SA160C-E3/54 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA160C-E3/54 is a transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode from Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division, rated for 160V reverse standoff voltage with a 257V maximum clamping voltage. This through-hole component in DO-204AC (DO-15) package is designed for general-purpose transient protection applications. The part is currently obsolete, making equivalent substitutes necessary for ongoing design support and procurement.

Substiute Parts

SA160C-E3/54

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 1070SA160C-E3/54 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SA160CA-E3/54

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 868SA160CA-E3/54 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

SA160CA

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 695SA160CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA160CA-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 920SA160CA-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the SA160C-E3/54 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff: 160V (must match)
• Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 178V (must match)
• Mounting Type: Through Hole (must match)
• Package / Case: DO-204AC / DO-15 (must match)
• Type: Zener, Bidirectional (must match)
• Operating Temperature Range: -55°C ~ 175°C (must match)

Substitute parts maintain these core electrical and mechanical specifications. Variations in clamping voltage (257V to 259V) and peak pulse current (1.7A to 2A) remain within acceptable tolerance ranges for general-purpose TVS applications while preserving the primary protection function.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All substitute parts maintain active product status, ensuring long-term availability and manufacturing support. SA160CA-E3/54 and SA160CA from Vishay and Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation respectively carry ROHS3 compliance certification, meeting regulatory requirements for new designs. SA160CA-TP from Micro Commercial Co provides equivalent electrical performance with active status support.

For applications requiring documented compliance certifications, SA160CA-E3/54 or SA160CA are preferred. For general-purpose applications where compliance documentation is already established, SA160CA-TP offers equivalent electrical performance with bulk packaging availability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA160CA-E3/54 directly replace SA160C-E3/54?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical reverse standoff voltage (160V), breakdown voltage (178V), operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 175°C), and through-hole DO-204AC packaging. SA160CA-E3/54 has active product status compared to the obsolete SA160C-E3/54.

Q: What is the difference between SA160CA-E3/54 and SA160CA?

A: Both are manufactured to the same electrical specifications (160V standoff, 178V breakdown, 259V clamping). SA160CA-E3/54 is from Vishay General Semiconductor with tape & reel packaging, while SA160CA is from Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation, also with tape & reel packaging. Both maintain identical operating parameters.

Q: Is SA160CA-TP compatible with the original SA160C-E3/54?

A: Yes. SA160CA-TP maintains the same reverse standoff voltage (160V), breakdown voltage (178V), clamping voltage (259V), and operating temperature range. The primary difference is bulk packaging instead of tape & reel, and the supplier is Micro Commercial Co.

Q: Does the increase in peak pulse current from 1.7A to 2A affect compatibility?

A: No. The substitute parts with 2A peak pulse current provide equal or greater transient protection capability while maintaining all other critical electrical parameters. This represents an improvement in performance margin.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: SA160CA-E3/54 and SA160CA carry ROHS3 compliance certification. SA160CA-TP compliance status is not specified in available documentation.

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

A: Yes. All substitute parts use identical through-hole DO-204AC (DO-15) axial packaging with the same pin configuration and footprint as the original SA160C-E3/54.