SA45C-E3/73 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA45C-E3/73 is a 45V Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division. This component is classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of equivalent substitute parts for ongoing design support and procurement. The SA45C-E3/73 operates as a unidirectional Zener-type TVS diode in a through-hole DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package, designed for general-purpose transient voltage suppression applications.

Substiute Parts

SA45C-E3/73

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 1199SA45C-E3/73 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SA45CA-E3/73

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 2450SA45CA-E3/73 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

SA45CA

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 300149SA45CA Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA45CA-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 781SA45CA-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SA45C-E3/73 is determined by strict alignment of the following critical parameters:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 45V
• Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 50V
• Package / Case: DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Bidirectional Channels: 1
• Type: Zener
• Operating Temperature Range: -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
• Power - Peak Pulse: 500W

Substitute parts must maintain these specifications to ensure functional and mechanical compatibility. Variations in clamping voltage and peak pulse current are permissible within the design envelope, provided all other parameters remain constant.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All three substitute parts—SA45CA-E3/73, SA45CA, and SA45CA-TP—meet the core electrical and mechanical compatibility requirements for the obsolete SA45C-E3/73. Selection among these alternatives should be based on the following criteria:

SA45CA-E3/73 (Vishay General Semiconductor): This part maintains direct manufacturer continuity with the original component. It is actively produced, ROHS3 compliant, and available in Cut Tape packaging. The clamping voltage is reduced to 72.7V with increased peak pulse current of 6.9A, representing an improved performance profile within the same electrical class.

SA45CA (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation): This manufacturer-recommended alternative offers the highest inventory availability and is actively produced. It maintains identical electrical specifications to SA45CA-E3/73 with a peak pulse current of 7.2A and is supplied in Tape & Reel format. ROHS3 compliance is confirmed.

SA45CA-TP (Micro Commercial Co): This alternative is actively produced and available in Bulk packaging. It provides a peak pulse current of 7A with the same 72.7V clamping voltage. RoHS compliance status is not specified in the provided data.

All substitute parts maintain the critical parameters: 45V reverse standoff voltage, 50V minimum breakdown voltage, 500W peak pulse power, -55°C to 175°C operating temperature range, and DO-204AC through-hole axial package configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA45CA-E3/73, SA45CA, or SA45CA-TP be used as direct replacements for SA45C-E3/73?

A: Yes. All three substitute parts maintain identical reverse standoff voltage (45V), breakdown voltage (50V), operating temperature range (-55°C to 175°C), power rating (500W), and package configuration (DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial through-hole). The primary difference is the reduced clamping voltage (72.7V versus 80.3V) and increased peak pulse current capability, which represents improved performance within the same electrical class.

Q: What is the significance of the clamping voltage difference between SA45C-E3/73 (80.3V) and the substitute parts (72.7V)?

A: The clamping voltage determines the maximum voltage the diode will allow across its terminals during a transient event. The substitute parts clamp at a lower voltage (72.7V), providing tighter voltage regulation. This is functionally superior for transient suppression applications and does not compromise compatibility provided the circuit design accommodates this lower clamping threshold.

Q: Are there packaging format differences among the substitute parts?

A: Yes. SA45CA-E3/73 is supplied in Cut Tape (CT) format, SA45CA in Tape & Reel (TR) format, and SA45CA-TP in Bulk format. All three maintain the same DO-204AC axial through-hole component configuration. Packaging format selection depends on procurement volume and assembly line requirements.

Q: Which substitute part has the best inventory availability?

A: SA45CA (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation) offers the highest inventory availability at 300,100 pieces. SA45CA-E3/73 provides 2,400 pieces, and SA45CA-TP provides 705 pieces.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: SA45CA-E3/73 and SA45CA are confirmed ROHS3 compliant. RoHS compliance status for SA45CA-TP is not specified in the provided technical data.

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

A: Yes. All substitute parts use the identical DO-204AC axial through-hole package, enabling direct mechanical and electrical substitution without PCB redesign. The electrical parameter alignment ensures functional compatibility in general-purpose transient voltage suppression applications.