SA6.0 Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA6.0 is a unidirectional Zener-type transient voltage suppressor diode manufactured by Littelfuse, designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. Housed in a DO-204AC (DO-15) axial through-hole package, this component operates across a temperature range of -55°C to 175°C and provides 500W peak pulse power dissipation capability.

The SA6.0 is classified as obsolete. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure supply chain availability, and support ongoing production requirements for applications utilizing this component.

Substiute Parts

SA6.0

LittelfuseIn Stock: 792SA6.0 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SA6.0A

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 60139SA6.0A Datasheet

DirectRFQ

1N6462

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 9891N6462 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA6.0A-E3/54

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 6828SA6.0A-E3/54 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA6.0A-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 870SA6.0A-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SAC6.0-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 722SAC6.0-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SA6.0 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 6V
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 10.82V nominal range
• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): 49.5A nominal range
• Power - Peak Pulse: 500W
• Operating Temperature: -55°C ~ 175°C
• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Package / Case: DO-204AC (DO-15) Axial
• Type: Zener
• Unidirectional Channels: 1

Substitute parts must maintain electrical compatibility within the specified voltage and current parameters while preserving the through-hole axial package form factor. Parts meeting these criteria are classified as direct functional equivalents.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

SA6.0A (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation) and SA6.0A-E3/54 (Vishay General Semiconductor) are the primary recommended substitutes. Both parts maintain active product status, achieve ROHS3 compliance, and demonstrate electrical parameters within acceptable tolerance of the original SA6.0 specification. Clamping voltage differential is minimal (10.3V versus 10.82V), and peak pulse current remains within 1% of the original specification.

SA6.0A-TP (Micro Commercial Co) provides an alternative with identical electrical performance and active status. This part is ROHS3 compliant and supplied in tape and reel packaging.

SAC6.0-TP (Micro Commercial Co) is electrically compatible but exhibits higher breakdown voltage (7.9V minimum) and reduced peak pulse current (41A). This part remains suitable for applications with less stringent current requirements.

1N6462 (Microchip Technology) maintains electrical compatibility and active product status but is classified as RoHS non-compliant. This part is suitable only for applications where RoHS compliance is not a requirement. The significantly higher peak pulse current rating (258A at 8/20µs pulse width) indicates a different pulse width specification and should be evaluated for specific application requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA6.0A directly replace SA6.0 in existing designs?

A: Yes. SA6.0A maintains the same 6V reverse standoff voltage, 500W peak pulse power rating, and through-hole DO-204AC package configuration. Clamping voltage is 10.3V versus 10.82V, representing a 4.8% reduction within acceptable design margins for general-purpose overvoltage protection.

Q: What is the difference between SA6.0A-E3/54 and SA6.0A-TP?

A: Both parts are electrically equivalent with 10.3V clamping voltage and 48.5A to 49.5A peak pulse current. SA6.0A-E3/54 is supplied in cut tape packaging by Vishay, while SA6.0A-TP is supplied in tape and reel packaging by Micro Commercial Co. Selection depends on procurement and assembly requirements.

Q: Is 1N6462 suitable as a substitute?

A: 1N6462 is electrically compatible with matching 6V reverse standoff voltage and 500W power rating. However, this part is RoHS non-compliant and specifies peak pulse current at 8/20µs pulse width rather than 10/1000µs. Use only in applications where RoHS compliance is not mandated and pulse width specifications are verified as compatible.

Q: Why does SAC6.0-TP have lower peak pulse current?

A: SAC6.0-TP is rated at 41A peak pulse current compared to 49.5A for SA6.0. This part remains functionally compatible for applications with lower transient current requirements. Verify application current demands before selection.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same package?

A: All substitute parts are through-hole axial devices compatible with DO-15 footprints. SA6.0A, SA6.0A-E3/54, and SA6.0A-TP are explicitly rated for DO-204AC (DO-15) packages. 1N6462 uses package designation B, Axial, which is mechanically compatible with DO-15 footprints. Verify PCB footprint compatibility during design review.

Q: What is the impact of different packaging formats (bulk, tape & reel, cut tape)?

A: Packaging format affects procurement and assembly processes but does not impact electrical performance. Bulk packaging is suitable for manual assembly or small-volume production. Tape and reel packaging is optimized for automated pick-and-place assembly. Cut tape provides intermediate flexibility. Select based on manufacturing process requirements.