SA26C Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA26C is a bidirectional Zener TVS diode manufactured by Littelfuse, designed for general-purpose transient voltage suppression in through-hole applications. The device features a 26V reverse standoff voltage with a 44.21V maximum clamping voltage at peak pulse current of 12.1A, housed in a DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package. The SA26C is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent and substitute parts that maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility for ongoing system support and new designs.

Substiute Parts

SA26C

LittelfuseIn Stock: 859SA26C Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SA26CA

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 300320SA26CA Datasheet

DirectRFQ

SA26CA-B

LittelfuseIn Stock: 946SA26CA-B Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE30CA

Diotec SemiconductorIn Stock: 33025P6KE30CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA26CA-AP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1003SA26CA-AP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA26CA-BP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1056SA26CA-BP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA26CA-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1105SA26CA-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the SA26C is determined by the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

• Reverse Standoff Voltage: 26V nominal (acceptable range 25.6V to 26V)
• Voltage Breakdown (Minimum): 27.36V to 28.9V
• Voltage Clamping (Maximum) @ Ipp: 41.4V to 54.6V
• Peak Pulse Current: 12.1A to 15A
• Power Dissipation: 500W to 600W
• Operating Temperature: -55°C to -50°C minimum; 175°C maximum
• Package: DO-204AC / DO-15 axial through-hole configuration
• Type: Zener bidirectional (1 channel)

Substitute parts must maintain compatibility across these parameters to ensure functional equivalence in transient voltage suppression applications. Parts are grouped by their electrical performance characteristics and product status.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: SA26CA-B (Littelfuse)

SA26CA-B is the manufacturer-recommended substitute from Littelfuse, the original SA26C manufacturer. This part maintains identical electrical specifications (26V standoff, 42.1V clamping, 12.1A peak pulse current, 500W power dissipation) and operating temperature range (-55°C to 175°C). The part is active and ROHS3 compliant, ensuring long-term availability and regulatory compliance. Packaging is bulk format in DO-204AC (DO-15).

Secondary Recommendation: SA26CA (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation)

SA26CA provides active product status with ROHS3 compliance and identical standoff voltage (26V). Clamping voltage is elevated to 54.6V with slightly higher peak pulse current (12.4A), maintaining 500W power dissipation and -55°C to 175°C operating range. Available in Tape & Reel packaging with significantly higher inventory (300,300 pcs). Suitable where higher clamping voltage margin is acceptable.

Alternative Recommendation: P6KE30CA (Diotec Semiconductor)

P6KE30CA offers the highest peak pulse current rating (15A) and power dissipation (600W) among substitutes, with 26V standoff voltage and 41.4V clamping voltage. Operating temperature minimum is -50°C (versus -55°C for other options). RoHS status is not applicable. This part is suitable for applications requiring enhanced transient current handling capacity.

Equivalent Options: SA26CA-AP, SA26CA-BP, SA26CA-TP (Micro Commercial Co)

All three Micro Commercial variants (SA26CA-AP, SA26CA-BP, SA26CA-TP) provide identical electrical specifications to SA26CA-B: 26V standoff, 28.9V breakdown minimum, 42.1V clamping, 12.1A peak pulse current, 500W power dissipation, and -55°C to 175°C operating range. These parts are active with REACH compliance confirmed. Inventory availability ranges from 915 to 1,078 pcs in bulk packaging.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA26C be directly replaced with any of the listed substitutes?

A: Yes. All listed substitutes maintain the critical electrical parameters (26V reverse standoff voltage, 12.1A to 15A peak pulse current, 500W to 600W power dissipation) and DO-204AC (DO-15) through-hole package compatibility required for functional equivalence. The SA26C is obsolete; active substitutes are necessary for new procurement.

Q: What is the difference between SA26CA-B and SA26CA?

A: Both are electrically equivalent with 26V standoff and 12.1A peak pulse current. SA26CA-B is supplied by Littelfuse in bulk packaging, while SA26CA is supplied by Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation in Tape & Reel packaging. SA26CA has a higher clamping voltage (54.6V versus 42.1V) and significantly larger inventory availability.

Q: Is P6KE30CA a suitable replacement?

A: P6KE30CA is electrically compatible with 26V standoff voltage and 41.4V clamping voltage. It offers enhanced specifications with 15A peak pulse current and 600W power dissipation. The operating temperature minimum is -50°C instead of -55°C. This part is suitable if the application can tolerate the reduced low-temperature rating and does not require RoHS certification.

Q: What packaging options are available?

A: All substitutes are supplied in DO-204AC (DO-15) axial through-hole packages, maintaining mechanical compatibility with the original SA26C. Packaging formats include bulk (SA26CA-B, SA26CA-AP, SA26CA-BP, SA26CA-TP) and Tape & Reel (SA26CA).

Q: Are all substitutes RoHS compliant?

A: SA26CA-B and SA26CA are ROHS3 compliant. P6KE30CA has RoHS status listed as not applicable. Micro Commercial variants (SA26CA-AP, SA26CA-BP, SA26CA-TP) do not specify RoHS status in available documentation. Verify RoHS compliance requirements with your procurement specifications.

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

A: SA26CA from Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation has the highest inventory (300,300 pcs), ensuring extended availability. SA26CA-B from Littelfuse, as the manufacturer-recommended substitute, provides continuity with the original design source and is recommended for primary selection.