SA17CA Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA17CA is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by onsemi, designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection in through-hole applications. Specified with a 17V reverse standoff voltage, 27.6V maximum clamping voltage, and 500W peak pulse power rating, the SA17CA operates in the DO-15 package configuration. The main part is currently listed as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and component procurement.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	17V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	18.9V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	27.6V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	18.1A
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 are classified into two categories based on electrical and mechanical parameter alignment:

Direct Substitutes maintain identical electrical specifications (17V standoff, 18.9V breakdown minimum, 27.6V clamping maximum, 500W peak pulse power) and compatible through-hole axial packaging. These parts are functionally interchangeable without circuit redesign:

SA17CA (EIC Semiconductor Inc.) - Active status, DO-41 package variant
SA17CA-E3/54 (Vishay General Semiconductor) - Active status, DO-204AC package, Tape & Reel
SA17CAHE3/54 (Vishay General Semiconductor) - Active status, DO-204AC package, AEC-Q101 automotive qualified

Similar Substitutes maintain core electrical specifications with minor variations in peak pulse current (18.5A vs. 18.1A) and packaging format. These parts provide functional equivalence with acceptable parameter tolerance:

SA17CA-AP (Micro Commercial Co) - Active status, Bulk packaging
SA17CA-BP (Micro Commercial Co) - Active status, Bulk packaging
SA17CA-TP (Micro Commercial Co) - Active status, Bulk packaging

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Voltage - Reverse Standoff	Voltage - Clamping (Max)	Current - Peak Pulse	Power - Peak Pulse	Package	Product Status
SA17CA	onsemi	17V	27.6V	18.1A	500W	DO-15	Obsolete
SA17CA	EIC Semiconductor Inc.	17V	27.6V	18.1A	500W	DO-41	Active
SA17CA-E3/54	Vishay General Semiconductor	17V	27.6V	18.1A	500W	DO-204AC (DO-15)	Active
SA17CAHE3/54	Vishay General Semiconductor	17V	27.6V	18.1A	500W	DO-204AC (DO-15)	Active
SA17CA-AP	Micro Commercial Co	17V	27.6V	18.5A	500W	DO-15	Active
SA17CA-BP	Micro Commercial Co	17V	27.6V	18.5A	500W	DO-15	Active
SA17CA-TP	Micro Commercial Co	17V	27.6V	18.5A	500W	DO-15	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For direct replacement with identical specifications: Select SA17CA-E3/54 or SA17CAHE3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor. Both maintain exact electrical parameters and through-hole axial configuration. SA17CAHE3/54 includes AEC-Q101 automotive qualification and is suitable for automotive-grade applications. Both are RoHS3 compliant and available in active production status.

For general-purpose applications with active component availability: SA17CA from EIC Semiconductor Inc. provides identical electrical performance in DO-41 package configuration, maintaining through-hole mounting compatibility. This option is actively produced and available in volume.

For applications with flexible packaging requirements: SA17CA-AP, SA17CA-BP, and SA17CA-TP from Micro Commercial Co offer equivalent electrical performance with marginally higher peak pulse current (18.5A) and bulk packaging options. All three maintain active production status and 17V standoff voltage specification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA17CA-E3/54 directly replace the obsolete onsemi SA17CA? A: Yes. SA17CA-E3/54 maintains identical electrical specifications (17V standoff, 27.6V clamping, 18.1A peak pulse, 500W power) and compatible through-hole axial packaging. The primary difference is package designation (DO-204AC vs. DO-15), which are mechanically equivalent.

Q: What is the difference between direct substitutes and similar substitutes? A: Direct substitutes maintain all electrical parameters identically. Similar substitutes from Micro Commercial Co feature 18.5A peak pulse current versus 18.1A in the original specification, representing a 2.2% increase within acceptable engineering tolerance for TVS diode applications.

Q: Is SA17CAHE3/54 suitable for automotive applications? A: Yes. SA17CAHE3/54 carries AEC-Q101 qualification and automotive-grade designation, making it appropriate for automotive circuit protection requirements.

Q: What packaging formats are available? A: Vishay parts are supplied in Tape & Reel format. EIC Semiconductor provides Bag packaging. Micro Commercial Co offers Bulk packaging. All maintain through-hole axial configuration compatible with standard PCB assembly processes.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant? A: Vishay parts (SA17CA-E3/54, SA17CAHE3/54) are explicitly RoHS3 compliant. EIC Semiconductor SA17CA lists RoHS status as compliant. Micro Commercial Co parts do not specify RoHS status in provided documentation.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message