P4KE160A Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The P4KE160A is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose voltage protection applications. This component features a 136V reverse standoff voltage, 219V maximum clamping voltage, and 400W peak pulse power rating in a through-hole DO-204AL (DO-41) axial package. The part maintains active product status with ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity level (MSL 1).

Equivalent and substitute parts are identified when component availability is limited, supply chain disruptions occur, or design flexibility permits selection from qualified alternatives that meet the same electrical and mechanical requirements.

Substiute Parts

P4KE160A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 5271P4KE160A Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

1.5KE150A

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 304041.5KE150A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE170A

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 15563P6KE170A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE150A-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 5168P6KE150A-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the P4KE160A is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Diode Type: Zener unidirectional TVS diode
• Mounting Configuration: Through-hole axial package (DO-204AL, DO-41, or equivalent axial form factors)
• Voltage Range: Reverse standoff voltage between 128V and 145V; clamping voltage between 207V and 234V
• Current Handling: Peak pulse current between 1.9A and 7.6A
• Power Dissipation: Peak pulse power between 400W and 1500W
• Temperature Range: Operating temperature -55°C to 175°C (TJ)
• Compliance: ROHS3 compliant, MSL 1

The three substitute parts listed below meet these criteria and are qualified alternatives for the P4KE160A in general-purpose transient voltage suppression applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

1.5KE150A (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation)

This substitute offers the highest power dissipation capability at 1500W peak pulse, with peak pulse current of 7.6A. The reverse standoff voltage of 128V and clamping voltage of 207V fall within acceptable substitution parameters. The part maintains ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating. Package form factor is DO-201AA (DO-27), which differs from the P4KE160A's DO-41 but remains a through-hole axial configuration. Operating temperature range matches the original specification.

P6KE170A (Fairchild Semiconductor)

This substitute provides 600W peak pulse power with 2.6A peak pulse current and a higher reverse standoff voltage of 145V. The clamping voltage of 234V is within acceptable range. The part is housed in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, a through-hole axial form factor compatible with P4KE160A footprints. Operating temperature minimum is -50°C, which is 5°C higher than the original part. RoHS and MSL compliance information is not provided in the specification.

P6KE150A-TP (Micro Commercial Co)

This substitute features 600W peak pulse power with 2.9A peak pulse current. The reverse standoff voltage of 128V and clamping voltage of 207V align with substitution criteria. The part is specified as bidirectional (1 channel) rather than unidirectional, which may affect circuit behavior in applications requiring directional suppression. Package is DO-204AC (DO-15), a through-hole axial configuration. ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating are confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 1.5KE150A replace the P4KE160A in all applications?

A: The 1.5KE150A meets the electrical substitution criteria with compatible voltage and current parameters. However, the package form factor differs (DO-27 versus DO-41). Physical board layout compatibility must be verified before substitution. The higher power rating (1500W versus 400W) provides additional margin in high-energy transient events.

Q: What is the significance of the P6KE150A-TP being bidirectional instead of unidirectional?

A: The P4KE160A is unidirectional, suppressing transients in one polarity direction. The P6KE150A-TP is bidirectional, suppressing transients in both directions. In circuits designed for unidirectional protection, the bidirectional characteristic may introduce unwanted clamping on the reverse polarity. Application circuit analysis is required to determine compatibility.

Q: Does the P6KE170A's lower minimum operating temperature (-50°C versus -55°C) affect substitution?

A: The P6KE170A operates down to -50°C, which is 5°C higher than the P4KE160A specification of -55°C. If the application requires operation at temperatures below -50°C, the P6KE170A is not suitable. For applications with minimum operating temperatures above -50°C, this difference is not a limiting factor.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same packaging options?

A: No. The P4KE160A uses DO-204AL (DO-41) package. The 1.5KE150A uses DO-201AA (DO-27), while P6KE170A and P6KE150A-TP use DO-204AC (DO-15). All are through-hole axial packages, but physical dimensions and PCB footprints differ. Board layout verification is necessary before substitution.

Q: Which substitute offers the best overall compatibility with the P4KE160A?

A: P6KE170A and P6KE150A-TP both use DO-15 packages, which are more closely aligned with the DO-41 form factor than the DO-27 package of the 1.5KE150A. P6KE170A provides higher voltage standoff (145V) and maintains unidirectional operation. P6KE150A-TP offers bidirectional protection with confirmed ROHS3 compliance. Selection depends on specific application requirements for voltage rating, current capacity, and directional suppression characteristics.

Q: What compliance certifications should be verified before substitution?

A: The P4KE160A is ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 rating. The 1.5KE150A and P6KE150A-TP maintain these certifications. The P6KE170A does not provide RoHS or MSL information in the specification. If ROHS3 compliance is a procurement requirement, confirmation from the manufacturer is necessary before selecting the P6KE170A.