P4KE16 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The P4KE16 is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection in through-hole applications. This component features a 13.6V reverse standoff voltage, 23.63V maximum clamping voltage, and 400W peak pulse power rating in a DO-204AL (DO-41) axial package. The P4KE16 is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for new designs and ongoing production support.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	13.6V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	14.4V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	23.63V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	18.2A
Power - Peak Pulse	400W
Package / Case	DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
Operating Temperature	-55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
Type	Zener
Unidirectional Channels	1
Mounting Type	Through Hole

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the P4KE16 are grouped based on the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 12.8V to 14V range
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 19.9V to 23.63V range
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): Minimum 17.78A
Power - Peak Pulse: 400W to 1500W
Package / Case: DO-204AL, DO-41, or DO-204AC (DO-15) axial configurations
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Type: Zener unidirectional TVS diode

Substitutes are divided into two categories: direct equivalents maintaining identical electrical specifications and package form factors, and higher-rated alternatives offering increased power dissipation capability for enhanced protection margins.

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
P4KE16	Littelfuse Inc.	13.6V	23.63V	18.2A	400W	DO-204AL, DO-41	Obsolete
P4KE16A	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	13.6V	22.5V	18.6A	400W	DO-204AL, DO-41	Active
P4KE16A-G	Comchip Technology	13.6V	22.5V	17.78A	400W	DO-204AL, DO-41	Active
P4KE16A-AP	Micro Commercial Co	13.6V	22.5V	18.2A	400W	DO-204AL, DO-41	Active
P4KE16A-BP	Micro Commercial Co	13.6V	22.5V	18.2A	400W	DO-204AL, DO-41	Active
P4KE16A-TP	Micro Commercial Co	13.6V	22.5V	18.2A	400W	DO-204AL, DO-41	Active
SA14A	Fairchild Semiconductor	14V	23.2V	22A	500W	DO-204AC, DO-15	Obsolete
SA12A	Fairchild Semiconductor	12V	19.9V	25.1A	500W	DO-204AC, DO-15	Obsolete
P6KE15A	Fairchild Semiconductor	12.8V	21.2V	29A	600W	DO-204AC, DO-15	Active
1.5KE15A	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	12.8V	21.2V	74A	1500W	DO-201AA, DO-27	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Equivalents (Recommended for Drop-In Replacement):

P4KE16A, P4KE16A-G, P4KE16A-AP, P4KE16A-BP, and P4KE16A-TP maintain the same reverse standoff voltage (13.6V), clamping voltage range (22.5V), and 400W power rating as the original P4KE16. All are active products with ROHS3 compliance. The P4KE16A variants from Micro Commercial Co (AP, BP, TP suffixes) and Comchip Technology (G suffix) are functionally equivalent and share identical DO-204AL/DO-41 package specifications. Selection among these variants depends on supplier availability and lead time.

Higher-Power Alternatives (Enhanced Protection):

P6KE15A (Fairchild Semiconductor, 600W) and 1.5KE15A (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation, 1500W) offer increased power dissipation capability. P6KE15A maintains a similar voltage profile (12.8V standoff, 21.2V clamping) in a DO-204AC (DO-15) package. The 1.5KE15A provides significantly higher current handling (74A peak pulse) and power rating (1500W) in a DO-201AA (DO-27) package, suitable for applications requiring enhanced transient protection margins.

Legacy Alternatives (Obsolete Status):

SA14A and SA12A are obsolete Fairchild Semiconductor products. SA14A (14V standoff, 23.2V clamping, 500W) closely matches the original P4KE16 voltage specifications. SA12A (12V standoff, 19.9V clamping, 500W) operates at a lower voltage threshold. These parts should be used only when active alternatives are unavailable and existing inventory is confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can P4KE16A directly replace P4KE16 without circuit modification?

A: Yes. P4KE16A maintains identical reverse standoff voltage (13.6V), equivalent clamping voltage (22.5V vs. 23.63V), and matching 400W power rating. The DO-204AL/DO-41 package is mechanically and electrically compatible. No circuit changes are required.

Q: What is the difference between P4KE16A variants (AP, BP, TP)?

A: P4KE16A-AP, P4KE16A-BP, and P4KE16A-TP are manufacturer variants from Micro Commercial Co with identical electrical specifications and package form factors. The suffix designates internal manufacturing or packaging differences. All are functionally equivalent for circuit applications.

Q: When should P6KE15A or 1.5KE15A be used instead of direct equivalents?

A: Higher-power alternatives are selected when circuit analysis indicates peak transient currents or energy levels exceed the 400W rating of the P4KE16. P6KE15A (600W) provides moderate headroom; 1.5KE15A (1500W) is suitable for high-energy transient environments. Package changes (DO-15 or DO-27) must be accommodated in PCB layout.

Q: Are SA14A and SA12A suitable replacements?

A: SA14A and SA12A are obsolete products and should not be selected for new designs. Use only if existing inventory is available and active alternatives are unavailable. Both parts maintain compatible through-hole axial packages but offer no supply continuity advantage.

Q: What compliance certifications apply to substitute parts?

A: All active substitute parts (P4KE16A series, P6KE15A, 1.5KE15A) are ROHS3 compliant. P4KE16A-G, P4KE16A-AP, P4KE16A-BP, and P4KE16A-TP carry REACH Unaffected status. Verify specific certifications with supplier documentation for regulated applications.

Q: Does package form factor affect electrical performance?

A: Package form factor (DO-41 vs. DO-15 vs. DO-27) does not affect electrical performance but impacts PCB layout and thermal dissipation. DO-41 and DO-15 are mechanically similar axial packages; DO-27 is larger. Thermal performance improves with larger packages under sustained transient conditions.

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