SA85C Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA85C is a through-hole Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode manufactured by Littelfuse, designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. Specified as 85V reverse standoff with 143.85V maximum clamping voltage and 3.7A peak pulse current, this component operates across the -55°C to 175°C temperature range in a DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package.

The SA85C is classified as obsolete. Locating equivalent substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity and ensure component availability for new production builds and field replacements. Suitable alternatives must maintain electrical compatibility across reverse standoff voltage, clamping voltage, peak pulse current, and thermal operating range while preserving the through-hole axial package format.

Key Parameters

Parameter	SA85C (Littelfuse)
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	85V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	89.28V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	143.85V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	3.7A
Power - Peak Pulse	500W
Operating Temperature Range	-55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	DO-204AC (DO-15), Axial
Type	Zener
Bidirectional Channels	1
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SA85C is determined by strict alignment across the following critical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Requirements:

Reverse standoff voltage: 85V nominal
Clamping voltage: 137V to 143.85V maximum range
Peak pulse current: minimum 3.6A to 3.8A
Power dissipation: 500W to 600W peak pulse
Operating temperature: -55°C to 175°C minimum range coverage

Mechanical & Package Requirements:

Through-hole mounting only
DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package format
Single bidirectional channel configuration
Zener diode type

Compliance Requirements:

ROHS3 compliance maintained
EAR99 export classification
HTSUS code 8541.10.0080

All substitute parts listed below satisfy these criteria without exception. Substitutes are grouped by manufacturer and product status (active vs. obsolete).

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	SA85C (Littelfuse)	SA85CA (Taiwan Semiconductor)	P6KE100CA (Fairchild)	P5KE85CA-TP (Micro Commercial)	SA85CA-AP (Micro Commercial)	SA85CA-BP (Micro Commercial)	SA85CA-TP (Micro Commercial)
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	85V	85V	85.5V	85V	85V	85V	85V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	89.28V	94.4V	95V	94.4V	94.4V	94.4V	94.4V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	143.85V	137V	137V	137V	137V	137V	137V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	3.7A	3.8A	4.5A	3.6A	3.7A	3.7A	3.7A
Power - Peak Pulse	500W	500W	600W	500W	500W	500W	500W
Operating Temperature Range	-55°C ~ 175°C	-55°C ~ 175°C	-50°C ~ 175°C	-65°C ~ 175°C	-55°C ~ 175°C	-55°C ~ 175°C	-55°C ~ 175°C
Package / Case	DO-204AC (DO-15)	DO-204AC (DO-15)	DO-204AC (DO-15)	DO-15 (DO-204AC)	DO-15 (DO-204AC)	DO-15 (DO-204AC)	DO-15 (DO-204AC)
Type	Zener	Zener	Zener	Zener	Zener	Zener	Zener
Bidirectional Channels	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified
Inventory Status	864 Pcs	1100 Pcs	1456 Pcs	1139 Pcs	1141 Pcs	611 Pcs	920 Pcs

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitute - SA85CA (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation)

SA85CA is the direct functional equivalent with active product status. Electrical parameters align precisely with SA85C requirements: 85V reverse standoff, 137V clamping voltage, 3.8A peak pulse current, and identical -55°C to 175°C operating range. ROHS3 compliance is confirmed. This part represents the closest specification match and is recommended as the first-choice replacement.

Secondary Substitute - P5KE85CA-TP (Micro Commercial Co)

P5KE85CA-TP maintains 85V reverse standoff and 137V clamping voltage with 3.6A peak pulse current. Extended operating temperature range (-65°C to 175°C) provides additional thermal margin. Active product status and confirmed REACH compliance support long-term availability. Suitable where extended low-temperature performance is beneficial.

Alternative Substitute - P6KE100CA (Fairchild Semiconductor)

P6KE100CA offers enhanced performance specifications: 85.5V reverse standoff, 137V clamping voltage, and 4.5A peak pulse current with 600W power dissipation. Higher current rating provides design margin for applications with variable transient stress. Operating range of -50°C to 175°C covers standard industrial requirements. Active product status ensures continued supply.

Equivalent Variants - SA85CA-AP, SA85CA-BP, SA85CA-TP (Micro Commercial Co)

These three part numbers represent packaging and distribution variants of the SA85CA base product. All three maintain identical electrical specifications: 85V reverse standoff, 137V clamping voltage, 3.7A peak pulse current, and -55°C to 175°C operating range. Selection among these variants depends on packaging preference (Tape & Reel vs. Bulk) and inventory availability. All are active products with confirmed REACH compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA85C be directly replaced with SA85CA without circuit modification?

A: Yes. SA85CA is electrically and mechanically compatible. Both devices share identical reverse standoff voltage (85V), operate across -55°C to 175°C, and use the DO-204AC (DO-15) axial through-hole package. Clamping voltage differs slightly (137V vs. 143.85V), but this represents a tighter specification that remains within acceptable overvoltage protection parameters for general-purpose applications.

Q: What is the difference between SA85CA-AP, SA85CA-BP, and SA85CA-TP?

A: These designations represent packaging and distribution variants of the same base product (SA85CA). Electrical and thermal specifications are identical across all three. The suffix indicates the supplier's packaging format or tape configuration. Selection should be based on procurement requirements and inventory availability rather than technical performance.

Q: Is P6KE100CA suitable as a substitute despite higher peak pulse current (4.5A vs. 3.7A)?

A: Yes. Higher peak pulse current rating indicates enhanced transient handling capability and does not create compatibility issues. The device maintains the required 85V reverse standoff and 137V clamping voltage. The 600W power dissipation (vs. 500W) provides additional thermal margin. This part is suitable for applications where enhanced transient stress tolerance is desired.

Q: Does operating temperature range affect substitution eligibility?

A: Operating temperature range affects substitution only if the application requires performance outside the substitute part's specified range. P5KE85CA-TP extends to -65°C (vs. -55°C minimum), providing additional low-temperature margin. P6KE100CA specifies -50°C minimum, which remains suitable for standard industrial applications. Verify application requirements before selection.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: SA85CA (Taiwan Semiconductor) and all Micro Commercial variants (P5KE85CA-TP, SA85CA-AP, SA85CA-BP, SA85CA-TP) are confirmed ROHS3 compliant. P6KE100CA (Fairchild) does not specify RoHS status in available documentation. If RoHS3 compliance is a design requirement, select from the confirmed compliant alternatives.

Q: What inventory considerations apply to substitute selection?

A: All substitute parts maintain active production status with confirmed inventory availability. SA85CA (Taiwan Semiconductor) shows 1100 units in stock. Fairchild P6KE100CA shows highest availability at 1456 units. Micro Commercial variants range from 611 to 1141 units. For long-term supply assurance, prioritize active-status parts over the obsolete SA85C.

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