P4SMA18CA-M3/61 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The P4SMA18CA-M3/61 is a transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division. This surface mount component operates as a bidirectional Zener diode in the DO-214AC (SMA) package, designed for general-purpose transient voltage suppression applications. The part is currently active in production with full RoHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating. Equivalent and substitute parts are identified to support procurement flexibility, inventory management, and supply chain continuity.

Substiute Parts

P4SMA18CA-M3/61

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 976P4SMA18CA-M3/61 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

P4SMA18CA-E3/61

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 462271P4SMA18CA-E3/61 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

P4SMA18CA

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 8744P4SMA18CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the P4SMA18CA-M3/61 are qualified based on the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Critical Matching Parameters:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 15.3V
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 25.2V
• Package / Case: DO-214AC, SMA
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount
• Bidirectional Channels: 1
• Type: Zener

Allowable Variation Parameters:

• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): ±0.2A tolerance
• Operating Temperature Range: Minimum -55°C acceptable (vs. -65°C)
• Manufacturer: Different manufacturers permitted if electrical specifications match

Parts meeting these criteria are classified as direct substitutes. The P4SMA18CA-M3/61 has two identified substitutes with identical or equivalent electrical performance.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

P4SMA18CA-E3/61 (Vishay): This substitute maintains identical electrical specifications and operating temperature range as the main part. Both are manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division and carry ROHS3 compliance. The difference in part number suffix (E3/61 vs. M3/61) reflects packaging reel configuration only. This part is suitable for direct substitution without design modification.

P4SMA18CA (Eaton): This manufacturer-recommended substitute is produced by Eaton - Electronics Division and meets all critical electrical parameters. The peak pulse current specification is 16.1A compared to 15.9A in the main part, representing a 1.3% increase within acceptable tolerance. The operating temperature minimum is -55°C versus -65°C for the main part. This part carries RoHS compliance certification. Selection of this substitute is appropriate where Eaton component qualification is acceptable and the reduced low-temperature operating range does not conflict with application requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can P4SMA18CA-E3/61 be used as a direct replacement for P4SMA18CA-M3/61?

A: Yes. Both parts are manufactured by Vishay with identical electrical specifications, voltage ratings, current ratings, and operating temperature ranges. The suffix difference (E3/61 vs. M3/61) indicates different packaging reel configurations only and does not affect electrical performance or PCB assembly compatibility.

Q: What is the difference between the Vishay and Eaton substitutes?

A: The Eaton P4SMA18CA substitute differs in two parameters: peak pulse current (16.1A vs. 15.9A) and minimum operating temperature (-55°C vs. -65°C). Both differences are within acceptable engineering tolerance for general-purpose TVS applications. The Eaton part is suitable where these specifications meet application requirements.

Q: Are all substitutes compatible with the same PCB footprint?

A: Yes. All three parts use the DO-214AC (SMA) package and surface mount configuration. PCB footprints and assembly processes remain identical across all substitutes.

Q: Do all substitutes carry the same compliance certifications?

A: The Vishay parts (main and E3/61 substitute) carry ROHS3 compliance. The Eaton substitute carries RoHS compliance. All three parts have unlimited moisture sensitivity rating (MSL 1) and EAR99 export classification.

Q: Which substitute should be selected for new designs?

A: Selection depends on component qualification requirements and supply chain strategy. The P4SMA18CA-E3/61 provides identical specifications with Vishay sourcing. The Eaton P4SMA18CA offers an alternative manufacturer source where the slightly higher peak pulse current and reduced low-temperature range are acceptable.