SA170A-E3/73 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA170A-E3/73 is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division. This component operates as a Zener-type TVS device in the TransZorb® series, designed for general-purpose transient voltage protection applications. The part is currently in active production status with 32,100 units available in new original inventory.

TVS diodes are essential in circuit protection applications where transient voltage spikes must be suppressed to prevent damage to sensitive downstream components. Finding equivalent or substitute parts becomes necessary due to supply chain considerations, inventory availability, or design flexibility requirements while maintaining identical electrical and mechanical performance.

Substiute Parts

SA170A-E3/73

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 32170SA170A-E3/73 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SA170A

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 1033SA170A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the SA170A-E3/73 are identified based on strict electrical and mechanical parameter matching within the TVS diode category. The substitution criteria are:

Critical Matching Parameters:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 170V
• Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 189V
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 275V
• Package / Case: DO-204AC (DO-15), Axial
• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to 175°C (TJ)
• RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant

Allowable Variation:

• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): Substitutes may have different peak pulse current ratings provided the clamping voltage and standoff voltage remain within specification. This parameter does not restrict substitution eligibility.

The SA170A manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation qualifies as a direct substitute based on matching all critical electrical parameters and package specifications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Both the SA170A-E3/73 (Vishay) and SA170A (Taiwan Semiconductor) are active production components with ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, meeting current regulatory requirements for electronic component procurement.

The primary distinction between these parts is the peak pulse current rating: the Vishay version supports 1.8A while the Taiwan Semiconductor version supports 100mA. Selection between these parts depends on the specific transient current magnitude expected in the application circuit. Both maintain identical voltage protection characteristics (170V standoff, 275V clamping) and thermal operating range.

Inventory availability differs between manufacturers: Vishay SA170A-E3/73 has 32,100 units in stock, while Taiwan Semiconductor SA170A has 1,019 units available. Packaging format also differs: Vishay is supplied in standard packaging while Taiwan Semiconductor is supplied in Tape & Reel format.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA170A (Taiwan Semiconductor) directly replace SA170A-E3/73 (Vishay) in all applications?

A: Direct replacement is possible only if the application circuit does not require peak pulse currents exceeding 100mA. The Taiwan Semiconductor version is rated for 100mA peak pulse current versus 1.8A for the Vishay version. If transient events in your circuit generate peak currents above 100mA, the Taiwan Semiconductor part will not provide equivalent protection.

Q: Are the voltage protection characteristics identical between these parts?

A: Yes. Both parts maintain identical reverse standoff voltage (170V), breakdown voltage (189V minimum), and clamping voltage (275V maximum). The voltage protection performance is equivalent.

Q: What is the significance of the different packaging formats?

A: The Vishay SA170A-E3/73 uses standard packaging while the Taiwan Semiconductor SA170A is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) format. Both use the same DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package for through-hole mounting. Tape & Reel format is optimized for automated assembly processes, while standard packaging is suitable for manual or mixed assembly environments.

Q: Do both parts meet current regulatory compliance requirements?

A: Yes. Both the SA170A-E3/73 and SA170A are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current environmental and regulatory standards for electronic component procurement and use.

Q: What is the operating temperature range for both parts?

A: Both parts operate across an identical temperature range of -55°C to 175°C (junction temperature), ensuring thermal compatibility in equivalent applications.