SA48A-E3/73 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA48A-E3/73 is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division. This component operates with a 48V reverse standoff voltage and provides 77.4V maximum clamping voltage, designed for general-purpose transient protection applications. The part is currently Active in product status and RoHS3 compliant. Equivalent and substitute parts are identified when circuit designs require alternative sourcing, inventory availability, or performance characteristics within the specified electrical and mechanical parameters.

Substiute Parts

SA48A-E3/73

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 32216SA48A-E3/73 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

5KP48A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 88785KP48A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA48A

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 8230SA48A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the SA48A-E3/73 are qualified based on the following critical parameters that determine functional equivalence:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff: 48V (identical)
• Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 53.3V (identical)
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 77.4V (identical)
• Unidirectional Channels: 1 (identical)
• Type: Zener (identical)
• Operating Temperature Range: -55°C ~ 175°C (identical)
• Mounting Type: Through Hole (identical)
• Package / Case: DO-204AC (DO-15) or P600 Axial (compatible)

The identified substitutes maintain identical voltage protection characteristics and thermal operating range. Variations in peak pulse current and power dissipation are permitted within the application's design margins, provided the component meets or exceeds the minimum specified performance.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All three components maintain Active product status and RoHS3 compliance, ensuring long-term availability and regulatory conformance. Selection between SA48A-E3/73, 5KP48A, and SA48A should be based on the following criteria:

SA48A-E3/73 (Vishay): Primary choice when original manufacturer specification and DO-204AC packaging are required. Supports 500W peak pulse power with 6.5A peak pulse current.

5KP48A (Littelfuse): Suitable for applications requiring higher transient energy absorption, with 5000W peak pulse power and 65.9A peak pulse current capability. P600 package provides enhanced thermal performance for high-energy transient environments.

SA48A (Taiwan Semiconductor): Direct functional equivalent with marginally higher peak pulse current (6.7A) and identical 500W power rating. Available in DO-204AC packaging with Tape & Reel packaging option.

All three components satisfy identical voltage protection parameters and thermal operating requirements. Component selection should align with circuit design margins, available inventory, and packaging requirements for the target application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA48A-E3/73 be directly replaced with 5KP48A?

A: Yes, from an electrical protection standpoint. Both components provide identical 48V reverse standoff voltage and 77.4V clamping voltage. The 5KP48A offers significantly higher power dissipation (5000W vs. 500W) and peak pulse current (65.9A vs. 6.5A). Physical package differs: SA48A-E3/73 uses DO-204AC while 5KP48A uses P600. PCB layout and mounting considerations must be evaluated.

Q: What is the difference between DO-204AC and P600 packages?

A: Both are through-hole axial packages for TVS diodes. DO-204AC (DO-15) is a standard axial package with smaller physical dimensions. P600 is a larger axial package designed for higher power dissipation applications. Package selection depends on PCB layout constraints and thermal management requirements.

Q: Are all three parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. SA48A-E3/73, 5KP48A, and SA48A are all RoHS3 compliant with Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 (Unlimited), meeting regulatory requirements for industrial and commercial applications.

Q: Can SA48A (Taiwan Semiconductor) replace SA48A-E3/73 (Vishay)?

A: Yes. Both components share identical voltage specifications (48V standoff, 53.3V breakdown, 77.4V clamping) and thermal operating range (-55°C ~ 175°C). Peak pulse current differs marginally (6.7A vs. 6.5A). Both use DO-204AC packaging. Substitution is electrically and mechanically compatible.

Q: Which substitute offers the best thermal performance?

A: The 5KP48A with P600 package provides superior thermal performance due to larger package geometry and 5000W power rating, suitable for high-energy transient protection circuits. SA48A-E3/73 and SA48A are rated for 500W and appropriate for standard transient protection applications.