Equivalent & Substitute Parts for P4SMA170C

Part Overview

The P4SMA170C is a transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection in surface-mount applications. This component features a 145V reverse standoff voltage with a 245.7V maximum clamping voltage and 1.8A peak pulse current capability in a DO-214AC (SMA) package. The part is currently listed as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent alternatives necessary for ongoing design support and procurement.

Substiute Parts

P4SMA170C

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1069P4SMA170C Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

P4SMA170CA

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 26286P4SMA170CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P4SMA170CA

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 26286P4SMA170CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SMAJP4KE170CA-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 947SMAJP4KE170CA-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the P4SMA170C are qualified based on the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 145V (exact match required)
• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): 1.8A (exact match required)
• Power - Peak Pulse: 400W (exact match required)
• Package / Case: DO-214AC or SMA (mechanical compatibility)
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount (assembly compatibility)
• Type: Zener (functional equivalence)
• Bidirectional Channels: 1 (circuit topology match)

The substitute parts P4SMA170CA and SMAJP4KE170CA-TP meet these core requirements. Both maintain the 145V standoff voltage, 1.8A peak pulse current, and 400W power dissipation. Variations in clamping voltage (234V vs. 245.7V) and breakdown voltage remain within acceptable tolerance ranges for TVS diode applications. All candidates are housed in compatible DO-214AC/SMA packages suitable for direct board-level substitution.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

P4SMA170CA (Eaton - Electronics Division) is the manufacturer-recommended substitute. This part is in active production status with established supply chain availability (26,200 pcs in stock). It maintains full electrical equivalence with the original P4SMA170C across all critical parameters: 145V standoff voltage, 1.8A peak pulse current, and 400W power dissipation. The clamping voltage of 234V represents a 4.7% reduction from the original 245.7V, which remains within acceptable TVS diode tolerance ranges. RoHS compliance certification is current. The operating temperature range is -55 to 150°C, which covers the lower bound of the original specification.

SMAJP4KE170CA-TP (Micro Commercial Co) provides an alternative with extended upper operating temperature capability (-55 to 175°C). This part maintains identical electrical specifications for standoff voltage, peak pulse current, and power dissipation. Inventory availability is lower (889 pcs) compared to the Eaton option. The SMAJ package variant is mechanically compatible with standard SMA footprints.

For new designs and ongoing production, P4SMA170CA is the primary recommendation due to active status, superior inventory levels, and manufacturer endorsement. SMAJP4KE170CA-TP serves as a secondary option where extended temperature performance is required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can P4SMA170CA be used as a direct replacement for P4SMA170C?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical reverse standoff voltage (145V), peak pulse current (1.8A), and power dissipation (400W). The clamping voltage difference (234V vs. 245.7V) is within normal TVS diode manufacturing tolerances and does not affect functional compatibility in standard overvoltage protection circuits.

Q: What is the significance of the clamping voltage difference between the original and substitute parts?

A: The clamping voltage determines the maximum voltage presented to protected circuitry during a transient event. The P4SMA170CA clamping voltage of 234V is 4.7% lower than the original 245.7V. This represents a tighter voltage clamp, which provides equal or improved protection in most applications. Verify that downstream components can tolerate 234V maximum clamping voltage.

Q: Are there package compatibility concerns between DO-214AC and SMA designations?

A: No. DO-214AC and SMA refer to the same physical package format. Both P4SMA170CA and SMAJP4KE170CA-TP are housed in this package and are mechanically and electrically compatible with existing P4SMA170C PCB footprints.

Q: Which substitute part should be selected for new production?

A: P4SMA170CA is the recommended choice for new production due to active product status, high inventory availability, and manufacturer endorsement. SMAJP4KE170CA-TP is suitable where extended operating temperature range (-55 to 175°C) is a design requirement.

Q: Do the substitute parts meet the same compliance standards as the original?

A: P4SMA170CA is RoHS compliant and meets current environmental standards. SMAJP4KE170CA-TP is REACH unaffected. Both parts carry EAR99 export classification matching the original component. Verify specific compliance requirements for your application and region.

Q: What is the minimum operating temperature difference between the original and substitutes?

A: The original P4SMA170C operates from -65°C, while both substitute parts operate from -55°C. This 10°C difference at the lower bound should be evaluated if your application requires operation below -55°C. For most commercial and industrial applications, -55°C minimum is acceptable.