SA28A-E3/54 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA28A-E3/54 is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division. This through-hole component operates in the 28V reverse standoff voltage class and provides transient protection for general-purpose applications. The part is currently active in production with 4404 units in stock.

Substitute parts become necessary when the original SA28A-E3/54 experiences supply constraints, when alternative packaging formats are required, or when design specifications allow for compatible voltage and current ratings within the same application class.

Substiute Parts

SA28A-E3/54

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 4477SA28A-E3/54 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

BZW06-28

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 1479BZW06-28 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

LCE24A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1468LCE24A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

LCE28A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 2122LCE28A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA28A

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 6156SA28A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SA28A-E3/54 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Voltage Class Compatibility: Reverse standoff voltage must fall within the 28V ±10% tolerance band (25.2V to 30.8V nominal). Breakdown voltage minimum must not exceed 31.4V. Clamping voltage at peak pulse current must remain below 60V to ensure circuit protection margins.

Current Rating Compatibility: Peak pulse current capacity must meet or exceed 11A at the specified 10/1000µs pulse profile. Parts with higher current ratings remain compatible as they provide additional transient suppression margin.

Thermal and Compliance Requirements: Operating temperature range must span -55°C to 175°C minimum. All substitute parts must maintain ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating.

Package Compatibility: Through-hole axial packages (DO-204AC/DO-15 or DO-201AA/DO-27) are acceptable. Package differences require mechanical verification during board layout.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

BZW06-28 (Taiwan Semiconductor): Direct package match (DO-204AC). Voltage parameters within specification (28.2V standoff, 31.4V breakdown). Higher peak pulse current (68A) and power rating (600W) provide enhanced transient suppression margin. Active product status with 1410 units in stock. Suitable for applications requiring higher current capacity or when Vishay supply is constrained.

LCE28A (Littelfuse): Identical voltage class (28V standoff, 31.1V breakdown, 45.5V clamping). Different package format (DO-201AA/DO-27) requires PCB layout modification. Higher peak pulse current (33A) and power rating (1500W) exceed application requirements. Active product status with 2040 units in stock. Recommended when board redesign is acceptable and higher power dissipation capability is desired.

LCE24A (Littelfuse): Lower voltage class (24V standoff, 26.7V breakdown). Clamping voltage (38.9V) is lower than primary part. Different package format (DO-201AA/DO-27). Higher peak pulse current (39A) and power rating (1500W). Use only when circuit design permits 24V protection threshold and board layout allows DO-201 package substitution.

SA28A (Fairchild): Identical electrical specifications to SA28A-E3/54 (28V standoff, 31.1V breakdown, 45.4V clamping, 11.2A peak pulse). Direct package match (DO-204AC). Obsolete product status with 6100 units available. Use only when new production parts are unavailable and existing inventory is acceptable for legacy system support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BZW06-28 replace SA28A-E3/54 in my circuit?

A: Yes. BZW06-28 meets all voltage compatibility criteria (28.2V standoff vs. 28V nominal) and maintains the same DO-204AC package. The higher peak pulse current (68A vs. 11A) provides additional protection margin without affecting circuit operation. No design changes required.

Q: What is the difference between DO-204AC and DO-201 packages?

A: DO-204AC (DO-15) and DO-201AA (DO-27) are both through-hole axial packages with different physical dimensions. DO-201 is larger. Substitution between these packages requires PCB layout verification to confirm lead spacing and hole diameter compatibility.

Q: Why is LCE24A listed as a substitute if it has lower voltage?

A: LCE24A operates in the 24V voltage class, which is lower than the 28V primary specification. This part is compatible only for applications where the circuit design permits a 24V protection threshold. It is not a direct replacement for 28V-rated designs.

Q: Is SA28A (Fairchild) still available for new designs?

A: SA28A is marked as obsolete. While 6100 units remain in inventory, it should not be selected for new designs. Use active alternatives such as BZW06-28 or LCE28A for production programs.

Q: Do all substitute parts meet RoHS3 compliance?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts (BZW06-28, LCE24A, LCE28A, SA28A) are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 rating, matching the compliance profile of SA28A-E3/54.

Q: What is the impact of higher clamping voltage in BZW06-28?

A: BZW06-28 has a maximum clamping voltage of 59V compared to 45.4V in SA28A-E3/54. This higher clamping voltage still provides adequate transient suppression for general-purpose applications. Verify circuit tolerance to peak transient voltage before selection.