SA26A-B Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA26A-B is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose transient protection applications. This through-hole component operates with a 26V reverse standoff voltage and provides 42.1V maximum clamping voltage at peak pulse current. The part is currently in active production status with 635 units in stock.

Equivalent and substitute parts are necessary when the original SA26A-B becomes unavailable, when alternative packaging formats are required for manufacturing processes, or when higher current-handling capacity is needed within the same electrical specification range.

Substiute Parts

SA26A-B

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 687SA26A-B Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

5KP26A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 46525KP26A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA26A

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 5783SA26A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE30A

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 25293P6KE30A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SA26A-B is determined by the following critical electrical parameters:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff: 26V (±tolerance acceptable within industry standards)
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 42.1V (maximum allowable clamp voltage)
• Unidirectional configuration: Single channel
• Zener diode type
• Through-hole mounting capability
• Operating temperature range: -55°C to 175°C minimum

Substitute parts must maintain these core electrical specifications to ensure functional equivalence in circuit protection applications. Current-handling capacity (Ipp) and power dissipation may vary, provided the part meets or exceeds the minimum requirements of the original design.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

5KP26A (Littelfuse Inc.) — Primary substitute for applications requiring higher current capacity. Maintains identical voltage specifications (26V standoff, 42.1V clamp) while providing 121.1A peak pulse current and 5000W power dissipation. Active product status with 4605 units in stock. P600 package format differs from DO-204AC but maintains through-hole mounting compatibility. Recommended for designs where increased transient energy absorption is required.

SA26A (Fairchild Semiconductor) — Electrical equivalent with identical voltage and current specifications. Maintains DO-204AC package compatibility. Product status is obsolete; use only when existing inventory is available or when legacy system compatibility is mandatory. Not recommended for new designs.

P6KE30A (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation) — Acceptable substitute with minor voltage variance (25.6V standoff vs. 26V). Clamping voltage of 41.4V remains within acceptable range. Provides 14.5A peak pulse current and 600W power dissipation. Active product status with 25200 units in stock. DO-15 package maintains through-hole compatibility. Operating temperature range not specified in documentation.

All substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant and carry EAR99 export classification, matching the regulatory profile of the original SA26A-B.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 5KP26A replace the SA26A-B in existing designs without circuit modification?

A: Yes. The 5KP26A maintains identical voltage specifications (26V standoff, 42.1V clamp) and unidirectional configuration. The primary difference is package format (P600 vs. DO-204AC) and significantly higher current capacity (121.1A vs. 12.1A). Through-hole mounting is compatible. No circuit modification is required.

Q: What is the significance of the voltage standoff and clamping voltage parameters?

A: Voltage standoff (26V) defines the maximum voltage the diode blocks without conducting. Breakdown voltage (28.9V minimum) is the threshold where conduction begins. Clamping voltage (42.1V maximum) is the voltage level at which the diode clamps transient spikes during peak pulse conditions. These parameters must remain consistent across substitutes to maintain circuit protection integrity.

Q: Why does the P6KE30A have a lower standoff voltage (25.6V) than the SA26A-B (26V)?

A: The P6KE30A operates at 25.6V standoff with a 28.5V minimum breakdown voltage, representing a minor variance within acceptable substitution tolerance. The clamping voltage of 41.4V remains functionally equivalent to the 42.1V specification of the SA26A-B. This part is suitable for applications where the 0.4V variance does not impact circuit performance.

Q: Is the SA26A (Fairchild Semiconductor) recommended for new designs?

A: No. The SA26A is marked as obsolete. While electrically equivalent to the SA26A-B, it should be used only when existing inventory is available or legacy system compatibility is required. For new designs, select from active products: 5KP26A or P6KE30A.

Q: How do package differences affect substitution?

A: The SA26A-B uses DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package. The 5KP26A uses P600 package, and the P6KE30A uses DO-15 package. All three are through-hole mounted with axial lead configurations. Package differences may affect PCB layout and lead spacing but do not impact electrical compatibility. Verify physical dimensions against PCB design requirements before substitution.

Q: What is the difference between peak pulse current ratings?

A: Peak pulse current (Ipp) indicates the maximum transient current the diode can handle during a 10/1000µs pulse. The SA26A-B handles 12.1A, while the 5KP26A handles 121.1A. Higher Ipp ratings provide greater transient energy absorption capacity. Select based on the maximum transient current expected in the application circuit.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. The SA26A-B, 5KP26A, SA26A, and P6KE30A are all ROHS3 compliant. All parts carry EAR99 export classification and are REACH unaffected, matching regulatory requirements for industrial and commercial applications.