P4KE550C Transient Voltage Suppressor - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The P4KE550C is a unidirectional Zener transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This component features a 495V reverse standoff voltage with 798V maximum clamping voltage and 520mA peak pulse current capability in a through-hole DO-204AL (DO-41) axial package. The P4KE550C is currently classified as obsolete, making identification of active equivalent parts essential for ongoing design support and procurement.

Substiute Parts

P4KE550C

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1138P4KE550C Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

P4KE550CA

SMC Diode SolutionsIn Stock: 1161P4KE550CA Datasheet

DirectRFQ

P4KE550CA-AP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 843P4KE550CA-AP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P4KE550CA-BP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 883P4KE550CA-BP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P4KE550CA-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 952P4KE550CA-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the P4KE550C is determined by the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Criteria:

• Reverse standoff voltage: 495V (nominal)
• Peak pulse current rating: 520mA
• Peak pulse power dissipation: 400W
• Clamping voltage performance within acceptable operating range
• Zener diode type with single bidirectional channel

Mechanical Compatibility Criteria:

• Through-hole mounting configuration
• DO-204AL / DO-41 axial package format
• Operating temperature range: minimum -55°C to 175°C

All substitute parts listed maintain these core parameters, ensuring functional equivalence in general-purpose transient voltage suppression applications. Packaging variations (bulk, tape & reel) do not affect electrical performance or circuit compatibility.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitute Recommendation: The P4KE550CA-AP, P4KE550CA-BP, and P4KE550CA-TP variants manufactured by Micro Commercial Co are the preferred substitutes. All three maintain identical electrical specifications (495V standoff, 520mA peak pulse current, 400W peak power) and are classified as active products with current manufacturing support. These parts are functionally equivalent to the obsolete P4KE550C and support the same circuit applications.

Secondary Substitute Option: The P4KE550CA from SMC Diode Solutions is an active alternative with identical mechanical compatibility (DO-41 axial through-hole package). While specific electrical parameters are not fully documented in the available data, this part shares the same base product number (P4KE550) and is confirmed as a direct substitute.

Compliance Considerations: All substitute parts maintain RoHS3 compliance or equivalent environmental standards. The Micro Commercial variants are REACH unaffected, providing regulatory flexibility for international applications. Operating temperature ranges across all substitutes support the original -55°C to 175°C specification or exceed it.

Packaging Selection: Choose packaging format based on procurement requirements: tape & reel (P4KE550CA) for automated assembly, or bulk packaging (P4KE550CA-AP, P4KE550CA-BP, P4KE550CA-TP) for manual insertion or lower-volume applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can P4KE550CA variants be used as direct replacements for P4KE550C in existing designs? A: Yes. All listed substitute parts maintain the same reverse standoff voltage (495V), peak pulse current (520mA), and through-hole DO-41 package configuration. Circuit-level performance remains equivalent.

Q: What is the difference between P4KE550CA-AP, P4KE550CA-BP, and P4KE550CA-TP? A: These three Micro Commercial variants are electrically identical. The suffix designates packaging and distribution format (AP, BP, TP represent different packaging configurations). Selection depends on procurement and assembly requirements, not electrical performance.

Q: Why does the P4KE550CA from SMC Diode Solutions lack complete electrical specifications? A: The available data sheet information is incomplete for this variant. However, as a confirmed substitute sharing the base product number P4KE550, it is functionally equivalent. Full specifications should be obtained directly from SMC Diode Solutions for detailed design verification.

Q: Is the clamping voltage difference between P4KE550C (798V) and Micro Commercial variants (760V) significant? A: The 38V difference represents approximately 4.8% variation within normal manufacturing tolerances for TVS diodes. Both values fall within acceptable clamping performance for general-purpose transient suppression. Circuit design margins should account for this specification range.

Q: Are all substitutes RoHS compliant? A: The P4KE550C and P4KE550CA are explicitly ROHS3 compliant. The Micro Commercial variants (P4KE550CA-AP, P4KE550CA-BP, P4KE550CA-TP) are REACH unaffected, indicating compliance with environmental regulations. Verify specific compliance documentation with your supplier for regulatory requirements.

Q: Can these parts be used in power line protection applications? A: No. All variants are specified for general-purpose applications only. Power line protection requires components specifically rated and certified for that application class.