SA8.5C Transient Voltage Suppressor - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA8.5C is a bidirectional Zener transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse, designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection in through-hole applications. The device features an 8.5V reverse standoff voltage with a 15.12V maximum clamping voltage and 35.4A peak pulse current capability in a DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package.

The SA8.5C is classified as obsolete. Equivalent and substitute parts are available from active manufacturers including Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation, Micro Commercial Co, and Vishay, offering comparable electrical performance with continued product support and availability.

Substiute Parts

SA8.5C

LittelfuseIn Stock: 1133SA8.5C Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SA8.5CA

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 16110SA8.5CA Datasheet

DirectRFQ

SA8.5CA-AP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1025SA8.5CA-AP Datasheet

DirectRFQ

SA8.5CA-BP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 763SA8.5CA-BP Datasheet

DirectRFQ

P5KE8.5CA-AP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 811P5KE8.5CA-AP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P5KE8.5CA-BP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 893P5KE8.5CA-BP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P5KE8.5CA-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1017P5KE8.5CA-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P6KE10CA-E3/54

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes DivisionIn Stock: 4329P6KE10CA-E3/54 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the SA8.5C are qualified based on the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

• Reverse standoff voltage: 8.5V (±tolerance)
• Bidirectional Zener type with single channel
• Through-hole axial mounting in DO-204AC (DO-15) package
• Operating temperature range: -55°C to 175°C minimum
• Peak pulse current capability: 34.7A to 36A
• Clamping voltage: 14.4V to 15.12V at peak pulse current
• Power dissipation: 500W to 600W peak pulse
• RoHS3 compliance

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: direct equivalents (SA8.5CA series) and manufacturer-recommended alternatives (P5KE8.5CA and P6KE10CA series). All substitutes maintain the same reverse standoff voltage and package configuration, with minor variations in clamping voltage and peak pulse current within acceptable engineering tolerances.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For applications requiring direct replacement of the obsolete SA8.5C, the SA8.5CA from Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation is the primary equivalent. This part maintains identical reverse standoff voltage (8.5V), operating temperature range (-55°C to 175°C), and package configuration (DO-204AC/DO-15 axial), with ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating. The SA8.5CA is currently in active production with substantial inventory availability.

The SA8.5CA-AP and SA8.5CA-BP variants from Micro Commercial Co provide functionally equivalent performance with identical electrical specifications and package compatibility. These parts are suitable for applications where the original manufacturer is not a critical requirement.

The P5KE8.5CA series (P5KE8.5CA-AP, P5KE8.5CA-BP, P5KE8.5CA-TP) from Micro Commercial Co offers extended operating temperature range (-65°C to 175°C) and represents a design upgrade option. Peak pulse current is slightly reduced to 34.7A, but clamping voltage and power dissipation remain within acceptable parameters.

The P6KE10CA-E3/54 from Vishay (TransZorb® series) is a manufacturer-recommended alternative with enhanced peak pulse current capability (41.4A) and increased power dissipation (600W). The reverse standoff voltage is marginally higher at 8.55V, and clamping voltage is 14.5V. This part is suitable for applications requiring higher transient energy absorption capacity.

All substitute parts maintain REACH compliance and EAR99 export classification consistent with the original SA8.5C.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the SA8.5CA directly replace the SA8.5C without circuit modification?

A: Yes. The SA8.5CA maintains identical reverse standoff voltage (8.5V), operating temperature range, and DO-204AC/DO-15 axial package configuration. Clamping voltage is slightly lower (14.4V vs. 15.12V), which provides improved transient suppression performance. No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What is the difference between SA8.5CA, SA8.5CA-AP, and SA8.5CA-BP?

A: These parts share identical electrical specifications and package configuration. The suffix designates packaging format: SA8.5CA is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR), while SA8.5CA-AP and SA8.5CA-BP are supplied in Bulk. Selection depends on procurement and assembly requirements rather than electrical performance.

Q: When should the P5KE8.5CA series be selected over the SA8.5CA?

A: The P5KE8.5CA series extends the operating temperature range to -65°C, providing enhanced performance in extreme cold environments. Peak pulse current is reduced to 34.7A. Selection depends on whether the extended low-temperature specification is required for the application.

Q: Is the P6KE10CA-E3/54 a suitable substitute for the SA8.5C?

A: The P6KE10CA-E3/54 is a manufacturer-recommended alternative with higher transient energy absorption (41.4A peak pulse current, 600W power dissipation). The reverse standoff voltage is 8.55V, which is within acceptable tolerance of the 8.5V specification. This part is suitable for applications requiring enhanced overvoltage protection capacity.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: The SA8.5CA and P6KE10CA-E3/54 are explicitly specified as ROHS3 compliant. RoHS compliance status is not specified for the P5KE8.5CA and SA8.5CA-AP/BP variants; verification with the manufacturer is recommended if RoHS3 compliance is a procurement requirement.

Q: What is the impact of clamping voltage variation between substitute parts?

A: Clamping voltage determines the maximum voltage applied to protected circuitry during transient events. The SA8.5C specifies 15.12V maximum clamping, while most substitutes specify 14.4V to 14.5V. Lower clamping voltage provides improved protection margin. All values remain within acceptable engineering tolerance for general-purpose transient suppression applications.

Q: Can substitute parts be mixed in the same circuit board assembly?

A: Yes, provided all parts meet the application's electrical requirements (reverse standoff voltage, clamping voltage, peak pulse current, and operating temperature range). Mixing different manufacturers or packaging formats does not affect electrical performance, though procurement and inventory management may be simplified by standardizing on a single part number.