P4KE56C Transient Voltage Suppressor - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The P4KE56C is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection in through-hole applications. This component features a 47.8V reverse standoff voltage with 400W peak pulse power handling capability in a DO-204AL (DO-41) axial package. The P4KE56C is currently listed as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent substitute parts essential for ongoing design support and procurement.

Substiute Parts

P4KE56C

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1131P4KE56C Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

P4KE56CA

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 959P4KE56CA Datasheet

DirectRFQ

P4KE56CA-AP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 893P4KE56CA-AP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P4KE56CA-BP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1043P4KE56CA-BP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P4KE56CA-G

Comchip TechnologyIn Stock: 989P4KE56CA-G Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P4KE56CA-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 991P4KE56CA-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the P4KE56C is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

• Reverse standoff voltage: 47.8V (Typ)
• Breakdown voltage minimum: 50.4V or higher
• Clamping voltage maximum: within acceptable range for circuit protection
• Peak pulse current capability: 5.3A minimum
• Peak pulse power: 400W
• Package type: DO-204AL / DO-41 axial through-hole configuration
• Bidirectional operation: single channel
• Operating temperature range: -55°C to 175°C minimum

All identified substitute parts maintain these core electrical and mechanical specifications, ensuring functional compatibility in the original application circuit. Variations in clamping voltage (77V to 80.85V range) remain within acceptable protection parameters for general-purpose TVS applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All substitute parts listed maintain active product status with current manufacturer support, addressing the obsolescence of the original P4KE56C. Selection among available substitutes should prioritize the following factors:

Compliance and Certification: P4KE56CA (Taiwan Semiconductor) and P4KE56CA-G (Comchip) both carry ROHS3 compliance certification, matching the original part's environmental compliance profile. These options provide documented regulatory alignment for applications requiring compliance verification.

Operating Temperature Range: P4KE56CA-TP, P4KE56CA-AP, P4KE56CA-BP, and P4KE56CA (Taiwan Semiconductor) all support the full -55°C to 175°C operating range of the original P4KE56C. P4KE56CA-G operates to 150°C maximum, which may be limiting in high-temperature applications.

Electrical Performance: All substitutes maintain the 47.8V reverse standoff voltage and 400W peak pulse power specification. Clamping voltage values (77V) are lower than the original (80.85V), providing improved protection margins. Peak pulse current ratings range from 5.19A to 5.4A, all meeting or exceeding the original 5.3A specification.

Packaging and Availability: All substitute parts are supplied in DO-204AL / DO-41 axial through-hole packages, ensuring direct mechanical and electrical compatibility with existing PCB layouts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can P4KE56CA substitute directly for P4KE56C in existing designs?

A: Yes. P4KE56CA maintains identical reverse standoff voltage (47.8V), equivalent peak pulse power (400W), and compatible peak pulse current (5.4A vs. 5.3A). The lower clamping voltage (77V vs. 80.85V) provides enhanced protection. Both use DO-204AL / DO-41 axial packages with identical pinout and mounting requirements.

Q: What is the difference between P4KE56CA and P4KE56CA-TP?

A: Both parts share identical electrical specifications (47.8V standoff, 77V clamping, 5.3A peak pulse, 400W power). The primary difference is manufacturer: P4KE56CA is from Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation, while P4KE56CA-TP is from Micro Commercial Co. Both support -55°C to 175°C operating range.

Q: Why does P4KE56CA-G have a lower maximum operating temperature?

A: P4KE56CA-G from Comchip Technology is rated to 150°C maximum junction temperature, compared to 175°C for other substitutes. This difference reflects the manufacturer's thermal design specifications. For applications requiring operation above 150°C, select alternatives with 175°C ratings.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: ROHS3 compliance is explicitly documented for P4KE56CA (Taiwan Semiconductor) and P4KE56CA-G (Comchip). Compliance status is not specified in available data for P4KE56CA-AP, P4KE56CA-BP, and P4KE56CA-TP. Verify compliance documentation with manufacturers for applications requiring regulatory certification.

Q: What is the significance of the clamping voltage difference between P4KE56C and substitutes?

A: The original P4KE56C clamps at 80.85V maximum, while substitutes clamp at 77V. Lower clamping voltage provides faster transient suppression and reduced voltage stress on protected circuits. This represents an improvement in protection performance rather than a limitation.

Q: Can these parts be used interchangeably in production?

A: Yes, all listed substitutes are electrically and mechanically compatible. However, verify manufacturer certifications and compliance documentation for your specific application requirements before implementing production changes.