1N6461 Transient Voltage Suppressor Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 1N6461 is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Microchip Technology, designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. This component features a 5V reverse standoff voltage with a 9V maximum clamping voltage and 315A peak pulse current capability (8/20µs). The 1N6461 is discontinued at DiGi Electronics, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for ongoing design requirements and production needs.

Substiute Parts

1N6461

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 11391N6461 Datasheet

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JANTX1N6461

Semtech CorporationIn Stock: 1568JANTX1N6461 Datasheet

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SA5.0A

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 300189SA5.0A Datasheet

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SA5.0A-B

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 4239SA5.0A-B Datasheet

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SA5.0A-E3/54

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 12221SA5.0A-E3/54 Datasheet

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SA5.0A-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 7340SA5.0A-TP Datasheet

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SAC5.0-E3/54

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 1825SAC5.0-E3/54 Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 1N6461 is determined by the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Criteria:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 5V
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 9V (±0.2V tolerance acceptable)
• Power - Peak Pulse: 500W minimum
• Unidirectional configuration (1 channel)
• Through Hole mounting requirement

Mechanical Compatibility Criteria:

• Axial package configuration (B, Axial or DO-204AC/DO-15 equivalent)
• Operating temperature range: -55°C to 175°C minimum

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Direct Electrical Equivalents (9V Clamping): Parts with 9V to 9.2V maximum clamping voltage, including JANTX1N6461, SA5.0A, SA5.0A-B, SA5.0A-E3/54, and SA5.0A-TP. These maintain the original clamping voltage specification within acceptable engineering tolerance.

Functional Equivalents (10V Clamping): Parts with 10V maximum clamping voltage, such as SAC5.0-E3/54. These provide slightly higher voltage protection and are suitable where the additional clamping margin is acceptable for the application.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Electrical Equivalence):

SA5.0A (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation) is the primary substitute for the 1N6461. This part maintains the 5V reverse standoff and 9.2V clamping voltage specification, operates within the required temperature range, and is ROHS3 compliant with active product status. The DO-204AC (DO-15) package is mechanically compatible with axial through-hole mounting.

SA5.0A-E3/54 (Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division) provides equivalent electrical performance with the TransZorb® series designation, ROHS3 compliance, and active product status. Cut Tape packaging is available for production environments.

SA5.0A-B (Littelfuse Inc.) offers equivalent electrical specifications with ROHS3 compliance and active product status. Bulk packaging is suitable for high-volume applications.

SA5.0A-TP (Micro Commercial Co) provides equivalent electrical performance with ROHS3 compliance and active product status. Cut Tape packaging supports automated assembly processes.

For Applications Requiring Higher Clamping Voltage:

SAC5.0-E3/54 (Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division) is suitable where 10V maximum clamping voltage is acceptable. This part maintains 5V reverse standoff, 500W peak pulse power, ROHS3 compliance, and active product status. The reduced peak pulse current (44A) must be evaluated against application requirements.

Compliance Considerations:

All active substitute parts listed are ROHS3 compliant, addressing environmental regulatory requirements. The original 1N6461 is RoHS non-compliant; substitution with ROHS3-compliant alternatives aligns with current manufacturing standards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA5.0A directly replace the 1N6461 in existing designs?

A: SA5.0A meets the electrical specifications for reverse standoff voltage (5V), clamping voltage (9.2V), and peak pulse power (500W). The DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package is mechanically compatible with through-hole mounting. Verification of PCB layout and lead spacing is required for mechanical fit.

Q: What is the difference between the 9V and 10V clamping voltage options?

A: The 1N6461 and direct equivalents (SA5.0A series) clamp at 9V to 9.2V maximum. SAC5.0-E3/54 clamps at 10V maximum. The 10V option provides additional voltage margin but may not be suitable for applications requiring strict 9V clamping. Application circuit analysis determines acceptability.

Q: Why does the 1N6461 specification list 315A peak pulse current while substitutes show 54A to 57A?

A: The 1N6461 specification references 8/20µs pulse duration, while substitute parts reference 10/1000µs pulse duration. These are different test conditions. Direct electrical equivalence is established through matching reverse standoff voltage, clamping voltage, and peak pulse power rating, not peak pulse current alone.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: All active substitute parts listed (SA5.0A, SA5.0A-B, SA5.0A-E3/54, SA5.0A-TP, SAC5.0-E3/54) are ROHS3 compliant. JANTX1N6461 compliance status is not specified in available data.

Q: What packaging options are available for production?

A: SA5.0A-E3/54 and SAC5.0-E3/54 are supplied in Cut Tape (CT) packaging for automated assembly. SA5.0A-B is available in Bulk packaging. SA5.0A-TP is supplied in Cut Tape format. Standard SA5.0A packaging format should be verified with the supplier.

Q: Can these parts be used in high-temperature applications?

A: All substitute parts operate within -55°C to 175°C temperature range, meeting the original 1N6461 specification. JANTX1N6461 extends the lower temperature limit to -65°C. Application-specific thermal analysis is required to confirm adequate performance at temperature extremes.