P6KE18CA-B Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The P6KE18CA-B is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This through-hole component operates with a 15.3V reverse standoff voltage and provides 600W peak pulse power dissipation in a DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package. The part is currently active and ROHS3 compliant, making it suitable for modern electronic circuit protection requirements.

Equivalent and substitute parts are identified to support design flexibility, inventory management, and supply chain continuity when the primary part becomes unavailable or when alternative sourcing is required.

Substiute Parts

P6KE18CA-B

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1817P6KE18CA-B Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

P6KE18CA

Diotec SemiconductorIn Stock: 20652P6KE18CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE18CA-E3/54

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 14997P6KE18CA-E3/54 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

P6KE18CA

Diotec SemiconductorIn Stock: 20652P6KE18CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE18CA

Diotec SemiconductorIn Stock: 20652P6KE18CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE18CA-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 2872P6KE18CA-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the P6KE18CA-B is determined by strict electrical and mechanical parameter matching within the TVS diode category. The following parameters must align for direct substitution:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 15.3V
• Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 17.1V
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 25.2V
• Power - Peak Pulse: 600W
• Package / Case: DO-204AC or DO-15 (axial through-hole)
• Bidirectional Channels: 1
• Type: Zener

Peak pulse current may vary within acceptable tolerances (23.8A to 25A) while maintaining functional equivalence. Operating temperature range and compliance certifications are secondary considerations that do not preclude substitution but inform application suitability.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All identified substitute parts maintain electrical equivalence across critical TVS parameters: reverse standoff voltage, breakdown voltage, clamping voltage, and power dissipation rating. Peak pulse current variations (23.8A to 25A) remain within functional tolerance for general-purpose transient suppression applications.

P6KE18CA (Diotec Semiconductor): Functionally equivalent with matching electrical specifications. Operating temperature minimum of -50°C versus -55°C represents a narrower range. RoHS compliance status is not applicable for this manufacturer variant. Suitable for applications not requiring extended low-temperature operation below -50°C.

P6KE18CA-E3/54 (Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division): Direct equivalent with TransZorb® series designation. Maintains full electrical and thermal specifications matching the primary part. ROHS3 compliant. Cut tape packaging differs from bulk packaging of the primary part. Recommended for applications requiring certified compliance documentation and extended temperature range (-55°C to 175°C).

P6KE18CA-TP (Micro Commercial Co): Functionally equivalent with peak pulse current of 24A. ROHS3 compliant and maintains full operating temperature range. Cut tape packaging format. Suitable for applications requiring alternative sourcing with equivalent electrical performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can P6KE18CA-B be directly replaced with P6KE18CA from Diotec?

A: Yes, for applications operating above -50°C. Both parts share identical electrical specifications (15.3V standoff, 25.2V clamping, 600W power rating) and through-hole DO-15 packaging. The Diotec variant has a minimum operating temperature of -50°C compared to -55°C for the Littelfuse part.

Q: What is the difference between bulk and cut tape packaging?

A: Bulk packaging (P6KE18CA-B) is supplied as loose components suitable for high-volume manufacturing with automated handling. Cut tape packaging (P6KE18CA-E3/54, P6KE18CA-TP) provides components on continuous tape for automated pick-and-place equipment. Both formats contain identical components; packaging format selection depends on assembly process requirements.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: P6KE18CA-E3/54 (Vishay) and P6KE18CA-TP (MCC) are ROHS3 compliant. P6KE18CA (Diotec) has not applicable RoHS status. For applications requiring ROHS3 certification, select Vishay or MCC variants.

Q: What is the significance of peak pulse current variation (23.8A to 25A)?

A: Peak pulse current represents the maximum transient current the TVS diode can safely conduct during a 10/1000µs pulse event. Variations within this range (23.8A to 25A) are acceptable for general-purpose overvoltage protection, as all parts maintain the same 600W power dissipation rating and clamping voltage specification.

Q: Can these parts be used interchangeably in existing PCB designs?

A: Yes. All substitute parts use identical DO-15 axial through-hole package geometry and pin configuration. No PCB layout modifications are required for substitution. Verify that your application does not require specific manufacturer certifications or compliance documentation before final selection.

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

A: Selection depends on supply chain availability, packaging preference, and compliance requirements. P6KE18CA-E3/54 (Vishay) is recommended for applications requiring full ROHS3 compliance and extended temperature range documentation. P6KE18CA-TP (MCC) offers equivalent specifications with alternative sourcing. P6KE18CA (Diotec) is suitable when operating temperature does not fall below -50°C.