SA15A Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA15A is a unidirectional Zener-type transient voltage suppressor diode manufactured by onsemi, designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. The device features a 15V reverse standoff voltage with a 24.4V maximum clamping voltage and 20.6A peak pulse current capability in a DO-15 through-hole package. The main part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	15V	V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	16.7V	V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	24.4V	V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	20.6A	A
Power - Peak Pulse	500W	W
Type	Zener	-
Unidirectional Channels	1	-
Mounting Type	Through Hole	-
Package / Case	DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial	-

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SA15A is determined by the following critical parameters:

Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): Must be 15V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: Must be 24.4V or lower to ensure equivalent protection performance
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): Must be 20.6A or higher to handle equivalent transient energy
Power - Peak Pulse: Must be 500W or higher
Type: Must be Zener unidirectional TVS diode
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Package Compatibility: DO-15, DO-204AC, or equivalent axial packages

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Direct Equivalents: Parts with identical electrical specifications (15V standoff, 24.4V clamp, 20.6A peak pulse, 500W power rating) in compatible packages.

Functional Alternatives: Parts with the same 15V standoff voltage and 24.4V clamping voltage but different peak pulse current or power ratings, suitable for applications where the SA15A's performance envelope is not fully utilized.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Voltage - Reverse Standoff (V)	Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp (V)	Current - Peak Pulse (A)	Power - Peak Pulse (W)	Package	Product Status
SA15A	onsemi	15	24.4	20.6	500	DO-15	Obsolete
SA15A	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	15	24.4	21	500	DO-204AC (DO-15)	Active
1N6464	Semtech Corporation	15	26.5	19	500	Axial	Discontinued at DiGi Electronics
1N8157	Microchip Technology	15	25.1	5.98	150	Axial	Active
LCE15A	Littelfuse Inc.	15	24.4	61	1500	DO-201	Active
LCE16A	Littelfuse Inc.	16	26	57	1500	DO-201	Active
LCE17A	Littelfuse Inc.	17	27.6	54	1500	DO-201	Active
LCE18A	Littelfuse Inc.	18	29.2	51	1500	DO-201	Active
P5KE15A-AP	Micro Commercial Co	15	24.4	20.6	500	DO-15	Active
P5KE15A-BP	Micro Commercial Co	15	24.4	20.6	500	DO-15	Active
P5KE15A-TP	Micro Commercial Co	15	24.4	20.6	500	DO-15	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (Direct Equivalents)

The SA15A manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation is the direct equivalent, offering identical electrical specifications (15V standoff, 24.4V clamp, 21A peak pulse, 500W power) with active product status and RoHS3 compliance. This part is the preferred replacement for obsolete onsemi SA15A units.

The P5KE15A series from Micro Commercial Co (variants -AP, -BP, -TP) provides electrical equivalence with identical 15V standoff, 24.4V clamping, and 20.6A peak pulse specifications in DO-15 packages. All variants maintain active product status and are suitable for direct substitution.

Secondary Substitutes (Functional Alternatives)

The LCE15A from Littelfuse Inc. maintains the critical 15V standoff and 24.4V clamping voltages with enhanced peak pulse current (61A) and power rating (1500W). The DO-201 package requires mechanical redesign but provides superior transient handling capability. RoHS3 compliance is confirmed.

The 1N6464 from Semtech Corporation offers 15V standoff voltage with slightly elevated clamping voltage (26.5V) and reduced peak pulse current (19A). Product status is discontinued at DiGi Electronics, limiting long-term availability.

The 1N8157 from Microchip Technology provides 15V standoff voltage but with significantly reduced peak pulse current (5.98A) and power rating (150W). This part is suitable only for low-energy transient applications and is not recommended as a general replacement.

Voltage Variants (LCE Series)

The LCE16A, LCE17A, and LCE18A from Littelfuse Inc. feature progressively higher standoff voltages (16V, 17V, 18V respectively) with correspondingly higher clamping voltages. These parts are not direct substitutes for the 15V SA15A but may be considered for applications requiring higher voltage protection thresholds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the SA15A be replaced with the Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA15A?

A: Yes. The Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA15A is a direct equivalent with identical electrical specifications (15V standoff, 24.4V clamp, 21A peak pulse, 500W power) and active product status. This is the recommended replacement for the obsolete onsemi SA15A.

Q: What is the difference between the P5KE15A variants (-AP, -BP, -TP)?

A: The P5KE15A-AP, P5KE15A-BP, and P5KE15A-TP variants from Micro Commercial Co are electrically identical with 15V standoff, 24.4V clamping, and 20.6A peak pulse specifications. The suffix designates packaging or tape configuration. All three are suitable for direct substitution.

Q: Can I use the LCE15A instead of the SA15A?

A: The LCE15A maintains the critical 15V standoff and 24.4V clamping voltages with enhanced specifications (61A peak pulse, 1500W power). However, the DO-201 package differs from the DO-15 package of the SA15A, requiring mechanical redesign of the circuit board layout and component placement.

Q: Why are the LCE16A, LCE17A, and LCE18A not recommended as direct replacements?

A: These parts feature higher standoff voltages (16V, 17V, 18V) and correspondingly higher clamping voltages (26V, 27.6V, 29.2V). They are not electrically equivalent to the 15V SA15A and will not provide the same protection threshold. Use only if your application requires higher voltage protection.

Q: Is the 1N8157 a suitable replacement?

A: The 1N8157 shares the 15V standoff voltage but has significantly reduced peak pulse current (5.98A) and power rating (150W) compared to the SA15A (20.6A, 500W). It is suitable only for low-energy transient applications and is not recommended as a general replacement.

Q: What compliance certifications should I verify for substitute parts?

A: Verify RoHS status and REACH compliance for your application requirements. The Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA15A and Littelfuse LCE series are RoHS3 compliant. The Microchip 1N8157 is RoHS non-compliant. All listed parts maintain REACH Unaffected status.

Q: Can I use the 1N6464 as a replacement?

A: The 1N6464 provides 15V standoff voltage with acceptable clamping voltage (26.5V) and peak pulse current (19A). However, the product is discontinued at DiGi Electronics, limiting long-term procurement availability. The Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA15A or P5KE15A series are preferred for ongoing supply assurance.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message