P6KE18C-B Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The P6KE18C-B is a transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This bidirectional Zener diode operates with a reverse standoff voltage of 15.3V and provides peak pulse power handling of 600W in a through-hole DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package. The part is currently classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent alternatives essential for ongoing system support and new design implementations.

Substiute Parts

P6KE18C-B

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1082P6KE18C-B Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

P6KE18CA

Diotec SemiconductorIn Stock: 20652P6KE18CA Datasheet

DirectRFQ

P6KE18CA-B

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1817P6KE18CA-B Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the P6KE18C-B is determined by strict alignment of the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Critical Matching Parameters:

• Reverse standoff voltage: 15.3V (Typ)
• Bidirectional channel configuration: 1 channel
• Peak pulse power rating: 600W
• Package type: DO-204AC / DO-15 axial through-hole
• Mounting type: Through-hole

Allowable Variation Parameters:

• Voltage breakdown (Min): 16.2V to 17.1V range acceptable
• Voltage clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 25.2V to 26.46V range acceptable
• Current peak pulse (10/1000µs): Variation permitted within electrical design margins
• Operating temperature range: Minimum -50°C acceptable (original: -55°C)
• Product status: Active preferred over obsolete

The identified substitute parts P6KE18CA-B and P6KE18CA meet all critical parameters while maintaining functional equivalence for general-purpose transient voltage suppression applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

P6KE18CA-B (Littelfuse Inc.) is the primary recommended substitute. This part maintains active product status with Littelfuse, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain stability. It carries ROHS3 compliance matching the original specification and provides identical operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 175°C). The clamping voltage of 25.2V is lower than the original 26.46V, resulting in improved transient suppression performance. This part is available in bulk packaging.

P6KE18CA (Diotec Semiconductor) serves as a secondary alternative when Littelfuse sourcing is constrained. This part maintains all critical electrical parameters and identical package configuration. The operating temperature minimum of -50°C (versus -55°C) may be acceptable depending on application requirements. RoHS compliance status is not applicable for this manufacturer variant. This part offers higher current peak pulse rating (25A versus 24.2A).

Both substitutes are active products with established supply availability, addressing the obsolescence status of the original P6KE18C-B.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can P6KE18CA-B and P6KE18CA be used interchangeably with P6KE18C-B?

A: Yes, both parts meet the critical substitution parameters: identical reverse standoff voltage (15.3V), bidirectional single-channel configuration, 600W peak pulse power rating, and DO-204AC through-hole package. Electrical performance differences are within acceptable design margins for general-purpose transient suppression applications.

Q: What is the significance of the voltage clamping difference (26.46V vs. 25.2V)?

A: The substitute parts clamp at a lower voltage (25.2V), which provides more aggressive transient suppression. This represents improved performance for protecting downstream components from overvoltage events, as the clamping threshold is reached at a lower voltage level.

Q: Are there temperature range considerations when selecting between substitutes?

A: P6KE18CA-B maintains the original temperature range of -55°C ~ 175°C. P6KE18CA has a minimum operating temperature of -50°C. For applications requiring operation below -50°C, P6KE18CA-B is the appropriate selection.

Q: Does RoHS compliance status affect part selection?

A: P6KE18CA-B carries ROHS3 compliance, matching the original specification. P6KE18CA has not applicable RoHS status. For applications with RoHS compliance requirements, P6KE18CA-B is the specified choice.

Q: Are the packaging and mounting characteristics identical?

A: Yes. All three parts use through-hole mounting with DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package configuration, ensuring direct mechanical and electrical compatibility in existing PCB designs without layout modifications.

Q: What is the inventory status for these substitutes?

A: P6KE18CA-B has 1,736 pieces in stock. P6KE18CA has 20,587 pieces in stock. Both represent active products with established supply channels, contrasting with the obsolete status of the original P6KE18C-B.