SA15C Transient Voltage Suppressor Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA15C is a bidirectional Zener transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. Housed in a DO-204AC (DO-15) axial through-hole package, this component provides 15V reverse standoff voltage with a 25.62V maximum clamping voltage at peak pulse current of 20.9A.

The SA15C is classified as obsolete. Locating active equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity and ensure component availability for new production runs and field replacements.

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)
Package / Case	DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial	—
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Type	Zener	—
Bidirectional Channels	1	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the SA15C is determined by the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

Reverse standoff voltage within the 15V nominal range
Breakdown voltage minimum between 15.84V and 17.1V
Clamping voltage maximum between 24.4V and 32.5V
Peak pulse current capability of 20.9A or greater
Peak pulse power rating of 500W or greater
DO-204AC (DO-15) axial through-hole package
Operating temperature range of -55°C to 175°C or equivalent
Bidirectional Zener diode configuration with single channel

All substitute parts listed below meet these criteria and are classified as active products with current manufacturing status.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Reverse Standoff (V)	Breakdown Min (V)	Clamping Max (V)	Peak Pulse Current (A)	Peak Pulse Power (W)	Operating Temp (°C)	Product Status
SA15C	Littelfuse Inc.	15	15.84	25.62	20.9	500	-55 to 175	Obsolete
SA15CA	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	15	16.7	24.4	21	500	-55 to 175	Active
SA15CA-B	Littelfuse Inc.	15	16.7	24.4	20.9	500	-55 to 175	Active
BZW06-15B	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	15.3	17.1	32.5	123	600	-55 to 175	Active
P6KE18CA	Diotec Semiconductor	15.3	17.1	25.2	25	600	-50 to 175	Active
SA15CA-AP	Micro Commercial Co	15	16.7	24.4	20.9	500	-55 to 175	Active
SA15CA-BP	Micro Commercial Co	15	16.7	24.4	20.9	500	-55 to 175	Active
SA15CA-TP	Micro Commercial Co	15	16.7	24.4	20.9	500	-55 to 175	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All substitute parts listed are active products with current manufacturing status, eliminating obsolescence risk associated with the SA15C.

SA15CA-B (Littelfuse Inc.) is the manufacturer-recommended direct replacement, maintaining the original manufacturer's design lineage while offering active product status and ROHS3 compliance.

SA15CA, SA15CA-AP, SA15CA-BP, and SA15CA-TP are functionally equivalent alternatives from Micro Commercial Co and Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation, differing only in packaging format (bulk, cut tape) and supplier device package designation. All maintain identical electrical parameters and operating temperature range.

BZW06-15B and P6KE18CA offer higher peak pulse current capability (123A and 25A respectively) and increased power dissipation (600W), suitable for applications requiring enhanced transient protection margin. Both maintain compatible reverse standoff and clamping voltage characteristics within acceptable operating ranges.

All substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance or equivalent environmental certifications, ensuring regulatory alignment with modern manufacturing standards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA15CA replace SA15C directly in existing designs?

A: Yes. SA15CA maintains identical reverse standoff voltage (15V), comparable clamping voltage (24.4V vs. 25.62V), and equivalent peak pulse current (21A vs. 20.9A). The DO-204AC (DO-15) axial through-hole package is identical, enabling direct board-level substitution.

Q: What is the difference between SA15CA, SA15CA-AP, SA15CA-BP, and SA15CA-TP?

A: These part numbers represent the same electrical component with different packaging and distribution formats. SA15CA-AP and SA15CA-BP are supplied in bulk packaging. SA15CA-TP is supplied in cut tape format. SA15CA is the base part number. All share identical electrical specifications and operating characteristics.

Q: Why does BZW06-15B have higher peak pulse current (123A) than the SA15C (20.9A)?

A: BZW06-15B is designed for higher transient energy absorption applications. The increased current rating and 600W power dissipation provide greater protection margin in high-energy surge environments. It remains compatible with SA15C applications requiring standard 15V protection, though it is not necessary for designs already meeting performance with 20.9A capability.

Q: Is P6KE18CA suitable for all SA15C applications?

A: P6KE18CA is electrically compatible with SA15C, offering 25A peak pulse current and 600W power dissipation. The operating temperature range is -50°C to 175°C (versus -55°C to 175°C for SA15C). Applications requiring operation below -50°C should use SA15CA-B, SA15CA, or other SA15CA variants instead.

Q: What packaging options are available for SA15C substitutes?

A: All substitute parts use the DO-204AC (DO-15) axial through-hole package, maintaining mechanical compatibility. Packaging format variations (bulk, cut tape, tape and reel) are available through different part number suffixes (SA15CA-AP, SA15CA-BP, SA15CA-TP) to accommodate different procurement and assembly workflows.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: SA15CA-B, SA15CA, SA15CA-AP, SA15CA-BP, and SA15CA-TP are ROHS3 compliant. BZW06-15B is ROHS3 compliant. P6KE18CA carries "Not applicable" RoHS status per manufacturer specification. Verify compliance requirements for your specific application and regulatory jurisdiction.

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