SA20ARL Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA20ARL is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by onsemi, designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. It features a 20V reverse standoff voltage with a 32.4V maximum clamping voltage and 15.4A peak pulse current capability in a through-hole axial package (DO-204AC/DO-15). The SA20ARL is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for new designs and ongoing production requirements.

Substiute Parts

SA20ARL

onsemiIn Stock: 1103SA20ARL Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SA20A

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 300483SA20A Datasheet

DirectRFQ

1N8160

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 8351N8160 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

SA20A-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 10279SA20A-TP Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the SA20ARL are qualified based on the following critical parameters that determine functional equivalence:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff: 20V (exact match required)
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 32.4V (exact match required)
• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): minimum 15.4A
• Power - Peak Pulse: minimum 500W
• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Package / Case: DO-204AC, DO-15, or Axial
• Type: Zener, Unidirectional (1 channel)
• Applications: General Purpose

Parts meeting these criteria are classified as direct equivalents. Parts with variations in peak pulse current or clamping voltage are classified as similar alternatives with noted deviations.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Equivalents (Recommended for SA20ARL Replacement):

SA20A (Fairchild Semiconductor) and SA20A-TP (Micro Commercial Co) are direct functional equivalents with matching voltage and current specifications. Both maintain the 20V reverse standoff, 32.4V clamping voltage, and 15.7A peak pulse current. SA20A-TP is preferred for new designs due to active product status and ROHS3 compliance. SA20A is obsolete but remains functionally equivalent. Both support extended operating temperature ranges (-55°C to 175°C) compared to the SA20ARL.

Similar Alternative (Limited Application):

1N8160 (Microchip Technology) maintains voltage compatibility (20V standoff, 22.8V breakdown) but has reduced current handling capability (4.5A peak pulse vs. 15.4A) and lower power dissipation (150W vs. 500W). This part is suitable only for applications with lower transient current requirements. The 1N8160 is active and RoHS non-compliant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA20A be used as a direct replacement for SA20ARL?

A: Yes. SA20A provides identical voltage specifications (20V standoff, 32.4V clamping) and equivalent current handling (15.7A peak pulse). Both are through-hole axial packages. The primary difference is product status (SA20A is obsolete) and operating temperature range (SA20A extends to 175°C vs. SA20ARL at 150°C).

Q: What is the difference between SA20A and SA20A-TP?

A: Both parts are electrically identical with matching voltage and current ratings. The primary differences are manufacturer (Fairchild vs. Micro Commercial Co), packaging format (Bulk vs. Cut Tape), product status (both active for SA20A-TP), and RoHS compliance (SA20A-TP is ROHS3 compliant). SA20A-TP is preferred for new production due to active status and compliance certification.

Q: Is 1N8160 a suitable replacement for SA20ARL?

A: 1N8160 is not recommended as a direct replacement. While it maintains the 20V reverse standoff voltage, it has significantly reduced peak pulse current (4.5A vs. 15.4A) and power dissipation (150W vs. 500W). Use 1N8160 only in applications with lower transient current requirements.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same package?

A: SA20A and SA20A-TP are available in DO-204AC/DO-15 axial packages, matching SA20ARL. The 1N8160 is available in axial package only. Verify specific package availability with your supplier before design implementation.

Q: What compliance considerations apply to substitute selection?

A: SA20A-TP is ROHS3 compliant, making it suitable for applications requiring RoHS certification. SA20A and 1N8160 are RoHS non-compliant. For new designs subject to RoHS requirements, SA20A-TP is the recommended choice.