P4KE20C Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The P4KE20C is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection in through-hole applications. This component operates with a 17.1V reverse standoff voltage and provides 400W peak pulse power dissipation in a DO-204AL (DO-41) axial package. The P4KE20C is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement continuity. Active alternatives from multiple manufacturers maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility while offering current product availability.

Substiute Parts

P4KE20C

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 815P4KE20C Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

P4KE20CA

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 1199P4KE20CA Datasheet

DirectRFQ

P4KE20CA-AP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1102P4KE20CA-AP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P4KE20CA-BP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1106P4KE20CA-BP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P4KE20CA-G

Comchip TechnologyIn Stock: 784P4KE20CA-G Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P4KE20CA-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1117P4KE20CA-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the P4KE20C are qualified based on the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 17.1V (exact match required)
• Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 18V–19V (within acceptable tolerance)
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 27.7V–29.09V (within acceptable tolerance)
• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): 14.44A–15A (within acceptable tolerance)
• Power - Peak Pulse: 400W (exact match required)
• Package / Case: DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial (mechanical compatibility)
• Mounting Type: Through Hole (functional requirement)
• Type: Zener, Bidirectional (functional requirement)
• Operating Temperature Range: -55°C minimum, 175°C maximum (or equivalent)

All substitute parts listed maintain these critical parameters within engineering tolerances, ensuring direct functional equivalence in circuit protection applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All substitute parts listed are active products with current manufacturing status, providing supply chain continuity for the obsolete P4KE20C. Selection among substitutes should be based on the following criteria:

P4KE20CA (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation) is the direct manufacturer equivalent with ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating. This part maintains full electrical and thermal specifications identical to the original design parameters.

P4KE20CA-AP, P4KE20CA-BP, and P4KE20CA-TP (Micro Commercial Co) are functionally equivalent alternatives with identical electrical performance and 175°C maximum operating temperature. These parts are available in bulk packaging and maintain REACH compliance status.

P4KE20CA-G (Comchip Technology) provides equivalent electrical performance with ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating. The maximum operating temperature is specified at 150°C, which is 25°C lower than other alternatives. This part is suitable for applications where the upper thermal limit does not exceed 150°C.

All substitute parts maintain the critical voltage clamping and power dissipation specifications required for general-purpose transient voltage suppression. Selection should account for operating temperature requirements, compliance certifications needed for the application, and supplier availability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can P4KE20CA be used as a direct replacement for P4KE20C?

A: Yes. P4KE20CA maintains identical reverse standoff voltage (17.1V), peak pulse power (400W), and package configuration (DO-204AL/DO-41). Electrical performance is equivalent within engineering tolerances.

Q: What is the difference between P4KE20CA and P4KE20CA-AP?

A: Both parts share identical electrical specifications (17.1V standoff, 27.7V clamping, 14.8A peak pulse, 400W power). The suffix designates packaging and supplier variant. P4KE20CA is the Taiwan Semiconductor base part; P4KE20CA-AP is the Micro Commercial Co variant. Both are functionally interchangeable.

Q: Why does P4KE20CA-G have a lower maximum operating temperature (150°C vs 175°C)?

A: P4KE20CA-G is manufactured by Comchip Technology with a specified maximum junction temperature of 150°C. This part is suitable for applications operating at or below 150°C. For applications requiring operation up to 175°C, select P4KE20CA, P4KE20CA-AP, P4KE20CA-BP, or P4KE20CA-TP.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: P4KE20CA and P4KE20CA-G are explicitly ROHS3 compliant. P4KE20CA-AP, P4KE20CA-BP, and P4KE20CA-TP do not specify RoHS status in the provided data. Verify RoHS compliance with the supplier if required for your application.

Q: Can these parts be used interchangeably in PCB designs?

A: Yes. All substitute parts use identical DO-204AL/DO-41 axial through-hole packaging with the same mechanical footprint and pin configuration. No PCB layout modifications are required.

Q: What is the voltage clamping difference between P4KE20C (29.09V) and substitute parts (27.7V)?

A: The P4KE20C specifies a maximum clamping voltage of 29.09V at peak pulse current. Substitute parts specify 27.7V maximum clamping. Both values fall within the acceptable tolerance band for this component class and provide equivalent overvoltage protection performance. The lower clamping voltage of substitutes provides slightly improved transient suppression.