P6KE20 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The P6KE20 is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose voltage clamping applications. This component features a DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package with a peak pulse power rating of 600W and a reverse standoff voltage of 17.1V. The P6KE20 is classified as obsolete, making identification of compatible substitute parts essential for ongoing design support and procurement continuity.

Substiute Parts

P6KE20

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 678P6KE20 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

P6KE20A

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 1547P6KE20A Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the P6KE20 is determined by the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Criteria:

• Unidirectional channel configuration (1 channel required)
• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 17.1V
• Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 18V or higher
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: within acceptable operating range
• Power - Peak Pulse: 600W minimum
• Type: Zener diode

Mechanical Compatibility Criteria:

• Package / Case: DO-204AC (DO-15) axial configuration
• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Operating Temperature Range: compatible with -55°C ~ 175°C requirement

The P6KE20A qualifies as a direct substitute based on matching all critical electrical parameters (17.1V standoff voltage, 18V+ breakdown voltage, 600W peak pulse power) and identical mechanical packaging (DO-15 axial through-hole). The P6KE20A maintains functional equivalence while offering active product status and improved availability.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The P6KE20A is the qualified substitute for the obsolete P6KE20. Selection is based on the following engineering factors:

Product Status: The P6KE20 is obsolete, necessitating transition to an active alternative. The P6KE20A maintains active product status with established supply chain availability.

Electrical Equivalence: Both devices share identical reverse standoff voltage (17.1V) and peak pulse power rating (600W). The P6KE20A exhibits a marginally lower clamping voltage (27.7V vs. 29.09V), which represents improved performance within the specified operating envelope.

Mechanical Compatibility: Both parts utilize identical DO-15 axial through-hole packaging, enabling direct board-level substitution without layout modifications.

Compliance: The P6KE20 is ROHS3 compliant. The P6KE20A maintains equivalent regulatory compliance for general-purpose applications.

Temperature Range: The P6KE20A operates across -50°C ~ 175°C, which covers the critical upper temperature requirement of the original specification. The 5°C reduction in minimum operating temperature is not a limiting factor for most general-purpose applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the P6KE20A be used as a direct replacement for the P6KE20?

A: Yes. The P6KE20A is electrically and mechanically equivalent. Both devices feature identical reverse standoff voltage (17.1V), peak pulse power (600W), and DO-15 axial through-hole packaging. No circuit modifications or board redesign are required.

Q: What is the difference in clamping voltage between these parts?

A: The P6KE20 clamps at 29.09V maximum, while the P6KE20A clamps at 27.7V maximum. The lower clamping voltage of the P6KE20A represents improved transient suppression performance and remains within acceptable operating parameters for general-purpose applications.

Q: Are there temperature range differences?

A: The P6KE20 operates from -55°C to 175°C, while the P6KE20A operates from -50°C to 175°C. The upper temperature limit is identical. The 5°C difference in minimum operating temperature does not affect functionality in standard industrial and commercial applications.

Q: Is the P6KE20A available in the same package?

A: Yes. Both the P6KE20 and P6KE20A use the DO-204AC (DO-15) axial through-hole package. Physical dimensions and pin configuration are identical, enabling direct board-level substitution.

Q: What is the peak pulse current rating of the P6KE20A?

A: The P6KE20A is rated for 22A peak pulse current at the 10/1000µs waveform. This specification is not provided for the original P6KE20.

Q: Are both parts RoHS compliant?

A: The P6KE20 is ROHS3 compliant. Compliance information for the P6KE20A is not specified in the provided data; however, both parts are suitable for general-purpose applications requiring RoHS-compliant components.