SA17C-E3/54 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA17C-E3/54 is a transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode from Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division, designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection in through-hole applications. This component features a 17V reverse standoff voltage, 30.5V maximum clamping voltage, and 500W peak pulse power rating in a DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package.

The SA17C-E3/54 is classified as obsolete. Equivalent and substitute parts are necessary to maintain design continuity and ensure component availability for new production runs and field replacements.

Substiute Parts

SA17C-E3/54

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 962SA17C-E3/54 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SA17CA-E3/54

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 1086SA17CA-E3/54 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

SA17CA

EIC SEMICONDUCTOR INC.In Stock: 4290SA17CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the SA17C-E3/54 is determined by the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff: 17V (identical across all substitutes)
• Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 18.9V (identical across all substitutes)
• Power - Peak Pulse: 500W (identical across all substitutes)
• Mounting Type: Through Hole (required for form-fit compatibility)
• Type: Zener, Bidirectional (functional equivalence)
• RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant (regulatory requirement)

Acceptable variations within substitution criteria include:

• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 27.6V to 30.5V (within protection envelope)
• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): 16.4A to 18.1A (within power dissipation limits)
• Package / Case: DO-204AC (DO-15) or DO-204AL (DO-41) axial packages (mechanically compatible through-hole formats)
• Manufacturer: Vishay General Semiconductor or EIC Semiconductor (qualified manufacturers)

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

SA17CA-E3/54 (Vishay) is the primary substitute for SA17C-E3/54. Both components are manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division, share identical electrical specifications for reverse standoff and breakdown voltages, and are packaged in the same DO-204AC (DO-15) format. The SA17CA-E3/54 is currently in active production status, ensuring long-term availability. The clamping voltage is reduced to 27.6V with increased peak pulse current of 18.1A, both within acceptable operating parameters for the same 500W power rating.

SA17CA (EIC Semiconductor Inc.) is an alternative substitute with identical electrical performance to SA17CA-E3/54. This component is packaged in DO-204AL (DO-41) format instead of DO-204AC (DO-15). The extended operating temperature range of -65°C to 175°C provides additional thermal margin compared to the original -55°C to 175°C specification. Physical package differences require PCB layout verification for mechanical fit.

Both substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and are suitable for general-purpose transient voltage suppression applications requiring 17V standoff protection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA17CA-E3/54 directly replace SA17C-E3/54 without PCB modifications?

A: Yes. SA17CA-E3/54 is packaged in the identical DO-204AC (DO-15) axial format and shares the same through-hole footprint as SA17C-E3/54. No PCB layout changes are required.

Q: What is the difference between SA17CA-E3/54 and SA17CA?

A: Both parts have identical electrical specifications. The primary difference is packaging: SA17CA-E3/54 uses DO-204AC (DO-15) format, while SA17CA uses DO-204AL (DO-41) format. SA17CA also offers an extended lower operating temperature limit of -65°C versus -55°C.

Q: Are the clamping voltage differences between SA17C-E3/54 (30.5V) and SA17CA-E3/54 (27.6V) significant?

A: Both clamping voltages fall within acceptable transient suppression parameters for 17V standoff applications. The lower clamping voltage of SA17CA-E3/54 provides slightly faster response to transient events while maintaining the same 500W power dissipation capability.

Q: Can SA17CA (DO-41 package) be used if SA17CA-E3/54 (DO-15 package) is unavailable?

A: SA17CA is electrically equivalent but requires PCB footprint verification due to different axial package dimensions between DO-204AL (DO-41) and DO-204AC (DO-15). Physical lead spacing and component body length differ between these formats.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. SA17CA-E3/54 and SA17CA are both ROHS3 compliant, matching the compliance status of the original SA17C-E3/54.