SA26 Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA26 is a unidirectional Zener-type transient voltage suppressor manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. Housed in a DO-204AC (DO-15) axial through-hole package, this component operates across a temperature range of -55°C to 175°C and is ROHS3 compliant. The SA26 is classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent active alternatives essential for new designs and ongoing production support.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	26	V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	27.36	V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	44.21	V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	12.1	A
Power - Peak Pulse	500	W
Operating Temperature Range	-55 to 175	°C
Package Type	DO-204AC (DO-15)	Axial Through-Hole
Type	Zener	-
Unidirectional Channels	1	-

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SA26 is determined by strict alignment across the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Reverse standoff voltage: 26V nominal (tolerance range 25.6V to 26V acceptable)
Breakdown voltage minimum: 27.36V to 28.9V range
Clamping voltage maximum: 41.4V to 44.21V range
Peak pulse current: 12.1A to 14.5A range
Peak pulse power: 500W to 600W range
Package type: DO-204AC or DO-15 axial through-hole
Mounting type: Through-hole
Operating temperature: -55°C to 175°C minimum

Substitute Categories:

Category A - Direct Electrical Equivalents (Identical Standoff & Clamping Characteristics): SA26A, SA26A-TP, SA26A-BP, SA26A-AP — All maintain 26V standoff with 42.1V clamping and 12.1A peak pulse current.

Category B - Manufacturer-Recommended Active Alternatives: SA26A-B (Littelfuse, Active status) — Functionally equivalent with improved availability. SAC26 (Littelfuse, Active status) — Slight variation in peak pulse current (11.1A vs 12.1A).

Category C - Cross-Manufacturer Alternatives: P6KE30A (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation, Active status) — Operates within acceptable parameter ranges with enhanced peak pulse current (14.5A) and power rating (600W).

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	SA26 (Original)	SA26A	SA26A-B	SAC26	P6KE30A	SA26A-TP	SA26A-BP	SA26A-AP
Manufacturer	Littelfuse	Fairchild	Littelfuse	Littelfuse	Taiwan Semiconductor	Micro Commercial	Micro Commercial	Micro Commercial
Product Status	Obsolete	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	26V	26V	26V	26V	25.6V	26V	26V	26V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	27.36V	28.9V	28.9V	28.9V	28.5V	28.9V	28.9V	28.9V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	44.21V	42.1V	42.1V	42.3V	41.4V	42.1V	42.1V	42.1V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	12.1A	12.1A	12.1A	11.1A	14.5A	12.1A	12.1A	12.1A
Power - Peak Pulse	500W	500W	500W	500W	600W	500W	500W	500W
Operating Temperature	-55 to 175°C	-55 to 175°C	-55 to 175°C	-55 to 175°C	Not specified	-55 to 175°C	-55 to 175°C	-55 to 175°C
Package / Case	DO-204AC (DO-15)	DO-204AC (DO-15)	DO-204AC (DO-15)	DO-204AC (DO-15)	DO-15	DO-15	DO-15	DO-15
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified
Inventory Status	883 Pcs	5718 Pcs	635 Pcs	1038 Pcs	25200 Pcs	1129 Pcs	1085 Pcs	917 Pcs

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Active Production and New Designs:

SA26A-B (Littelfuse) is the primary recommendation. It maintains manufacturer continuity with Littelfuse, carries active product status, and delivers identical electrical performance to the original SA26 with improved long-term availability and supply chain stability.

For Cost-Optimized Applications:

P6KE30A (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation) provides enhanced specifications with higher peak pulse current (14.5A) and power rating (600W) while maintaining compatibility within the 26V protection class. Active status and substantial inventory (25,200 units) support high-volume production requirements.

For Direct Electrical Equivalence:

SA26A (Fairchild Semiconductor) delivers identical electrical characteristics to the original SA26 but carries obsolete status. Use only when existing inventory must be depleted or when legacy system compatibility is mandatory.

For Littelfuse Series Continuity:

SAC26 (Littelfuse, Active) operates within acceptable parameter ranges with marginally reduced peak pulse current (11.1A vs 12.1A). Suitable for applications where Littelfuse component standardization is required and the reduced current rating does not compromise circuit protection margins.

For Multi-Source Flexibility:

SA26A-TP, SA26A-BP, and SA26A-AP (Micro Commercial Co, Active) provide identical electrical performance to SA26A with active status and distributed inventory across multiple packaging options. Suitable for supply chain diversification strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA26A-B directly replace the obsolete SA26 without circuit modification?

A: Yes. SA26A-B maintains identical reverse standoff voltage (26V), operates within the same clamping voltage range (42.1V), and supports the same peak pulse current (12.1A). The DO-204AC package and through-hole mounting are mechanically and electrically compatible. No circuit redesign is required.

Q: What is the difference between SA26A and SA26A-B?

A: Both are electrically identical with 26V standoff and 42.1V clamping. The primary difference is product status: SA26A is obsolete, while SA26A-B is active. SA26A-B is recommended for new designs due to superior long-term availability.

Q: Is P6KE30A a suitable substitute despite the lower standoff voltage (25.6V vs 26V)?

A: P6KE30A operates within acceptable tolerance for 26V protection class applications. The 0.4V reduction in standoff voltage falls within normal manufacturing tolerances for this component category. The enhanced peak pulse current (14.5A) and power rating (600W) provide additional protection margin. Verify circuit requirements before selection.

Q: Why does SAC26 show lower peak pulse current (11.1A vs 12.1A)?

A: SAC26 is a variant within the Littelfuse protection series with slightly different internal characteristics. The 11.1A rating remains within acceptable range for most general-purpose applications. Confirm that circuit transient energy does not exceed 500W peak pulse power before substitution.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: SA26A-B, SAC26, and P6KE30A explicitly declare ROHS3 compliance. SA26A-TP, SA26A-BP, and SA26A-AP do not specify RoHS status in provided documentation. Verify compliance requirements with your procurement or quality department before final selection.

Q: What is the difference between DO-204AC and DO-15 package designations?

A: DO-204AC and DO-15 refer to the same axial through-hole package format. Both designations are acceptable for this component category. All listed substitutes are mechanically compatible with existing PCB layouts designed for the original SA26.

Q: Can I use multiple substitute parts interchangeably in the same design?

A: Yes, provided all selected parts maintain 26V standoff voltage and operate within the specified clamping voltage range (41.4V to 44.21V). Verify that peak pulse current and power ratings meet circuit protection requirements. Document part selection in design records for traceability.

Q: Which substitute offers the best long-term availability?

A: P6KE30A demonstrates the strongest inventory position (25,200 units) and active product status with cross-manufacturer support. SA26A-B provides continuity with the original manufacturer (Littelfuse) and active status. Both are suitable for long-term production commitments.

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