SA170CA Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA170CA is a 170V reverse standoff, bidirectional Zener TVS diode in DO-15 (DO-204AC) axial package designed for general-purpose transient voltage suppression. Manufactured by onsemi, this component is classified as obsolete. Due to its obsolete status, equivalent and substitute parts from active manufacturers are necessary to maintain design continuity and ensure long-term component availability for new production and field replacements.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	170V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	189V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	275V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	1.8A
Power - Peak Pulse	500W
Type	Zener
Bidirectional Channels	1
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the SA170CA are grouped based on strict electrical and mechanical parameter matching:

Direct Equivalents - Parts with identical electrical specifications (170V reverse standoff, 189V minimum breakdown, 275V clamping voltage, 1.8A peak pulse current, 500W peak pulse power) and compatible through-hole axial packaging. These parts are functionally interchangeable without circuit modification.

Manufacturer Variants - Parts from different manufacturers (Fairchild Semiconductor, Vishay General Semiconductor, Micro Commercial Co) that maintain the same electrical performance envelope and package form factor.

Active Product Alternatives - Parts with active product status that meet or exceed the electrical requirements of the obsolete SA170CA, ensuring continued availability and supply chain reliability.

Similar Performance Parts - Parts with comparable but slightly elevated electrical ratings (such as P6KE200CA with 171V standoff and 2.2A peak pulse current) that provide enhanced performance margins while maintaining functional compatibility in most applications.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	Power - Peak Pulse	Product Status	Package
SA170CA	onsemi	170V	189V	275V	1.8A	500W	Obsolete	DO-15
SA170CA	Fairchild Semiconductor	170V	189V	275V	1.9A	500W	Obsolete	DO-204AC (DO-15)
SA170CA-E3/54	Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division	170V	189V	275V	1.8A	500W	Active	DO-204AC (DO-15)
SA170CAHE3/54	Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division	170V	189V	275V	1.8A	500W	Active	DO-204AC (DO-15)
P5KE170CA-AP	Micro Commercial Co	170V	189V	275V	1.8A	500W	Active	DO-15
P5KE170CA-BP	Micro Commercial Co	170V	189V	275V	1.8A	500W	Active	DO-15
P5KE170CA-TP	Micro Commercial Co	170V	189V	275V	1.8A	500W	Active	DO-15
SA170CA-AP	Micro Commercial Co	170V	189V	275V	1.9A	500W	Active	DO-15
SA170CA-BP	Micro Commercial Co	170V	189V	275V	1.9A	500W	Active	DO-15
SA170CA-TP	Micro Commercial Co	170V	189V	275V	1.9A	500W	Active	DO-15
P6KE200CA	Fairchild Semiconductor	171V	190V	274V	2.2A	600W	Active	DO-15 (DO-204AC)

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (Direct Electrical Equivalents)

SA170CA-E3/54 and SA170CAHE3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor are the preferred direct substitutes. Both maintain identical electrical specifications (170V standoff, 189V breakdown, 275V clamping, 1.8A peak pulse) and are classified as active products with ROHS3 compliance. SA170CAHE3/54 includes AEC-Q101 automotive qualification, suitable for applications requiring automotive-grade reliability.

Active Manufacturer Alternatives

P5KE170CA-AP, P5KE170CA-BP, and P5KE170CA-TP from Micro Commercial Co provide identical electrical performance with active product status. These parts are suitable for general-purpose applications and offer extended temperature range (-65°C to 175°C).

SA170CA-AP, SA170CA-BP, and SA170CA-TP from Micro Commercial Co maintain the same electrical envelope with slightly elevated peak pulse current (1.9A) and active product status, providing additional performance margin.

Enhanced Performance Alternative

P6KE200CA from Fairchild Semiconductor offers higher voltage standoff (171V), increased peak pulse current (2.2A), and elevated power dissipation (600W). This part is suitable for applications requiring enhanced transient suppression capability while maintaining compatibility with the 170V circuit protection threshold.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA170CA-E3/54 be used as a direct replacement for the onsemi SA170CA?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical electrical specifications: 170V reverse standoff, 189V minimum breakdown voltage, 275V maximum clamping voltage, and 1.8A peak pulse current. The SA170CA-E3/54 is available in active product status with ROHS3 compliance, making it a suitable direct substitute for new designs and field replacements.

Q: What is the difference between SA170CA-E3/54 and SA170CAHE3/54?

A: Both parts have identical electrical specifications and packaging. SA170CAHE3/54 includes AEC-Q101 automotive qualification and is designated for automotive applications. Select SA170CAHE3/54 for designs requiring automotive-grade reliability and traceability.

Q: Are the Micro Commercial Co variants (P5KE170CA and SA170CA series) compatible with the original SA170CA?

A: Yes. All Micro Commercial Co variants maintain the core electrical specifications of 170V standoff and 275V clamping voltage. The P5KE170CA series offers identical 1.8A peak pulse current, while SA170CA-AP, SA170CA-BP, and SA170CA-TP provide slightly elevated 1.9A peak pulse current. All are suitable substitutes with active product status.

Q: When should P6KE200CA be used instead of direct SA170CA equivalents?

A: P6KE200CA is a similar performance part with enhanced ratings: 171V standoff, 2.2A peak pulse current, and 600W power dissipation compared to the SA170CA's 1.8A and 500W. Use P6KE200CA when circuit design requires higher transient suppression capability or when additional performance margin is beneficial. The slightly elevated voltage standoff (171V vs. 170V) remains compatible with 170V circuit protection requirements.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same DO-15 axial package?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts are available in DO-15 (DO-204AC) axial through-hole package, ensuring mechanical and electrical compatibility with existing PCB designs without layout modifications.

Q: What compliance certifications apply to these substitute parts?

A: Vishay parts (SA170CA-E3/54, SA170CAHE3/54) carry ROHS3 compliance. SA170CAHE3/54 includes AEC-Q101 automotive qualification. Micro Commercial Co and Fairchild parts maintain REACH compliance. All parts are classified under ECCN EAR99 and HTSUS 8541.10.0080.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message