SA20C-E3/73 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA20C-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 a 20V reverse standoff voltage and provides 35.8V maximum clamping voltage at peak pulse current. The device is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent alternatives that maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility for continued circuit protection applications.

Substiute Parts

SA20C-E3/73

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 907SA20C-E3/73 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SA20CA-E3/73

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 32341SA20CA-E3/73 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

SA20CA

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 300263SA20CA 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-E3/73 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Reverse Standoff Voltage: 20V (must match exactly)
• Breakdown Voltage (Min): 22.2V (must match exactly)
• Peak Pulse Power: 500W (must match exactly)
• Mounting Type: Through Hole (must match)
• Package: DO-204AC or DO-15 (must match)
• Type: Zener (must match)
• Bidirectional Channels: 1 (must match)
• Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to 175°C (must encompass or match)

All identified substitute parts maintain these core electrical and mechanical specifications. Variations in clamping voltage and peak pulse current within the same voltage class are permissible when the standoff and breakdown voltages remain constant, as these parameters define the protection threshold and response characteristics of the device.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All three substitute parts—SA20CA-E3/73, SA20CA, and SA20CA-TP—are active products with current manufacturing status, addressing the obsolescence of the SA20C-E3/73. Each maintains the critical electrical parameters (20V standoff, 22.2V minimum breakdown) and mechanical compatibility (through-hole, DO-15 package family).

SA20CA-E3/73 represents the direct Vishay equivalent, preserving manufacturer continuity while offering improved peak pulse current (15.4A versus 14A) and reduced clamping voltage (32.4V versus 35.8V), resulting in tighter voltage regulation.

SA20CA from Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation provides an alternative source with the highest peak pulse current rating (16A) and clamping voltage (43V), suitable for applications requiring maximum current handling capacity.

SA20CA-TP from Micro Commercial Co offers cut-tape packaging with specifications closely aligned to SA20CA-E3/73 (32.4V clamping, 15.7A peak pulse current), providing supply chain flexibility.

All substitute parts comply with ROHS3, maintain MSL 1 rating, and are REACH unaffected, ensuring regulatory compliance equivalent to the original component.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA20CA-E3/73 directly replace SA20C-E3/73 in existing designs?

A: Yes. Both devices share identical reverse standoff voltage (20V), breakdown voltage (22.2V), peak pulse power (500W), through-hole mounting, and DO-15 package specifications. The SA20CA-E3/73 provides equivalent circuit protection with improved current handling and lower clamping voltage.

Q: What is the difference between SA20CA and SA20CA-TP?

A: Both parts maintain identical electrical specifications (20V standoff, 22.2V breakdown, 32.4V clamping, 15.7A peak pulse current). The primary difference is packaging format: SA20CA is supplied in tape and reel (TR), while SA20CA-TP is supplied in cut tape (CT). Component selection depends on assembly process requirements.

Q: Why does SA20CA show 43V clamping voltage instead of 35.8V?

A: Clamping voltage variation within the same voltage class (20V standoff) is permissible and does not affect substitution eligibility. The 43V clamping voltage in SA20CA still provides adequate transient suppression for 20V standoff applications. Circuit design must account for maximum clamping voltage when selecting among alternatives.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. SA20CA-E3/73, SA20CA, and SA20CA-TP are all ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 rating and REACH unaffected status, matching the regulatory compliance of the original SA20C-E3/73.

Q: Can these parts be used interchangeably in PCB designs?

A: Yes, for through-hole assembly. All substitute parts use DO-15 package (axial lead configuration), maintaining identical PCB footprint and lead spacing. No design modification is required for mechanical compatibility.