P4KE170 Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The P4KE170 is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This component operates in the 138V to 245.7V range with a peak pulse power rating of 400W and is housed in a DO-204AL (DO-41) axial through-hole package. The P4KE170 is classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent active alternatives essential for new designs and ongoing production support.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	145	V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	153.45	V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	245.7	V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	1.8	A
Power - Peak Pulse	400	W
Operating Temperature Range	-55 to 175	°C (TJ)
Package / Case	DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial	—
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Type	Zener	—
Unidirectional Channels	1	—
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the P4KE170 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 145V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 234V to 245.7V range
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): 1.7A to 2.6A
Power - Peak Pulse: 400W to 600W
Package / Case: DO-204AL (DO-41) or DO-204AC (DO-15) axial through-hole
Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to 175°C minimum
Type: Zener, Unidirectional

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Category A - Direct Electrical Equivalents (400W Power Rating, 1.7A–1.8A Peak Pulse Current) These parts maintain the original 400W power dissipation and operate within the same peak pulse current specification, differing only in manufacturer, packaging variant, or product status.

Category B - Higher Power Alternatives (600W–1500W Power Rating, 2.6A–7.6A Peak Pulse Current) These parts provide enhanced transient suppression capability with increased power ratings and peak pulse current handling, suitable for applications requiring greater margin or higher energy absorption.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Voltage - Reverse Standoff (V)	Voltage - Clamping (V)	Current - Peak Pulse (A)	Power - Peak Pulse (W)	Package	Product Status
P4KE170	Littelfuse Inc.	145	245.7	1.8	400	DO-204AL (DO-41)	Obsolete
P4KE170A	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	145	234	1.8	400	DO-204AL (DO-41)	Active
P4KE170A-E3/54	Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division	145	234	1.7	400	DO-204AL (DO-41)	Active
P4KE170AHE3/54	Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division	145	234	1.7	400	DO-204AL (DO-41)	Active
P4KE170A-AP	Micro Commercial Co	145	234	1.8	400	DO-204AL (DO-41)	Active
P4KE170A-BP	Micro Commercial Co	145	234	1.8	400	DO-204AL (DO-41)	Active
P6KE170A	Fairchild Semiconductor	145	234	2.6	600	DO-204AC (DO-15)	Active
P4KE160A-TP	Micro Commercial Co	136	219	1.9	400	DO-204AL (DO-41)	Active
P4KE150A-TP	Micro Commercial Co	128	207	2.0	400	DO-204AL (DO-41)	Active
1.5KE150A	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	128	207	7.6	1500	DO-201AA (DO-27)	Active
1N6301A-E3/54	Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division	145	234	6.4	1500	DO-201AA (DO-27)	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (Direct Replacement - 400W Category)

For applications requiring direct electrical and mechanical compatibility with the obsolete P4KE170, the following active alternatives are recommended:

P4KE170A (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation): Active product status with identical voltage specifications (145V standoff, 234V clamping) and 1.8A peak pulse current. Available in high volume (1027 pcs) with ROHS3 compliance.
P4KE170A-E3/54 (Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division): Active TransZorb® series component with matching voltage parameters and 1.7A peak pulse current. ROHS3 and REACH compliant. Tape & Reel packaging available.
P4KE170A-AP and P4KE170A-BP (Micro Commercial Co): Active alternatives with identical electrical specifications (145V standoff, 234V clamping, 1.8A peak pulse). Available in bulk packaging with high inventory levels.

Automotive-Grade Alternative

P4KE170AHE3/54 (Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division): AEC-Q101 qualified automotive-grade variant with identical electrical specifications. Suitable for applications requiring automotive qualification.

Higher Power Alternatives (600W–1500W Category)

For applications where increased transient suppression margin is required:

P6KE170A (Fairchild Semiconductor): 600W power rating with 2.6A peak pulse current, maintaining 145V standoff and 234V clamping voltage. Package change to DO-204AC (DO-15) requires PCB layout verification.
1N6301A-E3/54 (Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division): 1500W power rating with 6.4A peak pulse current, 145V standoff, and 234V clamping. AEC-Q101 qualified. Package change to DO-201AA (DO-27) requires mechanical redesign.

Lower Voltage Alternatives (Partial Compatibility)

P4KE160A-TP (Micro Commercial Co): 136V standoff, 219V clamping. Suitable only where lower voltage threshold is acceptable.
P4KE150A-TP (Micro Commercial Co): 128V standoff, 207V clamping. Suitable only where lower voltage threshold is acceptable.
1.5KE150A (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation): 128V standoff, 207V clamping, 1500W power rating. Package change to DO-201AA (DO-27) required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can P4KE170A directly replace P4KE170 without PCB modifications?

A: Yes. P4KE170A maintains identical voltage specifications (145V standoff, 234V clamping), peak pulse current (1.8A), power rating (400W), and package format (DO-204AL/DO-41). No PCB layout changes are required.

Q: What is the difference between P4KE170A-E3/54 and P4KE170A-AP?

A: Both are electrically equivalent with 145V standoff and 234V clamping. P4KE170A-E3/54 is manufactured by Vishay with Tape & Reel packaging and REACH compliance documentation. P4KE170A-AP is manufactured by Micro Commercial Co in bulk packaging. Selection depends on packaging requirements and supplier availability.

Q: Can P6KE170A be used as a direct replacement?

A: P6KE170A provides identical voltage specifications (145V standoff, 234V clamping) and higher power capability (600W vs. 400W). However, the package changes from DO-204AL (DO-41) to DO-204AC (DO-15), requiring PCB footprint verification and potential layout modifications.

Q: Is P4KE170AHE3/54 suitable for automotive applications?

A: Yes. P4KE170AHE3/54 carries AEC-Q101 qualification and is designated as automotive-grade. It maintains identical electrical specifications to P4KE170A with automotive reliability requirements.

Q: Why would I select 1.5KE150A or 1N6301A-E3/54 over direct equivalents?

A: These 1500W alternatives provide significantly higher transient energy absorption (1500W vs. 400W) and peak pulse current handling (6.4A–7.6A vs. 1.8A). Selection is appropriate for high-energy transient environments or where design margin enhancement is required. Package change to DO-201AA (DO-27) necessitates mechanical redesign.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: All listed substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance. Vishay variants include REACH compliance documentation. Verify specific compliance certifications with supplier documentation for regulated applications.

Q: What is the operating temperature range for substitute parts?

A: All substitute parts maintain the -55°C to 175°C (TJ) operating temperature range, matching the original P4KE170 specification.

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