SA48AG Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA48AG is a unidirectional Zener-type transient voltage suppressor diode manufactured by onsemi, designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. Featuring a 48V reverse standoff voltage and 77.4V maximum clamping voltage, this component provides 500W peak pulse power dissipation in a through-hole axial package (DO-204AC/DO-15).

The SA48AG is classified as obsolete. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure supply chain availability, and support ongoing production or repair requirements for systems utilizing this component.

Substiute Parts

SA48AG

onsemiIn Stock: 1133SA48AG Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SA48A

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 8230SA48A Datasheet

DirectRFQ

5KP48A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 88785KP48A Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

P5KE48A-AP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1048P5KE48A-AP Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

P5KE48A-BP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1086P5KE48A-BP Datasheet

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P5KE48A-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1026P5KE48A-TP Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SA48AG is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Voltage Rating Match: Reverse standoff voltage of 48V, breakdown voltage minimum of 53.3V, and clamping voltage maximum of 77.4V
• Electrical Performance: Peak pulse current capability and power dissipation capacity
• Package Compatibility: Through-hole axial mounting in DO-204AC or DO-15 form factor
• Unidirectional Configuration: Single-channel Zener-type TVS diode topology

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Direct Equivalents (SA48A): Identical electrical specifications with enhanced temperature range and active product status.

Similar Alternatives (5KP48A, P5KE48A series): Parts meeting core voltage and clamping specifications but with variations in peak pulse current handling and power dissipation capacity. The 5KP48A offers significantly higher power rating (5000W vs. 500W). The P5KE48A series (P5KE48A-AP, P5KE48A-BP, P5KE48A-TP) maintains the 500W power rating with extended temperature range.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

SA48A (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation) is the primary direct equivalent. This part maintains identical voltage specifications and power rating while offering active product status, extended operating temperature range (-55°C to 175°C versus -55°C to 150°C), and ROHS3 compliance. The marginally higher peak pulse current (6.7A versus 6.5A) presents no compatibility concerns for applications designed around the SA48AG.

5KP48A (Littelfuse Inc.) serves as a high-power alternative for applications requiring enhanced transient energy absorption. This part delivers 5000W peak pulse power with 65.9A peak pulse current capability, compared to the SA48AG's 500W and 6.5A specifications. The 5KP48A is suitable only for designs where the increased power dissipation capacity provides system-level benefits and where the P600 package form factor is mechanically compatible. ROHS3 compliance and active product status support long-term availability.

P5KE48A Series (P5KE48A-AP, P5KE48A-BP, P5KE48A-TP) from Micro Commercial Co maintains the 500W power rating and 6.5A peak pulse current of the SA48AG while providing extended operating temperature range (-65°C to 175°C) and active product status. These parts are functionally equivalent for applications within the SA48AG's original thermal specifications. The three variants (AP, BP, TP) represent different packaging or tape configurations; selection depends on procurement and assembly requirements.

All substitute parts share REACH compliance and EAR99 export classification with the original SA48AG.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA48A directly replace SA48AG in existing designs?

A: Yes. SA48A maintains identical voltage ratings (48V standoff, 77.4V clamping) and power dissipation (500W). The 6.7A peak pulse current is marginally higher than the SA48AG's 6.5A, presenting no compatibility issues. Extended temperature range and active product status make SA48A the preferred direct substitute.

Q: When should 5KP48A be selected instead of SA48A?

A: 5KP48A is selected when circuit design requires higher transient energy absorption capacity. The 5000W peak pulse power rating (versus 500W) and 65.9A peak pulse current support applications experiencing severe overvoltage transients. The P600 package must be mechanically compatible with the PCB layout. This part is not a drop-in replacement but rather a performance upgrade for specific high-stress applications.

Q: Are P5KE48A-AP, P5KE48A-BP, and P5KE48A-TP electrically identical?

A: Yes. All three P5KE48A variants share identical electrical specifications: 48V standoff, 77.4V clamping, 6.5A peak pulse current, and 500W power dissipation. Differences relate to packaging format and tape configuration. Selection depends on procurement method (bulk versus tape & reel) and assembly equipment compatibility.

Q: What is the impact of operating temperature range differences?

A: SA48AG operates from -55°C to 150°C. SA48A, 5KP48A extend to 175°C. P5KE48A series extends to 175°C with lower temperature limit of -65°C. For applications operating within -55°C to 150°C, all substitutes are suitable. Applications requiring operation above 150°C or below -55°C must verify substitute part thermal specifications against system requirements.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: SA48A and 5KP48A carry explicit ROHS3 compliance certification. P5KE48A series RoHS status is not specified in available documentation. All parts maintain REACH compliance and EAR99 export classification consistent with the SA48AG.

Q: Can substitute parts be mixed within a single design revision?

A: Substitution decisions should be made at the design level and documented in engineering change orders. Mixing different substitute parts within a single production lot introduces traceability and quality assurance complexity. Standardize on a single approved substitute part number per design revision.