P4KE18C Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The P4KE18C is a transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This bidirectional zener diode operates in the DO-204AL (DO-41) through-hole package with a 15.3V reverse standoff voltage and 400W peak pulse power rating. The part is currently listed as obsolete, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement.

Substiute Parts

P4KE18C

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1056P4KE18C Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

P4KE18CA

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 1173P4KE18CA Datasheet

DirectRFQ

P4KE18CA-AP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1142P4KE18CA-AP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P4KE18CA-BP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1101P4KE18CA-BP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P4KE18CA-E3/54

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 3458P4KE18CA-E3/54 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P4KE18CA-G

Comchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1145P4KE18CA-G Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P4KE18CA-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1005P4KE18CA-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the P4KE18C is determined by strict electrical and mechanical parameter matching within the P4KE18 series. The following criteria establish valid equivalency:

Electrical Parameters (Critical):

• Reverse standoff voltage: 15.3V (fixed across all substitutes)
• Breakdown voltage minimum: 16.2V to 17.1V (acceptable range)
• Clamping voltage maximum: 25.2V to 26.78V (acceptable range)
• Peak pulse current: 15.87A to 16.5A (acceptable range)
• Peak pulse power: 400W (fixed)
• Operating temperature: -55°C minimum to 150°C or 175°C maximum

Mechanical Parameters (Critical):

• Package: DO-204AL (DO-41) through-hole axial configuration
• Bidirectional channels: 1
• Mounting type: Through-hole

Compliance Parameters:

• RoHS3 compliance required
• ECCN: EAR99
• HTSUS: 8541.10.0080

All substitute parts listed maintain these parameters within acceptable engineering tolerances for direct circuit substitution.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All listed substitute parts are active products with established supply chains, addressing the obsolescence status of the P4KE18C. Selection among substitutes should be based on the following criteria:

For applications requiring maximum temperature range: P4KE18CA (Taiwan Semiconductor), P4KE18CA-AP, P4KE18CA-BP, P4KE18CA-E3/54, or P4KE18CA-TP all support -55°C to 175°C operation. The P4KE18CA-G (Comchip) is limited to -55°C to 150°C and should be avoided if full temperature range is required.

For applications with strict RoHS3 compliance documentation: P4KE18CA, P4KE18CA-E3/54, P4KE18CA-G, and P4KE18CA-TP carry explicit ROHS3 certification. P4KE18CA-AP and P4KE18CA-BP do not specify RoHS status in provided data.

For clamping voltage sensitivity: The P4KE18CA-E3/54 and P4KE18CA-G offer the lowest clamping voltage at 25.2V, compared to 25.5V for other substitutes and 26.78V for the original P4KE18C. This difference may be significant in circuits with tight voltage margins.

For packaging and supply format: P4KE18CA and P4KE18CA-TP are available in Tape & Reel format for automated assembly. P4KE18CA-AP, P4KE18CA-BP, and P4KE18CA-G are supplied in bulk. P4KE18CA-E3/54 is available in cut tape format.

For inventory availability: P4KE18CA-E3/54 (Vishay) offers the highest stock level at 3400 pieces, providing supply security for high-volume applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I directly replace P4KE18C with any of these substitute parts?

A: Yes, all listed substitutes are electrically and mechanically compatible for direct circuit replacement. All maintain the same 15.3V reverse standoff voltage, 400W peak pulse power rating, and DO-204AL (DO-41) through-hole package configuration. Verify your specific application's temperature range requirement before selection.

Q: What is the difference between the various P4KE18CA variants?

A: The variants differ primarily in packaging format (bulk, tape & reel, or cut tape) and manufacturer. Electrical specifications remain consistent across variants from the same base part number. Packaging selection depends on assembly method and procurement volume.

Q: Why does the P4KE18CA-G have a lower maximum operating temperature?

A: The P4KE18CA-G (Comchip) is rated to 150°C maximum junction temperature, compared to 175°C for other substitutes. This represents a 25°C reduction in upper temperature limit. Applications operating above 150°C junction temperature must use alternative substitutes.

Q: Are all substitutes RoHS3 compliant?

A: Four substitutes explicitly state ROHS3 compliance: P4KE18CA, P4KE18CA-E3/54, P4KE18CA-G, and P4KE18CA-TP. P4KE18CA-AP and P4KE18CA-BP do not specify RoHS status in available documentation. Verify compliance requirements with your procurement or quality department.

Q: What is the significance of clamping voltage differences between substitutes?

A: Clamping voltage determines the maximum voltage spike that reaches protected circuitry. The P4KE18C clamps at 26.78V maximum, while most substitutes clamp at 25.2V to 25.5V. Lower clamping voltage provides better protection but may affect circuit timing or signal integrity in sensitive applications. Verify compatibility with downstream components.

Q: Can I mix different substitute parts in the same design?

A: All substitutes meet the same electrical and mechanical specifications and can be used interchangeably within a single design. However, maintaining consistent sourcing from a single manufacturer variant simplifies procurement, quality control, and supply chain management.

Q: Which substitute offers the best long-term availability?

A: P4KE18CA-E3/54 (Vishay) demonstrates the highest current inventory at 3400 pieces and is from an established semiconductor manufacturer with broad distribution. This part represents the most secure choice for long-term production support.