SA160A Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA160A is a unidirectional Zener-type transient voltage suppressor diode in DO-15 (DO-204AC) axial package configuration. Designed for general-purpose transient voltage suppression applications, this component provides 160V reverse standoff voltage with 259V maximum clamping voltage and 1.9A peak pulse current capability. The original onsemi SA160A is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of functionally equivalent active alternatives to maintain design continuity and ensure supply chain availability.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	160	V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	178	V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	259	V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	1.9	A
Power - Peak Pulse	500	W
Mounting Type	Through Hole	-
Package / Case	DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial	-
Type	Zener	-
Unidirectional Channels	1	-

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SA160A is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 160V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 178V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 259V
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Package / Case: DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
Type: Zener
Unidirectional Channels: 1

Substitute parts are classified into two categories:

Direct Manufacturer Substitutes maintain identical electrical specifications and package configuration, differing only in manufacturer, product status (active vs. obsolete), or packaging format (bulk vs. tape & reel).

Similar Manufacturer Substitutes share the same core voltage and clamping parameters but may vary in peak pulse current rating (1.9A vs. 2A) or operating temperature range. These parts are functionally compatible within the specified electrical envelope.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Product Status	Voltage - Reverse Standoff (V)	Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp (V)	Current - Peak Pulse (A)	Package	Operating Temperature (°C)	Inventory (Pcs)
SA160A	onsemi	Obsolete	160	259	1.9	DO-15	-	781
SA160A-AP	Micro Commercial Co	Active	160	259	2	DO-15	-55 ~ 175	1080
SA160A-BP	Micro Commercial Co	Active	160	259	2	DO-15	-55 ~ 175	793
SA160A-E3/54	Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division	Active	160	259	1.9	DO-204AC (DO-15)	-55 ~ 175	846
SA160AHE3/54	Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division	Active	160	259	1.9	DO-204AC (DO-15)	-55 ~ 175	901
P5KE160A-AP	Micro Commercial Co	Active	160	259	1.9	DO-15	-65 ~ 175	891
P5KE160A-BP	Micro Commercial Co	Active	160	259	1.9	DO-15	-65 ~ 175	915
P5KE160A-TP	Micro Commercial Co	Active	160	259	1.9	DO-15	-65 ~ 175	1155
SA160A	Fairchild Semiconductor	Obsolete	160	259	2	DO-204AC (DO-15)	-55 ~ 175	6951
SA160A-TP	Micro Commercial Co	Active	160	259	2	DO-15	-55 ~ 175	938

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (Direct Equivalents):

SA160A-E3/54 and SA160AHE3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor are the preferred direct substitutes. Both maintain identical electrical specifications (160V standoff, 259V clamping, 1.9A peak pulse) and active product status. SA160AHE3/54 carries AEC-Q101 automotive qualification and ROHS3 compliance, making it suitable for automotive and regulated applications. Both are supplied in tape & reel packaging and support operating temperatures from -55°C to 175°C.

Secondary Substitutes (Functionally Compatible):

SA160A-AP, SA160A-BP, and SA160A-TP from Micro Commercial Co are active alternatives with identical voltage parameters but rated for 2A peak pulse current, providing enhanced transient handling capability. These parts are available in bulk packaging and support -55°C to 175°C operation.

Extended Temperature Range Alternatives:

P5KE160A-AP, P5KE160A-BP, and P5KE160A-TP from Micro Commercial Co maintain core electrical specifications with extended operating temperature range (-65°C to 175°C). These parts are suitable for applications requiring lower temperature performance limits.

Obsolete Source (Not Recommended for New Designs):

The Fairchild Semiconductor SA160A variant is obsolete and should not be selected for new designs despite high inventory availability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA160A-AP or SA160A-BP be used as direct replacements for the original onsemi SA160A?

A: Yes. Both parts maintain the required 160V reverse standoff voltage, 259V clamping voltage, and DO-15 package configuration. The 2A peak pulse rating (versus 1.9A original) represents enhanced capability within the same 500W power envelope and does not compromise compatibility.

Q: What is the difference between SA160A-E3/54 and SA160AHE3/54?

A: Both parts are electrically identical with 160V standoff, 259V clamping, and 1.9A peak pulse current. SA160AHE3/54 includes AEC-Q101 automotive qualification and is suitable for automotive applications. Both support -55°C to 175°C operation and are supplied in tape & reel format.

Q: Are P5KE160A series parts compatible with SA160A applications?

A: Yes. P5KE160A-AP, P5KE160A-BP, and P5KE160A-TP maintain identical voltage specifications (160V standoff, 259V clamping) and 1.9A peak pulse rating. The extended operating temperature range (-65°C to 175°C) provides additional low-temperature capability. Package and mounting type are identical.

Q: Does package designation DO-204AC differ functionally from DO-15?

A: No. DO-204AC and DO-15 are equivalent designations for the same axial through-hole package configuration. Both support identical electrical performance and mechanical mounting.

Q: Which substitute offers the best supply availability?

A: P5KE160A-TP from Micro Commercial Co shows the highest inventory level at 1155 pieces, followed by the Fairchild Semiconductor SA160A at 6951 pieces (obsolete status). For active products, SA160A-AP provides 1080 pieces in stock.

Q: Are there compliance or certification differences between substitutes?

A: SA160AHE3/54 from Vishay carries AEC-Q101 automotive qualification and ROHS3 compliance. All listed substitutes maintain REACH unaffected status and EAR99 export classification. Fairchild Semiconductor SA160A is ROHS3 compliant but obsolete.

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