SA48CA TVS Diode 48V Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA48CA is a Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode rated at 48V reverse standoff voltage with a 77.4V maximum clamping voltage. Manufactured by onsemi, this through-hole component in DO-15 package is designed for general-purpose transient voltage protection applications. The original onsemi SA48CA is currently obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing circuit protection requirements. Active alternatives from multiple manufacturers provide identical or compatible electrical performance while maintaining the same mechanical form factor.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	48	V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	53.3	V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	77.4	V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	6.5	A
Power - Peak Pulse	500	W
Type	Zener	—
Bidirectional Channels	1	—
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial	—
Applications	General Purpose	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SA48CA is determined by strict alignment of electrical parameters and mechanical compatibility. The following criteria define valid substitutes:

Critical Parameters for Substitution:

Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 48V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 53.3V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 77.4V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): 6.5A minimum
Power - Peak Pulse: 500W
Package / Case: DO-204AC, DO-15, or Axial equivalent
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Type: Zener, Bidirectional Channels: 1

Direct Equivalents maintain identical electrical specifications and are sourced from active manufacturers. These parts are pin-compatible and functionally interchangeable without circuit modification.

Similar Alternatives meet all critical electrical parameters with minor variations in peak pulse current (6.6A to 6.7A) or operating temperature range, remaining within acceptable tolerance for general-purpose protection applications.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Product Status	Vwm (V)	Vbr (V)	Vc (V)	Ipp (A)	Pkg	Operating Temp (°C)
SA48CA	onsemi	Obsolete	48	53.3	77.4	6.5	DO-15	—
SA48CA	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	Active	48	53.3	77.4	6.7	DO-204AC	-55 ~ 175
SA48CA-E3/54	Vishay General Semiconductor	Active	48	53.3	77.4	6.5	DO-204AC	-55 ~ 175
SA48CAHE3/54	Vishay General Semiconductor	Active	48	53.3	77.4	6.5	DO-204AC	-55 ~ 175
P5KE48CA-AP	Micro Commercial Co	Active	48	53.3	77.4	6.5	DO-15	-65 ~ 175
P5KE48CA-BP	Micro Commercial Co	Active	48	53.3	77.4	6.5	DO-15	-65 ~ 175
P5KE48CA-TP	Micro Commercial Co	Active	48	53.3	77.4	6.5	DO-15	-65 ~ 175
SA48CA-AP	Micro Commercial Co	Active	48	53.3	77.4	6.6	DO-15	-55 ~ 175
SA48CA-BP	Micro Commercial Co	Active	48	53.3	77.4	6.6	DO-15	-55 ~ 175
SA48CA-TP	Micro Commercial Co	Active	48	53.3	77.4	6.6	DO-15	-55 ~ 175

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Identical Specifications): Select SA48CA-E3/54 (Vishay) or SA48CA from Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation. Both maintain the exact 6.5A peak pulse current specification and are actively manufactured. Vishay's SA48CA-E3/54 carries ROHS3 compliance and is available in Cut Tape packaging for standard procurement.

For Automotive Applications: SA48CAHE3/54 (Vishay) is qualified to AEC-Q101 and carries automotive-grade certification. This part is suitable for automotive transient protection circuits requiring formal qualification documentation.

For Extended Temperature Range: P5KE48CA series (Micro Commercial Co) provides -65°C to 175°C operating range, exceeding the standard -55°C to 175°C specification. Select P5KE48CA-AP, P5KE48CA-BP, or P5KE48CA-TP based on packaging requirements (Bulk packaging available).

For Equivalent Performance with Minor Current Tolerance: SA48CA-AP, SA48CA-BP, and SA48CA-TP (Micro Commercial Co) offer 6.6A peak pulse current, representing a 1.5% increase over the original 6.5A specification. These parts are suitable for applications where this tolerance is acceptable and provide active product status with standard temperature range coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I substitute the obsolete onsemi SA48CA with any of these alternatives? A: Yes. All listed parts maintain the critical electrical parameters: 48V reverse standoff, 53.3V minimum breakdown, and 77.4V maximum clamping voltage. Peak pulse current variations (6.5A to 6.7A) remain within acceptable tolerance for general-purpose transient protection.

Q: What is the difference between DO-15 and DO-204AC packaging? A: DO-15 and DO-204AC are equivalent designations for the same axial through-hole package. Both refer to a two-lead cylindrical component with identical mechanical and electrical footprint. Parts specified as either package type are mechanically interchangeable.

Q: Which substitute offers the best availability? A: Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation's SA48CA variant shows 300,400 pieces in stock. Vishay's SA48CA-E3/54 provides 4,745 pieces. Micro Commercial Co variants range from 828 to 1,171 pieces. Availability should be confirmed with your component supplier.

Q: Is the SA48CAHE3/54 suitable for non-automotive applications? A: Yes. The SA48CAHE3/54 meets all electrical requirements for general-purpose transient protection. The AEC-Q101 automotive qualification is an additional certification that does not restrict use in non-automotive circuits.

Q: What is the significance of the -AP, -BP, and -TP suffixes on Micro Commercial Co parts? A: These suffixes denote different packaging and tape configurations (Bulk packaging variants). All three maintain identical electrical specifications and are functionally equivalent. Selection depends on procurement and assembly requirements.

Q: Can I use P5KE48CA series as a direct replacement for SA48CA? A: Yes. The P5KE48CA series maintains all critical electrical parameters. The extended temperature range (-65°C to 175°C versus -55°C to 175°C) provides additional thermal margin without affecting circuit compatibility.

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