SA15C-E3/54 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA15C-E3/54 is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division, designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection in through-hole applications. This part operates with a 15V reverse standoff voltage and provides 500W peak pulse power dissipation in a DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package. The SA15C-E3/54 is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for new designs and ongoing production support. Substitute parts must maintain identical electrical performance within the specified parameter ranges while meeting current product availability and compliance requirements.

Substiute Parts

SA15C-E3/54
Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 4884SA15C-E3/54 Datasheet
SA15C-E3/54
Current Part
SA15CA-E3/54
Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 6196SA15CA-E3/54 Datasheet
SA15CA-E3/54
Direct
P5KE15CA-TP
Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 926P5KE15CA-TP Datasheet
P5KE15CA-TP
MFR Recommended
P6KE18CA
Diotec SemiconductorIn Stock: 20652P6KE18CA Datasheet
P6KE18CA
MFR Recommended
SA15CA
Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 16178SA15CA Datasheet
SA15CA
MFR Recommended
SA15CA-B
Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 783SA15CA-B Datasheet
SA15CA-B
MFR Recommended
SA15CA-TP
Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 10897SA15CA-TP Datasheet
SA15CA-TP
MFR Recommended

Key Parameters

Parameter Value Unit
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ) 15 V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min) 16.7 V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp 26.9 V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs) 18.6 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 -
Bidirectional Channels 1 -

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the SA15C-E3/54 are qualified based on the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

  • Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 15V
  • Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 16.7V
  • Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 24.4V to 26.9V range
  • Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): ≥18.6A
  • Power - Peak Pulse: 500W or greater
  • Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to 175°C minimum
  • Mounting Type: Through Hole
  • Package / Case: DO-204AC or DO-15 axial configuration
  • Type: Zener diode
  • Bidirectional Channels: 1

Parts meeting these criteria are functionally equivalent for general-purpose transient voltage suppression applications. Clamping voltage variations within the specified range reflect normal manufacturing tolerances and do not affect circuit protection performance when applied within design specifications.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter SA15C-E3/54 SA15CA-E3/54 P5KE15CA-TP P6KE18CA SA15CA SA15CA-B SA15CA-TP
Manufacturer Vishay Vishay Micro Commercial Co Diotec Semiconductor Taiwan Semiconductor Littelfuse Inc. Micro Commercial Co
Product Status Obsolete Active Active Active Active Active Active
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ) 15V 15V 15V 15.3V 15V 15V 15V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min) 16.7V 16.7V 16.7V 17.1V 16.7V 16.7V 16.7V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp 26.9V 24.4V 24.4V 25.2V 24.4V 24.4V 24.4V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs) 18.6A 20.5A 20.6A 25A 21A 20.9A 20.9A
Power - Peak Pulse 500W 500W 500W 600W 500W 500W 500W
Operating Temperature Range -55 to 175°C (TJ) -55 to 175°C (TJ) -65 to 175°C (TJ) -50 to 175°C (TJ) -55 to 175°C (TJ) -55 to 175°C (TJ) -55 to 175°C (TA)
Mounting Type Through Hole Through Hole Through Hole Through Hole Through Hole Through Hole Through Hole
Package / Case DO-204AC, DO-15 DO-204AC, DO-15 DO-204AC, DO-15 DO-204AC, DO-15 DO-204AC, DO-15 DO-204AC, DO-15 DO-15
Type Zener Zener Zener Zener Zener Zener Zener
Bidirectional Channels 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant Not specified Not applicable ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant
REACH Status REACH Unaffected REACH Unaffected REACH Unaffected Vendor Undefined REACH Unaffected REACH Unaffected REACH Unaffected

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All substitute parts listed maintain functional equivalence to the SA15C-E3/54 within the specified electrical parameter ranges. Selection among active alternatives should prioritize the following factors:

Product Status: SA15CA-E3/54, P5KE15CA-TP, SA15CA, SA15CA-B, and SA15CA-TP are all active products with confirmed current inventory, eliminating obsolescence risk associated with the original SA15C-E3/54.

Compliance & Certifications: SA15CA-E3/54, SA15CA, SA15CA-B, and SA15CA-TP maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH Unaffected status, matching the original part's regulatory standing. P5KE15CA-TP compliance status is not specified in available documentation. P6KE18CA shows vendor-undefined REACH status and not-applicable RoHS classification, indicating potential regulatory documentation gaps.

Packaging Availability: SA15CA-E3/54 is supplied in Cut Tape (CT) format. SA15CA-B is supplied in Bulk format. SA15CA-TP is supplied in Cut Tape (CT) format. P5KE15CA-TP is supplied in Bulk format. P6KE18CA packaging is not specified. Packaging selection depends on production volume and assembly requirements.

Electrical Performance: All substitute parts exceed the minimum current requirement of 18.6A peak pulse. P6KE18CA provides enhanced power dissipation at 600W versus 500W for other alternatives, offering additional margin for high-stress applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA15CA-E3/54 directly replace SA15C-E3/54 in existing designs?

A: Yes. SA15CA-E3/54 maintains identical reverse standoff voltage (15V), breakdown voltage (16.7V minimum), and operating temperature range (-55°C to 175°C). The clamping voltage is 24.4V versus 26.9V in the original part, representing a 2.5V reduction within acceptable tolerance for general-purpose transient suppression. Peak pulse current is 20.5A versus 18.6A, providing additional margin. Both use DO-204AC (DO-15) axial through-hole packaging.

Q: What is the difference between SA15CA variants (SA15CA-E3/54, SA15CA, SA15CA-B, SA15CA-TP)?

A: These are equivalent parts from different manufacturers or with different packaging formats. SA15CA-E3/54 is Vishay-supplied in Cut Tape. SA15CA is Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation-supplied. SA15CA-B is Littelfuse-supplied in Bulk format. SA15CA-TP is Micro Commercial Co-supplied in Cut Tape. All maintain identical electrical specifications and DO-204AC (DO-15) packaging.

Q: Is P6KE18CA a suitable substitute despite higher clamping voltage?

A: P6KE18CA operates at 15.3V reverse standoff (versus 15V) and 25.2V clamping voltage (versus 26.9V in the original). The 0.3V standoff increase and 1.7V clamping reduction fall within acceptable substitution parameters. Peak pulse current is 25A with 600W power dissipation, exceeding original specifications. Operating temperature range is -50°C to 175°C, which is narrower than the original -55°C to 175°C. This part is suitable for applications not requiring the full -55°C lower temperature limit.

Q: What packaging considerations apply when selecting substitutes?

A: All substitute parts use DO-204AC or DO-15 axial through-hole packages, maintaining mechanical compatibility with SA15C-E3/54 footprints. Packaging format (Cut Tape, Bulk, or unspecified) affects procurement and assembly logistics but not electrical or mechanical fit. Verify packaging format availability matches production requirements.

Q: Are there compliance differences between substitute options?

A: SA15CA-E3/54, SA15CA, SA15CA-B, and SA15CA-TP maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH Unaffected status matching the original part. P5KE15CA-TP compliance documentation is incomplete. P6KE18CA shows vendor-undefined REACH status and not-applicable RoHS classification. For applications requiring verified ROHS3 and REACH compliance, select from the SA15CA family or confirm P5KE15CA-TP documentation with the supplier.

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