SA20ARLG Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA20ARLG is a 20V Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose transient protection applications. This axial through-hole component features a 32.4V maximum clamping voltage and 15.4A peak pulse current capability in a DO-204AC (DO-15) package. The part is currently obsolete, making equivalent substitutes necessary for ongoing design support and component sourcing.

Substiute Parts

SA20ARLG

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 993SA20ARLG Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SA20A

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 300483SA20A Datasheet

DirectRFQ

1N8160

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 8351N8160 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA20A-E3/54

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 4405SA20A-E3/54 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA20A-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 10279SA20A-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA20AHE3/54

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 991SA20AHE3/54 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the SA20ARLG is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff: 20V
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 32.4V
• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): minimum 15.4A
• Power - Peak Pulse: minimum 500W
• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Package / Case: DO-204AC (DO-15) or compatible axial configuration
• Unidirectional Zener diode topology

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on these parameters:

Category A - Full Electrical & Package Equivalents: Parts meeting all electrical specifications and maintaining identical package configuration.

Category B - Electrical Equivalents with Package Variations: Parts meeting electrical specifications but with different packaging or performance characteristics that may require application review.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (Full Equivalence):

SA20A-E3/54 and SA20A-TP are direct functional equivalents to the SA20ARLG. Both maintain identical electrical specifications (20V standoff, 32.4V clamping, 15.4A–15.7A peak pulse current, 500W peak power) and package configuration (DO-204AC/DO-15). Both parts are currently active in production and ROHS3 compliant. SA20A-E3/54 is available in Cut Tape packaging, while SA20A-TP is supplied in Cut Tape format as well. Both support extended operating temperature ranges (-55°C to 175°C) compared to the original part.

SA20AHE3/54 provides identical electrical and package specifications with the addition of automotive-grade qualification (AEC-Q101) and is suitable for applications requiring automotive-level reliability. This part is active and ROHS3 compliant.

Secondary Substitute (Obsolete Alternative):

SA20A (Fairchild Semiconductor) matches the SA20ARLG in electrical performance and package type but is also obsolete. This part is suitable only for legacy system maintenance where active production alternatives are unavailable.

Limited Substitute (Reduced Performance):

1N8160 (Microchip Technology) maintains the 20V standoff voltage but exhibits reduced peak pulse current (4.5A versus 15.4A) and peak power (150W versus 500W). This part is active in production but is suitable only for applications with lower transient energy requirements. The clamping voltage is slightly elevated at 33.3V. Use of this part requires application-level verification that reduced current and power ratings are acceptable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA20A-E3/54 or SA20A-TP be used as direct replacements for SA20ARLG?

A: Yes. Both parts meet or exceed the electrical specifications of the SA20ARLG (20V standoff, 32.4V clamping, 15.4A–15.7A peak pulse current, 500W peak power) and are packaged in the same DO-204AC (DO-15) axial configuration. Both are currently in active production.

Q: What is the difference between SA20A-E3/54 and SA20A-TP?

A: Both parts are electrically equivalent with identical specifications. The primary difference is packaging format: SA20A-E3/54 is supplied in Cut Tape (CT), while SA20A-TP is also supplied in Cut Tape (CT). Both support the same operating temperature range (-55°C to 175°C).

Q: Is SA20AHE3/54 suitable for non-automotive applications?

A: Yes. SA20AHE3/54 is electrically and mechanically identical to SA20A-E3/54 and SA20A-TP. The automotive qualification (AEC-Q101) represents an additional certification level and does not restrict use in general-purpose applications. This part is suitable for any application requiring the specified electrical characteristics.

Q: Can 1N8160 replace SA20ARLG?

A: 1N8160 is not a direct equivalent. While it maintains the 20V standoff voltage, it provides significantly reduced peak pulse current (4.5A versus 15.4A) and peak power (150W versus 500W). Use of this part requires verification that the application can tolerate these reduced transient protection capabilities.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: SA20A-E3/54, SA20A-TP, and SA20AHE3/54 are ROHS3 compliant. SA20A (Fairchild) is also ROHS3 compliant. 1N8160 is not ROHS compliant and may not be suitable for applications with ROHS compliance requirements.

Q: What is the operating temperature difference between SA20ARLG and its substitutes?

A: SA20ARLG operates from -55°C to 150°C (TJ). All active substitute parts (SA20A-E3/54, SA20A-TP, SA20AHE3/54) operate from -55°C to 175°C (TJ), providing a 25°C extended upper temperature range. This represents an improvement over the original part specification.