SA20C Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA20C is a bidirectional Zener TVS diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose transient voltage suppression applications. This component features a 20V reverse standoff voltage with a 34.02V maximum clamping voltage and 15.7A peak pulse current capability in a through-hole DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package. The SA20C is classified as obsolete, making identification of active equivalent and substitute parts essential for ongoing design support and procurement.

Substiute Parts

SA20C

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1068SA20C Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SA20CA

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 300263SA20CA Datasheet

DirectRFQ

SA20CA-AP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 912SA20CA-AP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA20CA-BP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 838SA20CA-BP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA20CA-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 5709SA20CA-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SA20C is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 20V (exact match required)
• Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 21.02V minimum
• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): 15.7A minimum
• Power - Peak Pulse: 500W minimum
• Operating Temperature Range: -55°C ~ 175°C minimum
• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Package / Case: DO-204AC or DO-15 axial configuration
• Type: Zener
• Bidirectional Channels: 1

The substitute parts identified maintain these core electrical and mechanical specifications, ensuring functional compatibility in applications originally designed for the SA20C. Variations in clamping voltage (within the specified range) and peak pulse current (at or above the minimum) are permissible within the SA20 series design envelope.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All identified substitute parts maintain active product status, ensuring long-term availability and manufacturing support. The SA20CA (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation) is a direct functional equivalent with ROHS3 compliance certification. The SA20CA-AP, SA20CA-BP, and SA20CA-TP variants (Micro Commercial Co) provide equivalent electrical performance with REACH unaffected status and are available in multiple packaging configurations: bulk, cut tape, and tape & reel formats.

Selection between substitute options should be based on packaging requirements and inventory availability. The SA20CA-TP variant in cut tape packaging offers the highest current inventory (5603 pcs) with ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected certification. The SA20CA in tape & reel packaging (300200 pcs available) provides maximum stock availability for high-volume applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA20CA substitute directly for SA20C in existing designs? A: Yes. The SA20CA maintains the same 20V reverse standoff voltage, equivalent peak pulse current (16A vs. 15.7A), and identical operating temperature range. The slightly higher clamping voltage (43V vs. 34.02V) remains within acceptable design margins for general-purpose TVS applications.

Q: What is the difference between SA20CA-AP, SA20CA-BP, and SA20CA-TP? A: These variants are functionally identical in electrical specifications. The designations indicate packaging format: -AP (bulk), -BP (bulk), and -TP (cut tape). Selection depends on procurement and assembly requirements.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant? A: SA20CA and SA20CA-TP are ROHS3 compliant. SA20CA-AP and SA20CA-BP do not specify RoHS status in available documentation. Verify compliance requirements with your procurement specification before selection.

Q: Does the DO-15 package differ from DO-204AC? A: DO-15 and DO-204AC are equivalent designations for the same axial through-hole package. Both terms refer to the same physical form factor and pin configuration.

Q: What inventory considerations apply to substitute selection? A: SA20CA-TP offers the highest available inventory (5603 pcs), followed by SA20CA (300200 pcs in tape & reel). SA20CA-AP and SA20CA-BP offer lower inventory levels (878 and 818 pcs respectively). Procurement lead times and volume requirements should guide selection.