P4KE480C Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The P4KE480C is a bidirectional Zener-type transient voltage suppressor manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection in through-hole applications. This component features a 408V reverse standoff voltage, 690.9V maximum clamping voltage, and 610mA peak pulse current capability in a DO-204AL (DO-41) axial package. The part is currently classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent alternatives that maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility for ongoing system support and new designs.

Substiute Parts

P4KE480C

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 766P4KE480C Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

P4KE480CA

SMC Diode SolutionsIn Stock: 1032P4KE480CA Datasheet

DirectRFQ

P4KE480CA-AP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1095P4KE480CA-AP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P4KE480CA-BP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1039P4KE480CA-BP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P4KE480CA-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1037P4KE480CA-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the P4KE480C is determined by strict alignment of the following critical parameters:

• Zener Type & Bidirectional Configuration: All substitutes must be Zener-type, bidirectional TVS diodes with single channel configuration
• Voltage Ratings: Reverse standoff voltage of 408V (typical), breakdown voltage minimum of 432V or higher, and clamping voltage performance within acceptable operational margins
• Current Handling: Peak pulse current capability of 610mA at 10/1000µs pulse duration
• Power Dissipation: Peak pulse power rating of 400W
• Package Compatibility: DO-204AL / DO-41 axial through-hole package for direct PCB footprint compatibility
• Regulatory Compliance: ROHS3 compliance and MSL Level 1 rating
• Product Status: Active status preferred for long-term supply chain reliability

The substitute parts identified—P4KE480CA, P4KE480CA-AP, P4KE480CA-BP, and P4KE480CA-TP—share the same base product number (P4KE480) and maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility with the original P4KE480C specification.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: P4KE480CA-AP, P4KE480CA-BP, or P4KE480CA-TP (Micro Commercial Co)

These three variants from Micro Commercial Co are functionally equivalent to the P4KE480C and are the preferred substitutes. All three maintain identical electrical specifications (408V reverse standoff, 456V minimum breakdown, 658V clamping voltage, 610mA peak pulse current) and operating temperature range (-55 to 175°C). The variants differ only in packaging format (all supplied in bulk), making them interchangeable for component selection purposes. These parts carry active product status, ensuring long-term supply chain availability.

Secondary Recommendation: P4KE480CA (SMC Diode Solutions)

The P4KE480CA is an active alternative with confirmed 400W peak pulse power rating and DO-41 package compatibility. However, detailed voltage specifications are not provided in the available documentation. This part is supplied in Tape & Reel format and maintains ROHS3 compliance and MSL Level 1 rating. Selection of this variant should be contingent upon verification of voltage parameters against application requirements.

Obsolescence Consideration

The original P4KE480C (Littelfuse) is classified as obsolete. While 736 units remain in current inventory, long-term design continuity requires transition to one of the active substitute parts listed above to ensure future procurement viability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can P4KE480CA-AP, P4KE480CA-BP, and P4KE480CA-TP be used interchangeably?

A: Yes. These three Micro Commercial Co variants are electrically and mechanically identical. The designations (-AP, -BP, -TP) indicate different packaging or distribution channels, not functional differences. All three maintain the same electrical performance and DO-41 package specification.

Q: What is the difference between the clamping voltage of the original P4KE480C (690.9V) and the Micro Commercial substitutes (658V)?

A: The Micro Commercial variants specify a lower maximum clamping voltage (658V vs. 690.9V). Both values fall within acceptable operational margins for the 408V reverse standoff voltage class. The lower clamping voltage of the substitute parts represents improved performance characteristics. Application-specific circuit analysis is required to confirm compatibility with existing overvoltage protection thresholds.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: The P4KE480CA (SMC Diode Solutions) is confirmed ROHS3 compliant. ROHS3 compliance status for the Micro Commercial variants (P4KE480CA-AP, P4KE480CA-BP, P4KE480CA-TP) is not specified in the available documentation. Confirmation should be obtained from the manufacturer if ROHS3 certification is a regulatory requirement.

Q: What is the difference between Tape & Reel and Bulk packaging?

A: Tape & Reel (TR) packaging is used for automated assembly processes and provides components wound on continuous tape for pick-and-place equipment. Bulk packaging is used for manual assembly or smaller production volumes. Both formats contain identical components; packaging selection depends on manufacturing process requirements. The P4KE480CA is supplied in Tape & Reel format, while the Micro Commercial variants are supplied in Bulk format.

Q: Can the P4KE480CA be used if voltage specifications are not fully documented?

A: The P4KE480CA shares the same base product number (P4KE480) and package specification as the original P4KE480C, indicating functional equivalence. However, the absence of detailed voltage parameters in available documentation creates uncertainty. Use of this variant should be limited to applications where the original P4KE480C specifications can be independently verified or where manufacturer datasheet confirmation is obtained prior to design implementation.

Q: What is the operating temperature range difference between P4KE480CA and other substitutes?

A: The P4KE480CA (SMC Diode Solutions) operates from -65 to 175°C, providing a 10°C lower minimum temperature rating compared to the original P4KE480C and other substitutes (-55 to 175°C). This extended low-temperature range may provide additional margin for applications operating in extreme cold environments, though it does not affect high-temperature performance.