SA170ARL Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA170ARL is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by onsemi, designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. Featuring a 170V reverse standoff voltage and 275V maximum clamping voltage, this through-hole axial component provides 500W peak pulse power dissipation with 1.8A peak pulse current capability. The SA170ARL is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent and substitute parts to maintain design continuity and ensure long-term component availability for new production and field replacements.

Substiute Parts

SA170ARL

onsemiIn Stock: 1038SA170ARL Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SA170A

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 1033SA170A Datasheet

DirectRFQ

1N8182

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 8391N8182 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

P5KE170A-AP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 822P5KE170A-AP Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

P5KE170A-BP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 913P5KE170A-BP Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

P5KE170A-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 984P5KE170A-TP Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SA170ARL is determined by the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 170V
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 275V
• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Package / Case: DO-204AC, DO-15, or Axial equivalent
• Type: Zener, Unidirectional (1 channel)

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): 1.8A or greater
• Power - Peak Pulse: 500W or greater
• Operating Temperature Range: Must encompass or exceed -55°C to 150°C

Parts meeting all primary criteria and maintaining or exceeding secondary parameters are classified as direct equivalents or suitable substitutes. Parts with variations in peak pulse current or power dissipation are classified as similar alternatives where application requirements permit.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Equivalents (Recommended Primary Substitutes):

The P5KE170A-TP, P5KE170A-BP, and P5KE170A-AP manufactured by Micro Commercial Co are direct electrical and mechanical equivalents to the SA170ARL. All three variants maintain identical voltage ratings (170V standoff, 275V clamping), peak pulse current (1.8A), and power dissipation (500W). These parts are currently in active production status, ensuring long-term availability. Operating temperature ranges extend to 175°C, exceeding the original SA170ARL specification. All three P5KE170A variants are suitable for direct pin-for-pin replacement in through-hole DO-15 axial applications.

Active Alternative (Secondary Substitute):

The SA170A manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation is an active equivalent with matching voltage specifications and power rating. This part maintains the 170V standoff and 275V clamping voltages with 500W peak pulse power. However, the peak pulse current is specified at 100mA, significantly lower than the SA170ARL's 1.8A rating. The SA170A is suitable only for applications where peak pulse current requirements do not exceed 100mA. This part carries ROHS3 compliance certification, providing environmental regulatory advantage over the original obsolete component.

Similar Alternative (Limited Substitution):

The 1N8182 manufactured by Microchip Technology maintains the 170V reverse standoff voltage but exhibits a higher clamping voltage of 294V and reduced power dissipation of 150W. Peak pulse current is specified at 510mA. This part is suitable only for applications where the higher clamping voltage and reduced power handling are acceptable. The 1N8182 is not recommended as a primary substitute due to these parameter deviations.

Compliance Considerations:

For new production requiring RoHS compliance, the SA170A (ROHS3 compliant) or verification of P5KE170A variant compliance status is necessary. The original SA170ARL is RoHS non-compliant, and the 1N8182 is also non-compliant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the SA170A be used as a direct replacement for the SA170ARL?

A: The SA170A is electrically compatible for voltage protection specifications but has significantly reduced peak pulse current capability (100mA vs. 1.8A). Use the SA170A only if your application's peak pulse current requirement does not exceed 100mA. For applications requiring 1.8A peak pulse current, select P5KE170A variants instead.

Q: What is the difference between P5KE170A-TP, P5KE170A-BP, and P5KE170A-AP?

A: All three P5KE170A variants are electrically identical with matching voltage ratings, current ratings, and power dissipation. The suffix designations (-TP, -BP, -AP) indicate different packaging or tape configurations. Select based on your procurement and assembly requirements. All three are suitable for direct replacement of the SA170ARL.

Q: Is the 1N8182 a suitable substitute?

A: The 1N8182 maintains the 170V reverse standoff voltage but has a higher clamping voltage (294V vs. 275V) and significantly reduced power dissipation (150W vs. 500W). Use the 1N8182 only if your circuit design can accommodate the higher clamping voltage and your application does not require 500W peak pulse power handling.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same axial through-hole package?

A: Yes. All substitute parts listed are available in through-hole axial configurations compatible with DO-204AC and DO-15 package standards, ensuring mechanical compatibility with existing PCB designs.

Q: Which substitute offers the best long-term availability?

A: The P5KE170A series (all three variants) and SA170A are in active production status, ensuring long-term component availability. The 1N8182 is also active but is not recommended as a primary choice due to parameter deviations.

Q: Does operating temperature range affect substitution eligibility?

A: The SA170ARL operates from -55°C to 150°C. All substitute parts extend this range to -55°C to 175°C or -65°C to 175°C, providing improved thermal performance. If your application operates within the original -55°C to 150°C range, all substitutes are compatible. Applications requiring operation above 150°C are fully supported by all listed alternatives.