.
Category	Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS)
Type	Zener
Bidirectional Channels	1
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	12.8V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	14.65V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	22.26V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	19.3A
Power - Peak Pulse	400W
Operating Temperature	-55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
Product Status	Obsolete
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the P4KE15C is determined by the following critical parameters:

Voltage Rating: Reverse standoff voltage (12.8V nominal) and clamping voltage (22.26V maximum) define the protection threshold
Power Dissipation: Peak pulse power rating (400W) establishes thermal handling capability
Package Type: Through-hole axial configuration (DO-204AL/DO-41 or compatible packages)
Bidirectional Operation: Single-channel bidirectional zener functionality
Temperature Range: Operating range of -55°C to 175°C
Compliance: ROHS3 compliance requirement

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Category A - Direct Package Equivalents (DO-204AL/DO-41): Parts maintaining the same physical package footprint with comparable electrical ratings.

Category B - Higher Power Alternatives (DO-201): Parts with increased power dissipation (1500W) in a larger through-hole package, suitable for applications requiring enhanced thermal performance.

Category C - Related Voltage Ratings (DO-15/DO-204AC): Parts with adjacent voltage ratings in standard DO-15 packages, applicable where voltage tolerance permits.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	Power - Peak Pulse	Package / Case	Product Status	RoHS Status
P4KE15C	Littelfuse Inc.	12.8V	22.26V	19.3A	400W	DO-204AL, DO-41	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
P4KE15CA	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	12.8V	21.2V	20A	400W	DO-204AL, DO-41	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
1.5KE15CA	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	12.8V	21.2V	74A	1500W	DO-201AA, DO-27	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
1.5KE16CA	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	13.6V	22.5V	70A	1500W	DO-201AA, DO-27	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
P4KE16CA	Diotec Semiconductor	13.6V	22.5V	18.6A	400W	DO-204AC, DO-15	Active	Not applicable
P6KE15CA	Fairchild Semiconductor	12.8V	21.2V	29A	600W	DO-204AC, DO-15	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
P6KE16CA	Fairchild Semiconductor	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Active	Not specified
SA12CA	Fairchild Semiconductor	12V	19.9V	25.1A	500W	DO-204AC, DO-15	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
SA12CA-B	Littelfuse Inc.	12V	19.9V	25.6A	500W	DO-204AC, DO-15	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
SA13CA	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	13V	21.5V	24A	500W	DO-204AC, DO-15	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
SA14CA	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	14V	23.2V	22.6A	500W	DO-204AC, DO-15	Active	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitute - P4KE15CA: This part is the direct equivalent for the P4KE15C. It maintains identical reverse standoff voltage (12.8V), equivalent clamping voltage (21.2V), comparable peak pulse current (20A vs. 19.3A), and matching 400W power dissipation. The package is identical (DO-204AL/DO-41), and the part is currently active with ROHS3 compliance. This is the recommended first choice for direct replacement.

Higher Power Alternative - 1.5KE15CA: For applications requiring increased thermal margin or higher transient current handling, the 1.5KE15CA offers 1500W peak pulse power with 74A peak pulse current while maintaining the same 12.8V reverse standoff voltage. The trade-off is a larger DO-201 package requiring PCB layout modification. This part is active and ROHS3 compliant.

Voltage-Shifted Alternative - 1.5KE16CA: Where circuit protection thresholds permit a 13.6V standoff voltage (0.8V higher than the original), this part provides 1500W power dissipation in a DO-201 package. Suitable for applications with higher supply voltage tolerance.

Standard Package Alternatives - P6KE15CA, SA13CA, SA14CA: These parts use the DO-15 (DO-204AC) package and offer 500W to 600W power dissipation. P6KE15CA matches the 12.8V standoff voltage with 600W capability. SA13CA and SA14CA provide adjacent voltage ratings (13V and 14V respectively) with 500W dissipation. These are suitable for designs where the DO-15 package footprint is acceptable.

Compliance Consideration: P4KE16CA (Diotec) is active but lacks specified RoHS status. SA12CA is obsolete and should not be selected for new designs. All other recommended substitutes carry active product status and ROHS3 compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can P4KE15CA be used as a direct replacement for P4KE15C?

A: Yes. P4KE15CA is the direct equivalent with matching reverse standoff voltage (12.8V), comparable clamping voltage (21.2V), equivalent peak pulse current (20A), and identical 400W power rating in the same DO-204AL/DO-41 package. The part is currently active with ROHS3 compliance.

Q: What is the difference between DO-204AL and DO-15 packages?

A: DO-204AL (also designated DO-41) and DO-15 (DO-204AC) are both through-hole axial packages but differ in physical dimensions. DO-204AL is smaller and more compact. DO-15 is larger. PCB footprints are not interchangeable without layout modification. Verify your PCB design specifications before selecting a substitute with a different package designation.

Q: Can I use a higher voltage-rated part like 1.5KE16CA instead of P4KE15C?

A: The 1.5KE16CA has a 13.6V reverse standoff voltage, which is 0.8V higher than the P4KE15C (12.8V). This means the protection threshold is shifted higher. Use this part only if your circuit design permits this voltage tolerance. The 1500W power rating provides enhanced thermal performance but requires a larger DO-201 package.

Q: Why is the P4KE15C listed as obsolete?

A: The P4KE15C is no longer manufactured by Littelfuse Inc. The P4KE15CA from Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation serves as the active replacement with equivalent electrical specifications.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Most recommended substitutes are ROHS3 compliant. P4KE16CA (Diotec) has unspecified RoHS status. P6KE16CA has incomplete specification data. Verify compliance requirements with your procurement or quality department before final selection.

Q: What is the difference between 400W and 1500W power ratings?

A: Power rating indicates peak pulse dissipation capability during transient events. Higher power ratings allow the device to handle larger transient currents or longer pulse durations without thermal damage. The 1.5KE series (1500W) is suitable for high-energy transient environments; the P4KE series (400W) is adequate for standard general-purpose applications.

Q: Can I substitute SA12CA-B for P4KE15C?

A: SA12CA-B has a 12V reverse standoff voltage (0.8V lower than P4KE15C) and a lower clamping voltage (19.9V vs. 22.26V). This part provides earlier voltage clamping and may not be suitable if your circuit requires the higher protection threshold of the original part. Use only if your design tolerates lower clamping voltage.

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