SA15C-E3/73 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA15C-E3/73 is a 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 26.9V maximum clamping voltage at peak pulse current of 18.6A. The SA15C-E3/73 is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for new designs and ongoing production support. Substitute parts maintain the same electrical performance envelope while offering active product status and improved availability.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	15V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	16.7V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	26.9V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	18.6A
Power - Peak Pulse	500W
Package / Case	DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Operating Temperature Range	-55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
Type	Zener
Bidirectional Channels	1

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the SA15C-E3/73 are qualified based on the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Voltage - Reverse Standoff: 15V (±0.3V tolerance acceptable)
Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 16.7V minimum
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 24.4V to 26.9V range
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): 18.6A minimum
Power - Peak Pulse: 500W minimum
Package / Case: DO-204AC or DO-15 (axial through-hole)
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Type: Zener, Bidirectional, Single Channel

All substitute parts listed maintain compatibility within these electrical and mechanical boundaries. Parts are grouped by manufacturer and product status (active vs. obsolete).

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	Power - Peak Pulse	Package / Case	Product Status
SA15C-E3/73	Vishay General Semiconductor	15V	16.7V	26.9V	18.6A	500W	DO-204AC (DO-15)	Obsolete
SA15CA-E3/73	Vishay General Semiconductor	15V	16.7V	24.4V	20.5A	500W	DO-204AC (DO-15)	Active
P5KE15CA-TP	Micro Commercial Co	15V	16.7V	24.4V	20.6A	500W	DO-15	Active
P6KE18CA	Diotec Semiconductor	15.3V	17.1V	25.2V	25A	600W	DO-15 (DO-204AC)	Active
SA15CA	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	15V	16.7V	24.4V	21A	500W	DO-204AC (DO-15)	Active
SA15CA-B	Littelfuse Inc.	15V	16.7V	24.4V	20.9A	500W	DO-204AC (DO-15)	Active
SA15CA-TP	Micro Commercial Co	15V	16.7V	24.4V	20.9A	500W	DO-15	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All listed substitute parts are active products with current manufacturing status, providing long-term supply chain stability compared to the obsolete SA15C-E3/73. Selection among substitutes should be based on the following criteria:

Direct Vishay Replacement: SA15CA-E3/73 maintains the same manufacturer lineage and is the direct active equivalent. This part carries ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status identical to the original.

Multi-Source Alternatives: SA15CA (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation), SA15CA-B (Littelfuse Inc.), and SA15CA-TP (Micro Commercial Co) provide equivalent electrical performance with active product status and established supply availability. All maintain ROHS3 compliance and identical operating temperature ranges.

Enhanced Performance Option: P6KE18CA (Diotec Semiconductor) offers increased peak pulse current (25A vs. 18.6A) and higher power dissipation (600W vs. 500W), providing additional margin for applications requiring higher transient energy absorption.

Packaging Consideration: P5KE15CA-TP and SA15CA-TP are supplied in cut tape packaging, suitable for automated assembly processes. Standard tube or bulk packaging alternatives are available from other manufacturers listed.

All substitute parts maintain the DO-15 (DO-204AC) axial through-hole package format, ensuring mechanical compatibility with existing PCB layouts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA15CA-E3/73 directly replace SA15C-E3/73 in existing designs?

A: Yes. SA15CA-E3/73 is the direct active equivalent from Vishay, maintaining 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 on the original, and peak pulse current is 20.5A versus 18.6A, both representing improved performance margins.

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

A: These parts are electrically identical with 15V reverse standoff, 24.4V clamping voltage, and 500W peak pulse power. Differences are in manufacturer (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation, Littelfuse Inc., Micro Commercial Co) and packaging format (bulk, cut tape). All are active products with ROHS3 compliance.

Q: Why does P6KE18CA have higher specifications than the original SA15C-E3/73?

A: P6KE18CA provides 25A peak pulse current and 600W power dissipation compared to 18.6A and 500W on the original. This represents an enhanced performance option suitable for applications requiring greater transient energy absorption. The reverse standoff voltage is 15.3V and clamping voltage is 25.2V, both within acceptable substitution parameters.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: SA15CA-E3/73, SA15CA, SA15CA-B, and SA15CA-TP are ROHS3 compliant. P6KE18CA RoHS status is not applicable per manufacturer specification. P5KE15CA-TP RoHS compliance status is not specified in available data.

Q: What packaging formats are available for these substitutes?

A: All parts use DO-15 (DO-204AC) axial through-hole packages. SA15CA-TP and P5KE15CA-TP are supplied in cut tape format for automated assembly. Other variants are available in bulk or standard tube packaging depending on manufacturer and distributor.

Q: Can these parts be used interchangeably in PCB designs?

A: Yes. All substitute parts maintain the same DO-15 axial through-hole footprint, allowing direct PCB layout compatibility. No circuit board modifications are required for substitution.

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