SA16A Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA16A is a unidirectional Zener-type transient voltage suppressor manufactured by onsemi in the MiniMosorb™ series. This axial through-hole component is designed for general-purpose transient voltage suppression with a 16V reverse standoff voltage and 26V maximum clamping voltage. The part is currently obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and production requirements.

Substiute Parts

SA16A

onsemiIn Stock: 4255SA16A Datasheet

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SA16A

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 4202SA16A Datasheet

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SA16A-E3/54

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 12710SA16A-E3/54 Datasheet

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SA16AHE3/54

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 947SA16AHE3/54 Datasheet

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LCE15A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 2372LCE15A Datasheet

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LCE16A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 2686LCE16A Datasheet

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LCE17A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 839LCE17A Datasheet

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LCE18A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1007LCE18A Datasheet

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P5KE16A-AP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 862P5KE16A-AP Datasheet

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P5KE16A-BP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 807P5KE16A-BP Datasheet

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P5KE16A-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1005P5KE16A-TP Datasheet

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SA16A-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1177SA16A-TP Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the SA16A are categorized based on strict electrical and mechanical compatibility criteria:

Direct Equivalents maintain identical electrical specifications (16V reverse standoff, 17.8V breakdown minimum, 26V clamping maximum, 19.2A peak pulse current, 500W peak pulse power) and axial through-hole packaging. These parts are pin-compatible and functionally interchangeable.

Similar Parts share the same voltage class (16V-18V reverse standoff range) and through-hole mounting but differ in package type (DO-201 vs. DO-15), peak pulse current ratings (up to 61A), or power dissipation (up to 1.5kW). These require mechanical and thermal evaluation before substitution.

Key Parameters for Substitution Compatibility:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 16V ± tolerance
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 26V maximum
• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): minimum 19.2A
• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Package compatibility: DO-204AC, DO-15, or DO-201 axial packages

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Replacement (Preferred for Pin-Compatible Designs):

SA16A-E3/54 and SA16AHE3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor are direct electrical and mechanical equivalents with active product status and ROHS3 compliance. Both maintain identical voltage specifications and 500W peak pulse power rating. SA16AHE3/54 includes AEC-Q101 automotive qualification and extended temperature range (-55°C to 175°C), providing enhanced reliability for demanding applications.

P5KE16A series variants (P5KE16A-TP, P5KE16A-BP, P5KE16A-AP) from Micro Commercial Co are electrically identical with extended operating temperature range (-65°C to 175°C). These parts are functionally interchangeable in standard through-hole applications.

Alternative Selection (Different Package, Higher Performance):

LCE16A from Littelfuse Inc. maintains identical voltage specifications but uses DO-201 package with significantly higher peak pulse current (57A vs. 19.2A) and power dissipation (1500W vs. 500W). This part is suitable for applications requiring enhanced transient suppression capability with the same voltage class.

LCE15A and LCE17A represent adjacent voltage classes within the Littelfuse LCE series. LCE15A (15V class) provides lower voltage protection with higher current capacity (61A). LCE17A (17V class) offers higher voltage protection with 54A peak pulse current. These are suitable only when voltage specifications can accommodate the deviation.

Compliance Considerations:

The original SA16A is RoHS non-compliant. Vishay SA16A-E3/54, SA16AHE3/54, and Littelfuse LCE series parts are ROHS3 compliant, meeting modern regulatory requirements. Micro Commercial Co P5KE16A variants do not specify RoHS status and require verification for regulated applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA16A-E3/54 directly replace the obsolete SA16A in existing designs?

A: Yes. SA16A-E3/54 maintains identical electrical specifications (16V reverse standoff, 26V clamping, 19.2A peak pulse current, 500W power) and DO-204AC (DO-15) axial through-hole packaging. The extended temperature range (-55°C to 175°C vs. -55°C to 150°C) provides additional margin. ROHS3 compliance is an added benefit for new production.

Q: What is the difference between DO-15 and DO-201 packages?

A: Both are axial through-hole packages for TVS diodes. DO-15 (DO-204AC) is the smaller package used by SA16A and direct equivalents. DO-201 (DO-27) is a larger package used by Littelfuse LCE series. Physical dimensions differ, requiring PCB layout changes. Electrical performance is independent of package type.

Q: Why do Littelfuse LCE parts have higher peak pulse current ratings?

A: LCE series uses DO-201 package geometry, which provides larger die area and improved thermal dissipation compared to DO-15 package. This enables higher current handling (up to 61A) and power dissipation (1500W) while maintaining the same voltage class. Substitution requires mechanical compatibility verification.

Q: Is SA16AHE3/54 suitable for automotive applications?

A: SA16AHE3/54 carries AEC-Q101 automotive qualification and is graded for automotive use. It maintains identical electrical specifications to SA16A-E3/54 with the addition of automotive-grade reliability testing and extended temperature range. Use this variant for automotive or high-reliability applications.

Q: Can P5KE16A variants be used interchangeably?

A: P5KE16A-TP, P5KE16A-BP, and P5KE16A-AP are electrically identical with identical voltage and current specifications. Differences are in packaging format (Bulk designation) and supplier device package designation. They are functionally interchangeable for standard applications.

Q: What should I consider when substituting with LCE15A or LCE17A?

A: LCE15A and LCE17A differ in voltage specifications from the 16V class SA16A. LCE15A (15V class) provides lower protection threshold; LCE17A (17V class) provides higher protection threshold. Substitution is only valid if circuit design tolerates the voltage deviation. Verify clamping voltage compatibility with protected components.

Q: Are there temperature range limitations when substituting?

A: The original SA16A operates -55°C to 150°C. Most active substitutes extend to -55°C to 175°C, providing additional margin. Micro Commercial Co P5KE16A variants extend to -65°C lower bound. Verify that substitute temperature range meets application requirements, particularly for industrial or automotive environments.