TPC36HM3/87A Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TPC36HM3/87A is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division. This component is designed for transient overvoltage protection in automotive applications, featuring a 29.1V reverse standoff voltage and 52V maximum clamping voltage. The part is classified as obsolete, making identification of suitable substitute components necessary for ongoing design support and procurement continuity.

Substiute Parts

TPC36HM3/87A

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 912TPC36HM3/87A Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

TPC36AHM3_A/I

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 810TPC36AHM3_A/I Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TPC36HM3/87A is determined by the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Criteria:

• Reverse standoff voltage within acceptable tolerance of 29.1V
• Clamping voltage performance at maximum rating not exceeding 52V
• Peak pulse current capability meeting or exceeding 28.8A
• Peak pulse power rating of 1500W minimum
• Operating temperature range spanning -65°C to 185°C

Mechanical & Packaging Criteria:

• Surface mount configuration with TO-277A (SMPC) package compatibility
• 3-PowerDFN form factor alignment
• Unidirectional channel configuration (1 channel)

Compliance & Qualification Criteria:

• Automotive grade classification
• AEC-Q101 qualification requirement
• ROHS3 compliance
• Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 (Unlimited)

The substitute part TPC36AHM3_A/I meets these criteria while offering active product status and improved availability.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The TPC36AHM3_A/I is a direct substitute for the obsolete TPC36HM3/87A based on the following engineering criteria:

Product Status Alignment: The substitute part maintains active product status with Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division, ensuring long-term availability and manufacturing continuity compared to the obsolete main part.

Compliance & Certification: Both parts carry identical automotive-grade classification and AEC-Q101 qualification, meeting the same regulatory and quality standards. ROHS3 compliance is maintained across both variants.

Electrical Performance: The substitute part demonstrates equivalent or superior electrical characteristics. The clamping voltage is reduced to 49.9V (versus 52V), providing improved transient suppression performance. Peak pulse current capability increases to 30.1A (versus 28.8A), offering enhanced surge handling capacity. Both parts maintain identical 1500W peak pulse power ratings and -65°C to 185°C operating temperature ranges.

Mechanical Compatibility: Identical TO-277A (SMPC) package and 3-PowerDFN form factor ensure direct PCB layout compatibility without redesign requirements.

Packaging Consideration: The substitute is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) format, which is standard for high-volume production environments and provides improved handling efficiency compared to bulk packaging.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can TPC36AHM3_A/I be used as a direct replacement for TPC36HM3/87A without PCB modifications?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical TO-277A (SMPC) package geometry and 3-PowerDFN form factor, enabling direct PCB substitution without layout changes.

Q: What is the significance of the higher reverse standoff voltage (30.8V) in the substitute part?

A: The substitute part's 30.8V reverse standoff voltage (versus 29.1V) represents a tighter voltage specification within the same functional class. This does not prevent substitution; it indicates the substitute operates at a slightly higher threshold before entering the suppression region.

Q: How does the reduced clamping voltage (49.9V versus 52V) affect circuit protection?

A: The lower clamping voltage in the substitute part provides more aggressive transient suppression, clamping overvoltage events to a lower peak level. This represents improved performance for the protected circuit, not a limitation.

Q: Why is the substitute part listed as "Active" while the main part is "Obsolete"?

A: The main part TPC36HM3/87A has been discontinued by the manufacturer. The substitute TPC36AHM3_A/I remains in active production, ensuring availability for new designs and ongoing support of existing applications.

Q: Are there any thermal or reliability differences between these parts?

A: Both parts share identical operating temperature ranges (-65°C to 185°C) and automotive-grade qualification with AEC-Q101 certification. Thermal and reliability performance are equivalent.

Q: What packaging format differences exist between these parts?

A: The main part is supplied in bulk packaging, while the substitute is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) format. TR packaging is standard for automated assembly processes and does not affect component performance or compatibility.