P6KE18A Transient Voltage Suppressor Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The P6KE18A is a unidirectional Zener transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. The original Diodes Incorporated P6KE18A-T is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of functionally equivalent alternatives from active manufacturers. Substitute parts maintain identical electrical performance characteristics while offering continued availability and active product support.

Substiute Parts

P6KE18A-T

Diodes IncorporatedIn Stock: 1180P6KE18A-T Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

P6KE18A-AP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1057P6KE18A-AP Datasheet

DirectRFQ

P6KE18A-BP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 703P6KE18A-BP Datasheet

DirectRFQ

P6KE18A

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 45230P6KE18A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE18A

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 45230P6KE18A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE18A-B

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1380P6KE18A-B Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE18A-G

Comchip TechnologyIn Stock: 714P6KE18A-G Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE18A-HF

Comchip TechnologyIn Stock: 658P6KE18A-HF Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE18A-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 4963P6KE18A-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE18AE3/TR13

Microsemi CorporationIn Stock: 830P6KE18AE3/TR13 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of P6KE18A TVS diodes is determined by strict equivalence of the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 15.3V
• Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 17.1V
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 25.2V
• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): 24A nominal
• Power - Peak Pulse: 600W
• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Package / Case: DO-204AC or DO-15 (Axial variants acceptable)
• Zener diode type, unidirectional configuration

All substitute parts listed maintain these core electrical specifications within acceptable engineering tolerances. Packaging variants (Bulk, Cut Tape, Tape & Box) represent different distribution formats of functionally identical components.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All listed substitute parts are classified as Active products with current manufacturer support, eliminating obsolescence risk associated with the original P6KE18A-T. Selection among equivalents should prioritize the following factors:

Compliance and Certification: Parts bearing ROHS3 Compliant status (P6KE18A-B, P6KE18A-G, P6KE18A-HF, P6KE18A-TP, P6KE18AE3/TR13) satisfy regulatory requirements for restricted substances. Littelfuse Inc. P6KE18A-B and Comchip Technology variants provide documented RoHS3 compliance.

Temperature Operating Range: Applications requiring operation at -55°C lower bound should specify parts with confirmed -55°C minimum rating. Comchip Technology variants (P6KE18A-G, P6KE18A-HF) and Microsemi P6KE18AE3/TR13 operate to -55°C or lower. Upper temperature limit of 175°C is maintained by Diodes Incorporated original, Micro Commercial Co variants (P6KE18A-AP, P6KE18A-BP, P6KE18A-TP), and Fairchild Semiconductor P6KE18A.

Package Configuration: DO-15 and DO-204AC packages are mechanically and electrically interchangeable for through-hole applications. Microsemi P6KE18AE3/TR13 provides Axial package format for applications requiring this configuration.

Current Rating Tolerance: Fairchild Semiconductor P6KE18A specifies 25A peak pulse current, exceeding the 24A nominal specification. Comchip Technology variants specify 23.81A. All values remain within acceptable engineering tolerance for the P6KE18 series.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can P6KE18A-TP (Cut Tape packaging) be substituted for P6KE18A-T (original packaging)?

A: Yes. Packaging format (Cut Tape, Bulk, Tape & Box) represents distribution method only. Electrical and mechanical specifications are identical. P6KE18A-TP from Micro Commercial Co is a direct functional equivalent.

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

A: DO-15 and DO-204AC refer to the same physical package for axial-lead diodes. Both designations are acceptable for P6KE18A TVS diodes. Littelfuse P6KE18A-B specifies DO-204AC (DO-15), confirming interchangeability.

Q: Are Comchip Technology P6KE18A-G and P6KE18A-HF functionally identical?

A: Both parts share identical electrical specifications (15.3V standoff, 25.2V clamping, 23.81A peak pulse) and operating temperature range (-55°C to 150°C). Selection between them depends on packaging availability and supplier preference.

Q: Does the Fairchild Semiconductor P6KE18A with 25A peak pulse rating provide better performance than the original 24A specification?

A: The 25A rating represents a higher current capability within the same voltage class. This does not constitute superior performance but rather a different specification variant. Selection should match application requirements precisely.

Q: Can P6KE18AE3/TR13 (Axial package) be used in place of DO-15 package variants?

A: Axial and DO-15 packages have different physical form factors and lead configurations. Substitution is possible only if the circuit board layout and mounting provisions accommodate the Axial package geometry.

Q: Which substitute part offers the widest operating temperature range?

A: Microsemi P6KE18AE3/TR13 extends the lower temperature limit to -65°C while maintaining -55°C to 175°C range for other variants. Upper temperature limit of 175°C is shared by Diodes Incorporated original, Micro Commercial Co parts, and Fairchild Semiconductor.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: RoHS3 compliance is confirmed for Littelfuse P6KE18A-B, Comchip Technology P6KE18A-G and P6KE18A-HF, Micro Commercial Co P6KE18A-TP, and Microsemi P6KE18AE3/TR13. Fairchild Semiconductor and Micro Commercial Co P6KE18A-AP and P6KE18A-BP do not specify RoHS status in provided documentation.