SA15CA-T Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA15CA-T is a bidirectional Zener TVS diode manufactured by Diodes Incorporated, designed for general-purpose transient voltage suppression in through-hole applications. Specified with a 15V reverse standoff voltage and 24.4V maximum clamping voltage at 20.6A peak pulse current, this component provides 500W peak pulse power dissipation in a DO-15 (DO-204AC) axial package.

The SA15CA-T is classified as obsolete. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure supply chain availability, and support ongoing production or repair requirements. Active alternatives with identical or compatible electrical and mechanical specifications are available from multiple manufacturers.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	15	V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	16.7	V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	24.4	V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	20.6	A
Power - Peak Pulse	500	W
Operating Temperature Range	-65 to 175	°C (TJ)
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial	—
Bidirectional Channels	1	—
Type	Zener	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the SA15CA-T is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

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

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Direct Equivalents (Identical Electrical & Mechanical Specifications): Parts meeting all critical parameters with peak pulse current within 20.6A ±5% tolerance and identical package configuration.

Manufacturer Recommended Alternatives (Active Status, Compatible Specifications): Parts with matching voltage and clamping characteristics, active product status, and verified through-hole DO-15 packaging. These include variants from multiple manufacturers with equivalent performance in general-purpose transient suppression applications.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Product Status	Vwm (Typ) V	Vbr (Min) V	Vc (Max) @ Ipp V	Ipp A	Ppk W	Temp Range °C	Package
SA15CA-T	Diodes Incorporated	Obsolete	15	16.7	24.4	20.6	500	-65 to 175	DO-15
P5KE15CA-AP	Micro Commercial Co	Active	15	16.7	24.4	20.6	500	-65 to 175	DO-15
P5KE15CA-BP	Micro Commercial Co	Active	15	16.7	24.4	20.6	500	-65 to 175	DO-15
P5KE15CA-TP	Micro Commercial Co	Active	15	16.7	24.4	20.6	500	-65 to 175	DO-15
SA15CA	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	Active	15	16.7	24.4	21	500	-55 to 175	DO-204AC (DO-15)
SA15CA-AP	Micro Commercial Co	Active	15	16.7	24.4	20.9	500	-55 to 175	DO-15
SA15CA-B	Littelfuse Inc.	Active	15	16.7	24.4	20.9	500	-55 to 175	DO-204AC (DO-15)
SA15CA-BP	Micro Commercial Co	Active	15	16.7	24.4	20.9	500	-55 to 175	DO-15
SA15CA-TP	Micro Commercial Co	Active	15	16.7	24.4	20.9	500	-55 to 175	DO-15
P6KE18CA	Diotec Semiconductor	Active	15.3	17.1	25.2	25	600	-50 to 175	DO-15 (DO-204AC)
SLD15-018	Littelfuse Inc.	Active	15	16.7	24.4	209	5000	-55 to 175	P600

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Identical Specifications):

The P5KE15CA series (P5KE15CA-AP, P5KE15CA-BP, P5KE15CA-TP) from Micro Commercial Co provides direct electrical and mechanical equivalence to the SA15CA-T. All three variants are active products with 20.6A peak pulse current, 24.4V clamping voltage, and DO-15 packaging. Selection among these variants depends on packaging format requirements: -AP (Bulk), -BP (Bulk), or -TP (Bulk).

For Active Alternatives with Minor Parameter Variance:

The SA15CA series from Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation and Littelfuse Inc. (SA15CA, SA15CA-AP, SA15CA-B, SA15CA-BP, SA15CA-TP) are active products with peak pulse current of 20.9A to 21A, representing a 1.5% to 2% increase over the original 20.6A specification. These parts maintain identical voltage ratings (15V standoff, 16.7V breakdown, 24.4V clamping) and 500W peak pulse power. Operating temperature range is -55°C to 175°C, compared to the original -65°C to 175°C. These alternatives are suitable for applications where the lower temperature limit of -55°C is acceptable.

For Higher Power Applications:

The SLD15-018 from Littelfuse Inc. maintains the 15V standoff and 24.4V clamping voltage but provides significantly higher peak pulse current (209A) and power dissipation (5000W). This part uses a P600 package rather than DO-15 and is qualified to AEC-Q101 automotive standards. Selection of this part is appropriate only when higher transient current handling is required.

For Voltage Tolerance Applications:

The P6KE18CA from Diotec Semiconductor offers a 15.3V standoff voltage with 25.2V clamping and 25A peak pulse current in a 600W package. This part is suitable only when the slightly higher voltage rating (0.3V increase) and enhanced current capacity are compatible with circuit requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use P5KE15CA-TP as a direct replacement for SA15CA-T?

A: Yes. The P5KE15CA-TP meets all critical electrical specifications: 15V reverse standoff, 16.7V breakdown, 24.4V clamping voltage, 20.6A peak pulse current, and 500W peak pulse power. Both use DO-15 through-hole axial packaging. The primary difference is product status: SA15CA-T is obsolete while P5KE15CA-TP is active.

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

A: Both parts are from Micro Commercial Co with identical electrical specifications (15V standoff, 24.4V clamping, 20.9A peak pulse current). The difference is packaging format: SA15CA-TP is supplied in Cut Tape (CT), while SA15CA-BP is supplied in Bulk. Electrical performance and mechanical compatibility are identical.

Q: Why does SLD15-018 have a different package (P600) than the original SA15CA-T (DO-15)?

A: The SLD15-018 is designed for higher power applications with 209A peak pulse current and 5000W peak pulse power, compared to the original 20.6A and 500W. The P600 package provides the mechanical and thermal characteristics necessary for this higher power rating. This part is not a direct replacement but rather an alternative for applications requiring enhanced transient suppression capability.

Q: Is the SA15CA from Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation compatible with the original SA15CA-T?

A: Yes, with minor parameter variance. The SA15CA maintains identical voltage ratings (15V standoff, 16.7V breakdown, 24.4V clamping) and 500W peak pulse power. Peak pulse current is 21A versus the original 20.6A, representing a 2% increase. Operating temperature range is -55°C to 175°C versus the original -65°C to 175°C. This part is suitable for applications where the reduced lower temperature limit is acceptable.

Q: Can I substitute P6KE18CA for SA15CA-T?

A: Substitution is not recommended without circuit analysis. While P6KE18CA maintains the 15V standoff voltage and DO-15 packaging, it specifies 15.3V standoff (0.3V higher), 25.2V clamping (0.8V higher), and 25A peak pulse current (4.4A higher) compared to the original. These parameter increases may affect circuit performance in applications with tight voltage tolerance requirements.

Q: What compliance certifications should I verify when selecting a substitute?

A: Verify RoHS3 compliance status and REACH regulatory status based on your application requirements. The original SA15CA-T is ROHS3 Compliant and REACH Affected. Most active alternatives (P5KE15CA series, SA15CA variants, SA15CA-B) are ROHS3 Compliant and REACH Unaffected or Affected. The SLD15-018 is ROHS3 Compliant with REACH Affected status and includes AEC-Q101 automotive qualification.

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