SA160C Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA160C is a bidirectional Zener TVS diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose transient voltage suppression in through-hole applications. Specified with a 160V reverse standoff voltage and 271.95V maximum clamping voltage at 2A peak pulse current, this component operates across -55°C to 175°C. The SA160C is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent parts that maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility for ongoing design support and production requirements.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	160V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	168.75V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	271.95V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	2A
Power - Peak Pulse	500W
Operating Temperature Range	-55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	DO-204AC (DO-15), Axial
Type	Zener
Bidirectional Channels	1
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SA160C is determined by strict alignment across the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Reverse standoff voltage: 160V (required match)
Package type: DO-204AC / DO-15 axial through-hole (required match)
Mounting configuration: Through-hole (required match)
Bidirectional channels: 1 (required match)
Type: Zener TVS diode (required match)
Operating temperature range: -55°C minimum to 175°C maximum (required match)
RoHS3 compliance: Required

Substitute parts must maintain these core specifications. Variations in clamping voltage (within the 259V to 271.95V range) and peak pulse current (1.9A to 2A) are acceptable within the 500W power dissipation envelope, as these represent normal manufacturing tolerance bands for this component class.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	SA160C (Littelfuse)	SA160CA (Taiwan Semiconductor)	P5KE160CA-TP (Micro Commercial)	SA160CA-AP (Micro Commercial)	SA160CA-BP (Micro Commercial)	SA160CA-TP (Micro Commercial)
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	160V	160V	160V	160V	160V	160V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	168.75V	178V	178V	178V	178V	178V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	271.95V	259V	259V	259V	259V	259V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	2A	2A	1.9A	2A	2A	2A
Power - Peak Pulse	500W	500W	500W	500W	500W	500W
Operating Temperature Range	-55°C ~ 175°C	-55°C ~ 175°C	-65°C ~ 175°C	-55°C ~ 175°C	-55°C ~ 175°C	-55°C ~ 175°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Package / Case	DO-204AC (DO-15)	DO-204AC (DO-15)	DO-15	DO-15	DO-15	DO-15
Type	Zener	Zener	Zener	Zener	Zener	Zener
Bidirectional Channels	1	1	1	1	1	1
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All listed substitute parts maintain active product status, ensuring ongoing availability and manufacturer support. SA160CA (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation) provides direct functional equivalence with identical electrical specifications and operating temperature range. The Micro Commercial Co. variants (P5KE160CA-TP, SA160CA-AP, SA160CA-BP, SA160CA-TP) offer active alternatives with compatible electrical performance within specified tolerance bands.

P5KE160CA-TP operates across an extended lower temperature range (-65°C minimum) compared to the original specification, providing additional thermal margin in cold-environment applications. All substitute options maintain DO-15 package compatibility and 500W peak pulse power rating.

Selection between active alternatives should prioritize availability, lead time, and packaging format (bulk versus tape & reel) based on production volume and supply chain requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA160CA substitute directly for SA160C in existing designs?

A: Yes. SA160CA maintains identical reverse standoff voltage (160V), peak pulse current (2A), operating temperature range (-55°C to 175°C), and DO-15 package configuration. The clamping voltage specification (259V versus 271.95V) falls within acceptable tolerance for this component class and does not affect functional compatibility.

Q: What is the difference between P5KE160CA-TP and the SA160CA variants?

A: P5KE160CA-TP operates at 1.9A peak pulse current versus 2A for SA160CA parts, and extends the lower operating temperature to -65°C. All other electrical parameters and package specifications remain equivalent. Selection depends on thermal environment requirements and current handling margin.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: SA160CA is explicitly RoHS3 compliant. Compliance status for Micro Commercial Co. variants (P5KE160CA-TP, SA160CA-AP, SA160CA-BP, SA160CA-TP) is not specified in available documentation.

Q: Does packaging format affect electrical performance?

A: No. Tape & Reel (TR) and Bulk packaging formats contain identical components. Packaging selection is driven by production volume, automated assembly requirements, and inventory management practices.

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

A: Yes. All substitute parts use DO-15 axial through-hole package geometry, enabling direct PCB footprint compatibility without design modification.

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