SA18C-E3/73 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA18C-E3/73 is a transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division, part of the TransZorb® series. This through-hole component operates with an 18V reverse standoff voltage and provides 500W peak pulse power protection for general-purpose applications. The part is currently obsolete, making equivalent substitutes necessary for ongoing design support and component procurement.

Substiute Parts

SA18C-E3/73

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 747SA18C-E3/73 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SA18CA-E3/73

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 32245SA18CA-E3/73 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

SA18CA

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 2251SA18CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA18CA-AP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 843SA18CA-AP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA18CA-BP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 878SA18CA-BP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA18CA-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1239SA18CA-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the SA18C-E3/73 is determined by strict electrical and mechanical compatibility across the following parameters:

• Reverse standoff voltage: 18V (required match)
• Breakdown voltage minimum: 20V (required match)
• Package/case: DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial (required match)
• Mounting type: Through hole (required match)
• Bidirectional channels: 1 (required match)
• Operating temperature range: -55°C to 175°C (required match)
• Peak pulse power: 500W (required match)

All substitute parts listed maintain these core electrical and mechanical specifications. Variations in clamping voltage and peak pulse current are within acceptable tolerance ranges for the SA18 base product family and do not affect functional substitution capability.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All listed substitute parts maintain the required electrical specifications (18V reverse standoff, 20V minimum breakdown, 500W peak pulse power) and mechanical compatibility (DO-15 through-hole axial package) necessary for direct substitution of the SA18C-E3/73.

SA18CA-E3/73 (Vishay) is the primary active equivalent, offering the closest electrical performance match with improved availability (32,200 units in stock) and active product status. This part maintains the same manufacturer lineage and series designation.

SA18CA (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation) provides an alternative from a different manufacturer with active status and adequate inventory. The higher clamping voltage (39.4V) remains within acceptable operating parameters for the SA18 base product family.

SA18CA-AP, SA18CA-BP, and SA18CA-TP (Micro Commercial Co) are functionally equivalent alternatives with consistent electrical specifications and active product status. These parts differ only in packaging designation (bulk vs. tape & reel) and inventory levels.

All substitute parts comply with RoHS3, maintain MSL 1 (unlimited moisture sensitivity), and carry REACH Unaffected status, matching the compliance profile of the original part.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA18CA-E3/73 directly replace SA18C-E3/73 in existing designs?

A: Yes. SA18CA-E3/73 maintains identical reverse standoff voltage (18V), breakdown voltage (20V), operating temperature range (-55°C to 175°C), and package type (DO-204AC/DO-15). The clamping voltage reduction from 32.2V to 29.2V and current increase from 15.5A to 17.1A remain within the SA18 product family specifications and do not affect functional compatibility.

Q: What is the difference between SA18CA-E3/73, SA18CA-AP, SA18CA-BP, and SA18CA-TP?

A: These parts share identical electrical specifications (18V standoff, 20V breakdown, 29.2V clamping, 17.5A peak pulse current). Differences are limited to manufacturer (Vishay vs. Micro Commercial Co), packaging format (tape & reel vs. bulk), and inventory availability. All are functionally equivalent for circuit substitution.

Q: Is SA18CA from Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation a suitable substitute?

A: Yes. SA18CA maintains all required electrical parameters and through-hole DO-15 package compatibility. The higher clamping voltage (39.4V) is within acceptable tolerance for the SA18 base product family and does not compromise substitution capability.

Q: Are there any compliance or certification differences between substitute parts?

A: All substitute parts maintain RoHS3 compliance, MSL 1 rating, and REACH Unaffected status, matching the original SA18C-E3/73 compliance profile. No additional qualification is required from a regulatory standpoint.

Q: Which substitute part offers the best availability?

A: SA18CA-E3/73 (Vishay) provides the highest inventory level at 32,200 units in stock, followed by SA18CA-TP (Micro Commercial Co) at 1,139 units. Both are active products with reliable supply status.