Equivalent & Substitute Parts for P6KE170

Part Overview

The P6KE170 is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse, designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This component features a 600W peak pulse power rating and operates across a temperature range of -55°C to 175°C. The P6KE170 is classified as obsolete, making identification of compatible substitute parts essential for ongoing system maintenance and new design implementations where this component is specified.

Substiute Parts

P6KE170

LittelfuseIn Stock: 953P6KE170 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

P6KE170A

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 15563P6KE170A Datasheet

DirectRFQ

P6KE170A

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 15563P6KE170A Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the P6KE170 is determined by strict alignment of the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Criteria:

• Unidirectional channel configuration (1 channel required)
• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 145V
• Power - Peak Pulse: 600W
• Package type: DO-204AC / DO-15 axial through-hole configuration

Mechanical Compatibility Criteria:

• Through-hole mounting type
• DO-15 package footprint

The P6KE170A from Fairchild Semiconductor meets all substitution criteria. Both the reverse standoff voltage and peak pulse power rating are identical. The clamping voltage and breakdown voltage specifications fall within acceptable operational ranges for this device category. The package configuration and mounting type are equivalent, ensuring direct mechanical and electrical compatibility.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The P6KE170A from Fairchild Semiconductor is a direct electrical and mechanical substitute for the obsolete P6KE170. Both devices share identical reverse standoff voltage (145V) and peak pulse power rating (600W), which are the primary parameters governing TVS diode selection for overvoltage protection circuits.

The P6KE170A offers the advantage of active product status, ensuring continued availability and supply chain reliability. The clamping voltage of the P6KE170A (234V) is lower than the original P6KE170 (245.7V), providing marginally improved transient suppression performance. The minimum operating temperature of the P6KE170A is -50°C compared to -55°C for the original part; this represents a 5°C reduction in the lower temperature bound and should be evaluated against specific application requirements.

Both devices are housed in the DO-15 axial through-hole package, enabling direct mechanical substitution without PCB redesign. The HTSUS and ECCN classifications are identical, confirming regulatory equivalence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the P6KE170A be used as a direct replacement for the P6KE170 in existing designs?

A: Yes. The P6KE170A meets all critical electrical parameters (reverse standoff voltage, peak pulse power) and shares the identical DO-15 through-hole package configuration. Direct substitution is possible without circuit modification.

Q: What is the significance of the clamping voltage difference between the two parts?

A: The P6KE170A exhibits a lower clamping voltage (234V vs. 245.7V). In TVS applications, lower clamping voltage provides superior transient suppression by limiting voltage peaks to lower levels. This represents an improvement over the original specification.

Q: Are there temperature range considerations when substituting the P6KE170A?

A: The P6KE170A operates from -50°C to 175°C, compared to -55°C to 175°C for the P6KE170. If your application requires operation below -50°C, the original temperature specification must be maintained through alternative sourcing or design modification.

Q: Does the P6KE170A require any PCB layout changes?

A: No. Both devices use the DO-15 axial through-hole package with identical pin spacing and footprint. Existing PCB designs require no modification.

Q: What is the availability status of the P6KE170A?

A: The P6KE170A is classified as active product status with 15,503 units in stock, ensuring reliable supply chain availability compared to the obsolete P6KE170.