SA90 Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA90 is a unidirectional Zener-type transient voltage suppressor diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. The device features a 90V reverse standoff voltage with a 153.3V maximum clamping voltage at peak pulse current and is housed in a DO-204AC (DO-15) axial through-hole package. The SA90 is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for new designs and ongoing production requirements.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	90	V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	94.95	V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	153.3	V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	4.6	A
Power - Peak Pulse	500	W
Operating Temperature Range	-55 to 175	°C (TJ)
Mounting Type	Through Hole	-
Package / Case	DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial	-
Type	Zener	-
Unidirectional Channels	1	-

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SA90 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 90V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: Maximum allowable 153.3V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): Minimum 4.6A
Package / Case: DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial (through-hole)
Type: Zener unidirectional
Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to 175°C (TJ)

Substitute parts must maintain identical reverse standoff voltage, support equivalent or superior peak pulse current ratings, and be compatible with the same through-hole axial package footprint. Clamping voltage variations within the specified range are acceptable provided they do not exceed the maximum threshold of 153.3V.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	SA90 (Littelfuse)	SA90A (Taiwan Semiconductor)	P5KE90A-TP (Micro Commercial)	SA90A-AP (Micro Commercial)	SA90A-BP (Micro Commercial)	SA90A-TP (Micro Commercial)
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	90V	90V	90V	90V	90V	90V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	94.95V	100V	100V	100V	100V	100V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	153.3V	146V	146V	146V	146V	146V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	4.6A	4.6A	3.4A	4.6A	4.6A	4.6A
Power - Peak Pulse	500W	500W	500W	500W	500W	500W
Operating Temperature Range	-55 to 175°C	-55 to 175°C	-65 to 175°C	-55 to 175°C	-55 to 175°C	-55 to 175°C
Package / Case	DO-204AC, DO-15	DO-204AC, DO-15	DO-15	DO-15	DO-15	DO-15
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All listed substitute parts maintain active product status and ROHS3 compliance, ensuring long-term availability and regulatory conformance. The SA90A from Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation provides direct functional equivalence with identical electrical specifications and operating temperature range. The P5KE90A-TP from Micro Commercial Co offers an extended lower operating temperature limit (-65°C versus -55°C) and marginally reduced peak pulse current (3.4A versus 4.6A), suitable for applications requiring enhanced cold-temperature performance. The SA90A-AP, SA90A-BP, and SA90A-TP variants from Micro Commercial Co are functionally identical to the SA90A, differing only in packaging configuration (Bulk versus Tape & Reel).

For applications requiring direct replacement without design modification, SA90A, SA90A-AP, SA90A-BP, and SA90A-TP are preferred due to matching electrical characteristics and temperature specifications. P5KE90A-TP is suitable where extended low-temperature operation is required, provided the 3.4A peak pulse current rating meets application demands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA90A variants (SA90A-AP, SA90A-BP, SA90A-TP) be used interchangeably?

A: Yes. These parts are electrically identical and differ only in packaging format (Bulk versus Tape & Reel). Selection depends on procurement and assembly requirements rather than electrical performance.

Q: Is P5KE90A-TP a direct substitute for SA90?

A: P5KE90A-TP is functionally compatible with SA90 for most applications. The peak pulse current is 3.4A versus 4.6A, and the lower operating temperature extends to -65°C. Verify that the 3.4A rating satisfies your circuit requirements before substitution.

Q: What is the significance of the clamping voltage difference between SA90 (153.3V) and substitute parts (146V)?

A: The lower clamping voltage in substitute parts (146V) provides superior transient suppression performance. This represents an improvement over the original SA90 specification and is acceptable for direct substitution.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance certification, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements.

Q: Can these parts be used in new designs?

A: Yes. All substitute parts carry active product status, ensuring availability for new designs and production. The obsolete SA90 should not be specified for new applications.

Q: Does package format affect electrical performance?

A: No. Packaging format (Bulk, Tape & Reel) affects only procurement and assembly logistics. Electrical performance remains identical across all packaging variants of the same part number.

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