SA15C-B Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA15C-B is a transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection in through-hole applications. This bidirectional Zener diode operates with a 15V reverse standoff voltage and provides 500W peak pulse power dissipation in a DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package. The product is currently obsolete, making equivalent substitutes necessary for ongoing design support and component procurement.

Substiute Parts

SA15C-B

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 901SA15C-B Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SA15CA

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 16178SA15CA Datasheet

DirectRFQ

SA15CA-B

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 783SA15CA-B Datasheet

DirectRFQ

P6KE18CA

Diotec SemiconductorIn Stock: 20652P6KE18CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA15CA-AP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 776SA15CA-AP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA15CA-BP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 915SA15CA-BP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA15CA-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 10897SA15CA-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the SA15C-B TVS diode is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Reverse Standoff Voltage: 15V nominal (acceptable range 15V to 15.3V)
• Clamping Voltage @ Ipp: Maximum 25.62V (acceptable range up to 25.2V)
• Peak Pulse Current: Minimum 20.9A
• Peak Pulse Power: Minimum 500W
• Package: DO-204AC (DO-15) axial through-hole
• Bidirectional Channels: 1
• Type: Zener diode

Substitute parts must maintain electrical compatibility within these parameters and preserve the through-hole axial package form factor. All identified substitutes meet these core requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All identified substitute parts maintain electrical parameter compatibility with the SA15C-B within acceptable tolerances. Selection should prioritize active product status and compliance certifications:

Primary Substitutes (Highest Compatibility)

SA15CA, SA15CA-B, SA15CA-AP, SA15CA-BP, and SA15CA-TP are direct functional equivalents with active product status. These parts maintain identical reverse standoff voltage (15V), clamping voltage performance (24.4V), and peak pulse current ratings (20.9A to 21A). All are ROHS3 compliant and carry EAR99 export classification. Packaging variants (bulk, cut tape) accommodate different procurement and assembly requirements.

Alternative Substitute (Enhanced Performance)

P6KE18CA from Diotec Semiconductor provides enhanced specifications with 25A peak pulse current and 600W power dissipation, exceeding SA15C-B performance. The reverse standoff voltage is slightly elevated at 15.3V, and clamping voltage is 25.2V. This part is suitable for applications requiring additional margin. Operating temperature minimum is -50°C versus -55°C for other substitutes.

Compliance Considerations

SA15CA-TP carries ROHS3 compliance and is available in cut tape packaging with the highest inventory (10,833 pcs). SA15CA from Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation offers the largest active inventory (16,100 pcs) with ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status. Both are suitable for high-volume procurement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA15CA-TP directly replace SA15C-B in existing designs?

A: Yes. SA15CA-TP maintains the same reverse standoff voltage (15V), comparable clamping voltage (24.4V vs. 25.62V), and identical peak pulse current (20.9A). The DO-15 axial package is mechanically and electrically compatible. The primary difference is product status: SA15C-B is obsolete while SA15CA-TP is active.

Q: What is the difference between SA15CA variants (SA15CA, SA15CA-B, SA15CA-AP, SA15CA-BP, SA15CA-TP)?

A: These are the same electrical component with different packaging and distribution formats. SA15CA is the base part number. Suffixes indicate packaging: -B (bulk), -AP (bulk from Micro Commercial Co), -BP (bulk from Micro Commercial Co), -TP (cut tape). All maintain identical electrical specifications and are functionally interchangeable.

Q: Is P6KE18CA a suitable replacement?

A: P6KE18CA is electrically compatible with enhanced performance specifications (25A peak pulse current, 600W power dissipation). The reverse standoff voltage is 15.3V (0.3V higher than SA15C-B) and clamping voltage is 25.2V (0.42V lower). This part is suitable for applications where additional current handling capacity is beneficial. The operating temperature minimum is -50°C instead of -55°C.

Q: Are all substitutes ROHS3 compliant?

A: SA15CA, SA15CA-B, and SA15CA-TP are explicitly ROHS3 compliant. P6KE18CA has not applicable RoHS status. SA15CA-AP and SA15CA-BP do not specify RoHS status in available documentation. Verify compliance requirements with your procurement or quality department before final selection.

Q: What inventory levels are available for each substitute?

A: SA15CA (Taiwan Semiconductor) has 16,100 pcs in stock. P6KE18CA (Diotec) has 20,587 pcs. SA15CA-TP (Micro Commercial) has 10,833 pcs. SA15CA-B (Littelfuse) has 721 pcs. SA15CA-AP and SA15CA-BP (Micro Commercial) have 685 and 858 pcs respectively. Inventory levels support both prototype and production-volume requirements.

Q: Can these parts be used interchangeably in PCB designs without layout modifications?

A: Yes. All substitutes use the DO-15 (DO-204AC) axial through-hole package with identical pin spacing and lead configuration. No PCB layout changes are required for mechanical or electrical compatibility.