SA16AG Transient Voltage Suppressor - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA16AG is a unidirectional Zener-type Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by onsemi in the MiniMosorb™ series. Designed for general-purpose transient protection applications, this through-hole axial component operates across a temperature range of -55°C to 150°C. The part is currently classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent alternatives essential for ongoing system support, maintenance, and new design implementations where legacy component compatibility is required.

Substiute Parts

SA16AG

onsemiIn Stock: 786SA16AG Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SA16A

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 4202SA16A Datasheet

DirectRFQ

SA16A-E3/54

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

SimilarRFQ

SA16A-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1177SA16A-TP Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the SA16AG are qualified based on strict electrical and mechanical parameter matching within the TVS diode category. The following criteria determine substitution eligibility:

Critical Matching Parameters:

• Unidirectional Zener-type topology with single channel configuration
• Reverse standoff voltage of 16V (typical)
• Breakdown voltage minimum of 17.8V
• Clamping voltage maximum of 26V at peak pulse current
• Peak pulse current rating of 19.2A to 19.6A (10/1000µs waveform)
• Peak pulse power rating of 500W
• Through-hole axial or DO-15 mounting compatibility
• General-purpose transient protection application class

All identified substitutes maintain these core electrical specifications and package compatibility, enabling direct functional replacement in existing circuit designs.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

SA16A (Fairchild Semiconductor): Direct equivalent with identical electrical specifications and operating temperature range. Classified as obsolete with bulk packaging. Suitable for applications where legacy component sourcing remains available and cost is a primary consideration.

SA16A-E3/54 (Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division): Functionally equivalent with extended operating temperature range (-55°C to 175°C junction temperature) compared to the original SA16AG specification. Classified as active product status with ROHS3 compliance certification. Cut tape packaging provides standard component handling. Recommended for new designs and long-term supply chain continuity.

SA16A-TP (Micro Commercial Co): Functionally equivalent with extended operating temperature range (-55°C to 175°C ambient temperature) and marginally higher peak pulse current rating (19.6A versus 19.2A). Classified as active product status with ROHS3 compliance certification. Tape & reel packaging supports automated assembly processes. Suitable for high-volume production environments.

Selection between active substitutes should prioritize product status, compliance certifications, and packaging requirements aligned with manufacturing processes and supply chain strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA16A-E3/54 or SA16A-TP directly replace SA16AG in existing circuit boards?

A: Yes. All three substitute parts maintain identical reverse standoff voltage (16V), breakdown voltage (17.8V minimum), clamping voltage (26V maximum), and peak pulse power rating (500W). Through-hole axial and DO-15 package compatibility enables direct mechanical and electrical substitution without circuit modification.

Q: What is the significance of the extended operating temperature range in SA16A-E3/54 and SA16A-TP?

A: SA16A-E3/54 and SA16A-TP specify operating temperature ranges of -55°C to 175°C, compared to SA16AG's -55°C to 150°C. This extended range provides additional thermal margin in applications subject to elevated ambient or junction temperatures, though both ranges satisfy the same general-purpose transient protection function.

Q: Why is SA16A-E3/54 recommended over SA16A for new designs?

A: SA16A-E3/54 carries active product status and ROHS3 compliance certification, ensuring ongoing manufacturer support and regulatory alignment. SA16A is classified as obsolete, presenting potential long-term supply and support limitations.

Q: Does packaging format affect electrical performance?

A: No. Bulk, cut tape, and tape & reel packaging formats do not alter electrical specifications. Packaging selection should align with manufacturing processes: bulk for manual assembly, cut tape for standard component handling, and tape & reel for automated production environments.

Q: Are there compliance or certification differences between substitutes?

A: SA16A-E3/54 and SA16A-TP both carry ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity level (MSL 1) ratings. SA16A compliance status is not specified in available documentation. All parts share identical ECCN (EAR99) and HTSUS (8541.10.0080) classifications.