SA20CA Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA20CA is a 20V reverse standoff Zener-type transient voltage suppressor diode in DO-15 (DO-204AC) axial through-hole package, manufactured by onsemi. This component is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement. The SA20CA provides general-purpose transient voltage suppression with a 32.4V maximum clamping voltage and 15.4A peak pulse current capability.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	20	V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	22.2	V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	32.4	V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	15.4	A
Power - Peak Pulse	500	W
Type	Zener	-
Bidirectional Channels	1	-
Mounting Type	Through Hole	-
Package / Case	DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial	-

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the SA20CA are classified into two categories based on electrical and mechanical parameter alignment:

Direct Substitutes maintain identical electrical specifications (20V reverse standoff, 22.2V minimum breakdown, 32.4V maximum clamping, 15.4A peak pulse current) and package configuration (DO-15/DO-204AC through-hole axial). These parts are interchangeable at the circuit level:

SA20CA (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation)
SA20CA-E3/54 (Vishay General Semiconductor)
SA20CAHE3/54 (Vishay General Semiconductor, automotive grade)
SA20CA-TP (Micro Commercial Co)

Similar Substitutes share the same electrical specifications but differ in packaging format (bulk vs. tape & reel) or manufacturer base product designation. These maintain functional equivalence:

P5KE20CA-AP (Micro Commercial Co)
P5KE20CA-BP (Micro Commercial Co)
P5KE20CA-TP (Micro Commercial Co)

Substitution eligibility is determined by: (1) matching reverse standoff voltage (20V), (2) matching breakdown voltage range (22.2V minimum), (3) matching clamping voltage (32.4V), (4) matching peak pulse current (15.4A), and (5) compatible through-hole axial package format.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Vwm (V)	Vbr Min (V)	Vc Max (V)	Ipp (A)	Package	Product Status	RoHS
SA20CA	onsemi	20	22.2	32.4	15.4	DO-15	Obsolete	-
SA20CA	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	20	22.2	43	16	DO-204AC	Active	ROHS3
SA20CA-E3/54	Vishay General Semiconductor	20	22.2	32.4	15.4	DO-204AC	Active	ROHS3
SA20CAHE3/54	Vishay General Semiconductor	20	22.2	32.4	15.4	DO-204AC	Active	ROHS3
SA20CA-TP	Micro Commercial Co	20	22.2	32.4	15.7	DO-15	Active	ROHS3
P5KE20CA-AP	Micro Commercial Co	20	22.2	32.4	15.4	DO-15	Active	-
P5KE20CA-BP	Micro Commercial Co	20	22.2	32.4	15.4	DO-15	Active	-
P5KE20CA-TP	Micro Commercial Co	20	22.2	32.4	15.4	DO-15	Active	-

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For new designs and ongoing procurement, the following active-status parts are recommended as primary substitutes for the obsolete SA20CA:

Vishay SA20CA-E3/54 is the preferred direct substitute. It maintains identical electrical specifications (20V standoff, 32.4V clamping, 15.4A peak pulse), operates across the full industrial temperature range (-55°C to 175°C), carries ROHS3 compliance, and is available in cut tape packaging with 8,254 units in stock.

Vishay SA20CAHE3/54 is suitable for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 qualification. It provides identical electrical performance with automotive-grade qualification and tape & reel packaging, with 1,052 units available.

Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA20CA offers an active alternative with slightly elevated clamping voltage (43V vs. 32.4V) and peak pulse current (16A vs. 15.4A). This part is suitable where the higher clamping voltage is acceptable within circuit design margins. ROHS3 compliant with 300,200 units in stock.

Micro Commercial Co P5KE20CA series (P5KE20CA-AP, P5KE20CA-BP, P5KE20CA-TP) provides functional equivalence with identical electrical specifications. These parts are active and available in bulk packaging with inventory ranging from 902 to 1,046 units. Operating temperature range extends to -65°C.

Micro Commercial Co SA20CA-TP is an active substitute with matching electrical specifications and DO-15 package, available in cut tape format with 5,603 units in stock.

Selection should prioritize parts with active product status and ROHS3 compliance for new designs. Automotive applications should specify the AEC-Q101 qualified variant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA20CA-E3/54 directly replace the obsolete onsemi SA20CA?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical electrical specifications: 20V reverse standoff, 22.2V minimum breakdown voltage, 32.4V maximum clamping voltage, and 15.4A peak pulse current. Both use DO-15 (DO-204AC) through-hole axial packaging. The Vishay part is active and ROHS3 compliant.

Q: What is the difference between SA20CA-E3/54 and SA20CAHE3/54?

A: Both parts have identical electrical specifications and package format. SA20CAHE3/54 carries automotive-grade qualification (AEC-Q101) and is suitable for automotive applications. SA20CA-E3/54 is for general industrial use. Both operate across -55°C to 175°C.

Q: Why does Taiwan Semiconductor SA20CA show 43V clamping instead of 32.4V?

A: The Taiwan Semiconductor SA20CA variant has a higher maximum clamping voltage (43V) and slightly higher peak pulse current (16A). While maintaining the same 20V reverse standoff voltage, this part is suitable only where the elevated clamping voltage is acceptable within circuit design specifications.

Q: Are P5KE20CA series parts compatible with SA20CA?

A: Yes, for electrical function. P5KE20CA-AP, P5KE20CA-BP, and P5KE20CA-TP all match the electrical specifications (20V standoff, 32.4V clamping, 15.4A peak pulse) and use DO-15 through-hole packaging. The primary difference is packaging format (bulk vs. tape & reel) and manufacturer designation (P5KE20 base vs. SA20 base).

Q: What is the difference between cut tape (CT) and tape & reel (TR) packaging?

A: Cut tape packaging provides components in individual strips suitable for manual assembly or small-volume pick-and-place operations. Tape & reel packaging provides components on continuous reels for high-volume automated assembly. Electrical specifications remain identical; selection depends on assembly process requirements.

Q: Which substitute part has the highest inventory availability?

A: Taiwan Semiconductor SA20CA has 300,200 units in stock, followed by Micro Commercial Co SA20CA-TP with 5,603 units. For Vishay parts, SA20CA-E3/54 has 8,254 units available.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Vishay parts (SA20CA-E3/54, SA20CAHE3/54) and Micro Commercial Co SA20CA-TP are ROHS3 compliant. Taiwan Semiconductor SA20CA and Micro Commercial Co P5KE20CA series do not list ROHS3 status in provided specifications.

Q: Can I use these parts interchangeably in existing designs?

A: Yes, provided the circuit design accommodates the electrical specifications. All listed substitutes maintain the 20V reverse standoff voltage and 32.4V clamping voltage (except Taiwan Semiconductor variant at 43V). Verify that your circuit design margins accept the specified electrical parameters before implementation.

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