P6KE160CA-T Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The P6KE160CA-T is a transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Diodes Incorporated, designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection in through-hole applications. This component features a 136V reverse standoff voltage with a 219V maximum clamping voltage and 2.7A peak pulse current capability in a DO-15 package. The part is currently classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent alternatives essential for ongoing design support and production continuity.

Substiute Parts

P6KE160CA-T

Diodes IncorporatedIn Stock: 857P6KE160CA-T Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

P6KE160CA-AP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1092P6KE160CA-AP Datasheet

DirectRFQ

P6KE160CA-BP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 906P6KE160CA-BP Datasheet

DirectRFQ

P6KE160CA

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 1602P6KE160CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE160CA-B

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1258P6KE160CA-B Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE160CA-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 5113P6KE160CA-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE160CAE3/TR13

Microsemi CorporationIn Stock: 714P6KE160CAE3/TR13 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE550CA

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1448P6KE550CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the P6KE160CA-T is determined by strict equivalence across the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 136V
• Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 152V
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 219V
• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): 2.7A (±0.1A tolerance acceptable)
• Power - Peak Pulse: 600W
• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Package / Case: DO-204AC, DO-15, or Axial
• Type: Zener
• Bidirectional Channels: 1

Parts meeting all these criteria are classified as direct electrical equivalents. Variations in packaging format (Cut Tape vs. Bulk) and manufacturer do not affect electrical performance. Parts with differing voltage ratings, current ratings, or package types are not suitable substitutes.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Electrical Equivalents (Recommended for P6KE160CA-T Replacement):

The following parts maintain identical electrical specifications and are suitable for direct substitution:

• P6KE160CA-TP (Micro Commercial Co, Cut Tape): Highest inventory availability (5020 pcs), active product status, ROHS3 compliant, identical electrical parameters.
• P6KE160CA (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation, Cut Tape): 1560 pcs in stock, active status, ROHS3 compliant, manufacturer-recommended equivalent.
• P6KE160CA-AP (Micro Commercial Co, Bulk): 1030 pcs available, active status, automotive-grade qualification.
• P6KE160CA-BP (Micro Commercial Co, Bulk): 850 pcs in stock, active status, automotive-grade qualification.
• P6KE160CAE3/TR13 (Microsemi Corporation, Axial): 644 pcs available, active status, alternative package format (Axial vs. DO-15).

Conditional Equivalents:

• P6KE160CA-B (Littelfuse Inc., Bulk): Meets electrical specifications with 2.8A peak pulse current (within acceptable tolerance). Package variant is DO-204AC (functionally equivalent to DO-15). Active status, ROHS3 compliant. Suitable for applications where DO-204AC package is acceptable.

Not Recommended:

• P6KE550CA (Littelfuse Inc.): Voltage rating of 468V reverse standoff is incompatible with the 136V specification of P6KE160CA-T. This part is designed for higher-voltage applications and is not a substitute.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can P6KE160CA-TP replace P6KE160CA-T directly?

A: Yes. P6KE160CA-TP is electrically identical with matching voltage ratings (136V standoff, 219V clamping), current rating (2.7A), and power dissipation (600W). Both use DO-15 through-hole packages. The primary difference is packaging format (Cut Tape vs. original specification) and manufacturer (Micro Commercial Co vs. Diodes Incorporated), neither of which affects circuit performance.

Q: What is the difference between DO-15 and DO-204AC packages?

A: DO-15 and DO-204AC are functionally equivalent axial lead through-hole packages for diodes. Both accommodate the same electrical specifications and mounting footprints. P6KE160CA-B uses DO-204AC designation while most alternatives use DO-15; both are acceptable for the same circuit applications.

Q: Why is P6KE550CA listed but not recommended?

A: P6KE550CA has a reverse standoff voltage of 468V and clamping voltage of 760V, compared to the 136V and 219V specifications of P6KE160CA-T. This part is designed for high-voltage transient suppression and will not provide the correct protection characteristics for circuits designed around the 136V rating. Using P6KE550CA would result in inadequate overvoltage protection.

Q: Are there differences in operating temperature ranges among substitutes?

A: Most substitutes operate across -55°C to 175°C (TJ), matching the original P6KE160CA-T specification. P6KE160CAE3/TR13 operates across -65°C to 150°C (TJ), providing lower minimum temperature but reduced maximum temperature. For applications requiring the full -55°C to 175°C range, verify the selected substitute meets this requirement.

Q: What does "ROHS3 Compliant" mean for component selection?

A: ROHS3 (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive 3) compliance indicates the component meets EU environmental standards by restricting lead, cadmium, mercury, and other hazardous materials. All recommended substitutes are ROHS3 compliant, ensuring regulatory compliance for applications subject to these requirements.

Q: Can I use automotive-grade variants (P6KE160CA-AP, P6KE160CA-BP) in non-automotive applications?

A: Yes. Automotive-grade components meet or exceed standard industrial specifications and are fully compatible with general-purpose applications. The automotive qualification provides additional reliability assurance and is not restrictive for other uses.