SA18C-E3/54 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA18C-E3/54 is a 18V Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division, designed for general-purpose transient protection applications. This bidirectional Zener diode operates across a temperature range of -55°C to 175°C and is housed in a DO-204AC (DO-15) axial through-hole package.

The SA18C-E3/54 is classified as obsolete. Equivalent and substitute parts are available from active product lines that maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility, enabling continued system design and procurement without redesign requirements.

Substiute Parts

SA18C-E3/54
Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 1151SA18C-E3/54 Datasheet
SA18C-E3/54
Current Part
SA18CA-E3/54
Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 10821SA18CA-E3/54 Datasheet
SA18CA-E3/54
Direct
SA18CA
Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 2251SA18CA Datasheet
SA18CA
MFR Recommended
SA18CA-AP
Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 843SA18CA-AP Datasheet
SA18CA-AP
MFR Recommended
SA18CA-BP
Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 878SA18CA-BP Datasheet
SA18CA-BP
MFR Recommended
SA18CA-TP
Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1239SA18CA-TP Datasheet
SA18CA-TP
MFR Recommended

Key Parameters

Parameter Value
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ) 18V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min) 20V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp 32.2V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs) 15.5A
Power - Peak Pulse 500W
Operating Temperature Range -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
Mounting Type Through Hole
Package / Case DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
Type Zener
Bidirectional Channels 1

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the SA18C-E3/54 is determined by the following critical parameters:

  • Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 18V
  • Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 20V
  • Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): minimum 15.5A
  • Power - Peak Pulse: 500W
  • Operating Temperature Range: -55°C ~ 175°C
  • Package / Case: DO-204AC (DO-15) Axial
  • Mounting Type: Through Hole
  • Type: Zener
  • Bidirectional Channels: 1

All substitute parts listed maintain these core electrical and mechanical specifications. Variations in voltage clamping characteristics and peak pulse current within the specified ranges are acceptable for general-purpose transient protection applications where the standoff voltage and breakdown voltage remain constant.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter SA18C-E3/54 (Main) SA18CA-E3/54 SA18CA (Taiwan Semiconductor) SA18CA-AP SA18CA-BP SA18CA-TP
Manufacturer Vishay General Semiconductor Vishay General Semiconductor Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation Micro Commercial Co Micro Commercial Co Micro Commercial Co
Product Status Obsolete Active Active Active Active Active
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ) 18V 18V 18V 18V 18V 18V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min) 20V 20V 20V 20V 20V 20V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp 32.2V 29.2V 39.4V 29.2V 29.2V 29.2V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs) 15.5A 17.1A 17.9A 17.5A 17.5A 17.5A
Power - Peak Pulse 500W 500W 500W 500W 500W 500W
Operating Temperature Range -55°C ~ 175°C -55°C ~ 175°C -55°C ~ 175°C -55°C ~ 175°C -55°C ~ 175°C -55°C ~ 175°C
Package / Case DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial DO-15, Axial DO-15, Axial DO-15, Axial
Mounting Type Through Hole Through Hole Through Hole Through Hole Through Hole Through Hole
Type Zener Zener Zener Zener Zener Zener
Bidirectional Channels 1 1 1 1 1 1
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant Not specified Not specified Not specified
Packaging - Cut Tape (CT) Tape & Reel (TR) Bulk Bulk Bulk

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All listed substitute parts maintain compliance with RoHS3 and REACH standards where specified. Selection among active alternatives should be based on:

SA18CA-E3/54 (Vishay General Semiconductor): Direct manufacturer continuation with active product status and RoHS3 compliance. Clamping voltage of 29.2V and peak pulse current of 17.1A provide enhanced transient suppression capability within the 18V standoff specification.

SA18CA (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation): Active product with RoHS3 compliance. Clamping voltage of 39.4V and peak pulse current of 17.9A offer higher transient energy absorption. Suitable for applications requiring maximum clamping performance within the 18V standoff class.

SA18CA-AP, SA18CA-BP, SA18CA-TP (Micro Commercial Co): Active products supplied in bulk packaging. All three variants maintain identical electrical specifications with 29.2V clamping voltage and 17.5A peak pulse current. Compliance certifications not specified in available data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA18CA-E3/54 directly replace SA18C-E3/54?

A: Yes. Both parts maintain identical reverse standoff voltage (18V), breakdown voltage (20V), power rating (500W), operating temperature range (-55°C to 175°C), and DO-204AC (DO-15) axial through-hole package. SA18CA-E3/54 is the active product continuation from Vishay General Semiconductor.

Q: What is the difference between the various SA18CA variants from Micro Commercial Co?

A: SA18CA-AP, SA18CA-BP, and SA18CA-TP are electrically identical, each with 29.2V clamping voltage and 17.5A peak pulse current. The designations reflect different packaging or supply chain configurations. All are supplied in bulk packaging.

Q: How do clamping voltage differences affect substitution?

A: All substitute parts maintain the critical 18V reverse standoff and 20V minimum breakdown voltages. Clamping voltage variations (29.2V to 39.4V) represent different transient suppression characteristics within the same voltage class. Selection depends on specific circuit protection requirements.

Q: Are all substitutes compatible with the original DO-15 axial through-hole footprint?

A: Yes. All substitute parts use DO-204AC (DO-15) or DO-15 axial packages, ensuring mechanical and electrical compatibility with existing PCB designs.

Q: What packaging options are available?

A: SA18CA-E3/54 is supplied in Cut Tape (CT). SA18CA from Taiwan Semiconductor is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR). Micro Commercial Co variants (SA18CA-AP, SA18CA-BP, SA18CA-TP) are supplied in bulk packaging. Selection depends on procurement volume and assembly requirements.

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