SA15 Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA15 is a unidirectional Zener-type transient voltage suppressor diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. The device features a 15V reverse standoff voltage with a 25.62V maximum clamping voltage at peak pulse current and is housed in a DO-204AC (DO-15) axial through-hole package. The SA15 is currently listed as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and component procurement.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	15	V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	15.84	V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	25.62	V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	20.9	A
Power - Peak Pulse	500	W
Operating Temperature Range	-55 to 175	°C (TJ)
Mounting Type	Through Hole	-
Package / Case	DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial	-
Type	Zener	-
Unidirectional Channels	1	-

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the SA15 are qualified based on the following critical parameters that determine functional equivalence:

Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 15V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 24.4V to 26.5V (within acceptable operating range)
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): 19A to 25A (maintains transient protection capability)
Power - Peak Pulse: 500W to 600W (sufficient energy dissipation)
Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to 175°C minimum
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Package / Case: DO-204AC, DO-15, or Axial compatible
Type: Zener unidirectional diode

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: direct equivalents from active manufacturers and alternative sources with compatible electrical and mechanical specifications.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Voltage - Reverse Standoff (V)	Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp (V)	Current - Peak Pulse (A)	Power - Peak Pulse (W)	Operating Temperature (°C)	Package	Product Status
SA15	Littelfuse Inc.	15	25.62	20.9	500	-55 to 175	DO-204AC	Obsolete
SA15A	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	15	24.4	21	500	-55 to 175	DO-204AC	Active
SA15A-B	Littelfuse Inc.	15	24.4	20.9	500	-55 to 175	DO-204AC	Active
1N6464	Semtech Corporation	15	26.5	19	500	-65 to 175	Axial	Discontinued
P6KE18A	Fairchild Semiconductor	15.3	25.2	25	600	-50 to 175	DO-15	Active
SA15A-AP	Micro Commercial Co	15	24.4	20.9	500	-55 to 175	DO-15	Active
SA15A-BP	Micro Commercial Co	15	24.4	20.9	500	-55 to 175	DO-15	Active
SA15A-TP	Micro Commercial Co	15	24.4	20.9	500	-55 to 175	DO-15	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For applications requiring SA15 replacement, the following selection criteria apply based on product status and compliance:

Primary Recommendation: SA15A-B (Littelfuse Inc.) maintains original manufacturer continuity with active product status, ROHS3 compliance, and identical electrical specifications to the SA15. This part is available in bulk packaging and provides direct functional equivalence.

Alternative from Active Manufacturer: SA15A (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation) offers active product status with ROHS3 and REACH compliance. Clamping voltage is 1.22V lower than the original SA15, remaining within acceptable operating parameters for general-purpose transient suppression.

Packaging Variants: SA15A-AP, SA15A-BP, and SA15A-TP (Micro Commercial Co) provide the same electrical specifications as SA15A-B with different packaging options (bulk and tape & reel). All three maintain active product status and full compliance certifications.

Extended Temperature Range Option: 1N6464 (Semtech Corporation) extends the lower operating temperature to -65°C and is discontinued at DiGi Electronics, limiting availability. Use only if extended low-temperature performance is required and supply can be secured.

Higher Current Capability: P6KE18A (Fairchild Semiconductor) provides 25A peak pulse current (versus 20.9A in SA15) and 600W peak pulse power (versus 500W), offering enhanced transient protection margin. Operating temperature minimum is -50°C. This part is suitable for applications requiring higher energy dissipation capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA15A be used as a direct replacement for SA15?

A: Yes. SA15A meets all critical electrical parameters: 15V reverse standoff voltage, 24.4V clamping voltage (within acceptable range), 21A peak pulse current, and 500W peak pulse power. Both are housed in DO-204AC packages and support the same operating temperature range. SA15A is manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation and carries active product status with ROHS3 compliance.

Q: What is the difference between SA15A-B, SA15A-AP, SA15A-BP, and SA15A-TP?

A: These parts are electrically identical with the same specifications (15V standoff, 24.4V clamping, 20.9A peak pulse). The differences are in packaging and manufacturer: SA15A-B is bulk packaging from Littelfuse Inc., while SA15A-AP, SA15A-BP, and SA15A-TP are from Micro Commercial Co with bulk and tape & reel options. Selection depends on procurement requirements and supply chain preferences.

Q: Is P6KE18A compatible with SA15 applications?

A: P6KE18A is electrically compatible with a 15.3V reverse standoff voltage and 25.2V clamping voltage. However, it provides higher peak pulse current (25A versus 20.9A) and higher peak pulse power (600W versus 500W). The operating temperature minimum is -50°C instead of -55°C. Use P6KE18A only if the application requires enhanced transient protection capability and the higher temperature limit is acceptable.

Q: Why is 1N6464 listed as a substitute if it is discontinued?

A: 1N6464 meets the electrical substitution criteria with 15V standoff voltage, 26.5V clamping voltage, and 19A peak pulse current. It is included for reference in applications where existing inventory exists or where supply from secondary sources can be secured. For new designs, active alternatives such as SA15A-B or P6KE18A are preferred.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: SA15A, SA15A-B, SA15A-AP, SA15A-BP, and SA15A-TP are ROHS3 compliant. Compliance information for 1N6464 and P6KE18A is not provided in the available specifications. Verify compliance requirements with the specific manufacturer or distributor for these parts.

Q: What packaging options are available for SA15 substitutes?

A: All substitute parts are housed in through-hole axial packages compatible with DO-204AC or DO-15 specifications. SA15A is available in tape & reel packaging. SA15A-B is available in bulk. SA15A-AP and SA15A-BP are available in bulk. SA15A-TP is available in tape & reel. Selection depends on assembly process requirements and procurement volume.

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