SA48-E3/54 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA48-E3/54 is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode from Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division, part of the TransZorb® series. This component is designed for general-purpose transient voltage suppression applications with a 48V reverse standoff voltage and 85.5V maximum clamping voltage. The part is currently listed as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement.

Substiute Parts

SA48-E3/54

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 1067SA48-E3/54 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SA48A-E3/54

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 754SA48A-E3/54 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

5KP48A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 88785KP48A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA48A

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 8230SA48A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA48A-AP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 838SA48A-AP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA48A-BP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 813SA48A-BP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA48A-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 729SA48A-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the SA48-E3/54 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff: 48V (all substitutes maintain this specification)
• Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 53.3V (all substitutes maintain this specification)
• Type: Zener, Unidirectional (all substitutes are identical type)
• Mounting Type: Through Hole (all substitutes use through-hole mounting)
• Operating Temperature Range: -55°C ~ 175°C (all substitutes maintain this range)

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on electrical performance and package compatibility:

Category 1: Direct Electrical Equivalents (DO-204AC/DO-15 Package) Parts SA48A-E3/54, SA48A, SA48A-AP, SA48A-BP, and SA48A-TP maintain the same voltage ratings and similar peak pulse current specifications (6.5A to 6.7A), with clamping voltages between 77.4V and 77.4V. These parts are pin-compatible and mechanically interchangeable with the original SA48-E3/54.

Category 2: Higher Power Alternative (P600 Package) The 5KP48A from Littelfuse Inc. provides the same voltage ratings but with significantly higher peak pulse current (65.9A) and power dissipation (5000W). This part uses a different package (P600) and is suitable for applications requiring enhanced transient suppression capability.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Pin-Compatible, Same Package): Select SA48A-E3/54, SA48A, SA48A-AP, SA48A-BP, or SA48A-TP when the original SA48-E3/54 is no longer available. All these parts maintain identical voltage ratings (48V reverse standoff, 53.3V breakdown minimum, 77.4V clamping maximum) and are compatible with DO-204AC/DO-15 through-hole footprints. These parts are active products with established supply chains. SA48A from Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation and SA48A-E3/54 from Vishay offer the highest inventory availability (8200 and 714 units respectively).

For Enhanced Transient Protection: Select 5KP48A from Littelfuse Inc. when the application requires higher peak pulse current handling (65.9A versus 5.8A) and greater power dissipation capability (5000W versus 500W). This part maintains the same voltage specifications but uses a P600 package. Board layout modifications are required for this substitution due to different package geometry.

Compliance Considerations: All substitute parts maintain RoHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status consistent with the original SA48-E3/54. Operating temperature range remains -55°C to 175°C across all options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA48A-E3/54 be used as a direct replacement for SA48-E3/54? A: Yes. SA48A-E3/54 is a direct substitute with identical voltage ratings (48V standoff, 53.3V breakdown, 77.4V clamping) and compatible DO-204AC/DO-15 package. No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What is the difference between the various SA48A variants (SA48A, SA48A-AP, SA48A-BP, SA48A-TP)? A: These variants differ primarily in manufacturer and packaging format. SA48A is from Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation, while SA48A-AP, SA48A-BP, and SA48A-TP are from Micro Commercial Co. All maintain identical electrical specifications and DO-15 package compatibility. Packaging format differences (Tape & Reel versus Bulk) affect procurement and handling but not electrical performance.

Q: When should 5KP48A be selected instead of SA48A variants? A: Select 5KP48A when the application experiences transient events exceeding 5.8A peak pulse current or requires power dissipation beyond 500W. The 5KP48A handles 65.9A peak pulse and 5000W power dissipation. This substitution requires PCB layout changes due to the P600 package format.

Q: Are all substitute parts through-hole mounted? A: Yes. The SA48-E3/54 and all substitute parts use through-hole mounting. SA48A variants use DO-204AC/DO-15 axial packages, while 5KP48A uses a P600 axial package. Both package types are through-hole compatible.

Q: What is the clamping voltage difference between SA48-E3/54 and substitute parts? A: The original SA48-E3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage of 85.5V at peak pulse current. Most substitute parts (SA48A-E3/54, 5KP48A, SA48A, SA48A-AP, SA48A-BP, SA48A-TP) have a maximum clamping voltage of 77.4V. This lower clamping voltage provides improved transient suppression performance in most applications.

Q: Are substitute parts available in the same packaging format? A: SA48A-E3/54, SA48A, SA48A-AP, SA48A-BP, and SA48A-TP are all available in DO-204AC/DO-15 packages compatible with the original SA48-E3/54 footprint. The 5KP48A uses a P600 package and requires different PCB layout accommodation.