SA90A Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA90A is a unidirectional Zener-type transient voltage suppressor diode in DO-15 (DO-204AC) axial package, rated for 90V reverse standoff with 146V maximum clamping voltage. Originally manufactured by onsemi, this component is classified as obsolete. Equivalent and substitute parts from active manufacturers are available to maintain design continuity and ensure supply chain reliability for applications requiring 90V TVS protection in through-hole configurations.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ)	90	V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min)	100	V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp	146	V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs)	3.4 - 4.6	A
Power - Peak Pulse	500	W
Type	Zener	-
Unidirectional Channels	1	-
Mounting Type	Through Hole	-
Package / Case	DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial	-
Applications	General Purpose	-

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SA90A is determined by strict equivalence across the following parameters:

Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 90V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min): 100V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 146V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): 3.4A minimum
Power - Peak Pulse: 500W
Type: Zener, Unidirectional
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Package / Case: DO-204AC or DO-15 Axial

Parts are classified into two categories:

Direct Substitutes: Identical electrical specifications and package compatibility with the original SA90A.

Similar Substitutes: Meet all core electrical parameters but may have different base product numbers or slightly different peak pulse current ratings (3.4A vs 4.6A), indicating minor manufacturing variations within acceptable tolerance.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	VWM (V)	VBR (V)	VC (V)	Ipp (A)	Ppk (W)	Package	Status
SA90A	onsemi	90	100	146	3.4	500	DO-15	Obsolete
SA90A-AP	Micro Commercial Co	90	100	146	4.6	500	DO-15	Active
SA90A-BP	Micro Commercial Co	90	100	146	4.6	500	DO-15	Active
SA90A-E3/54	Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division	90	100	146	3.4	500	DO-204AC (DO-15)	Active
SA90AHE3/54	Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division	90	100	146	3.4	500	DO-204AC (DO-15)	Active
P5KE90A-AP	Micro Commercial Co	90	100	146	3.4	500	DO-15	Active
P5KE90A-BP	Micro Commercial Co	90	100	146	3.4	500	DO-15	Active
P5KE90A-TP	Micro Commercial Co	90	100	146	3.4	500	DO-15	Active
SA90A	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	90	100	146	4.6	500	DO-204AC (DO-15)	Active
SA90A-TP	Micro Commercial Co	90	100	146	4.6	500	DO-15	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All listed substitute parts meet the core electrical specifications of the original SA90A. Selection should be based on the following criteria:

For Direct Replacement with Identical Specifications: SA90A-E3/54 and SA90AHE3/54 (Vishay) maintain exact 3.4A peak pulse current matching the original onsemi part. SA90A-E3/54 is available in Cut Tape packaging; SA90AHE3/54 is available in Tape & Reel with AEC-Q101 automotive qualification.

For Active Production with Extended Availability: SA90A-AP, SA90A-BP, and SA90A-TP (Micro Commercial Co) are active production parts with higher inventory levels. These variants specify 4.6A peak pulse current, representing a minor manufacturing tolerance variation within the 90V TVS class.

For Automotive Applications: SA90AHE3/54 (Vishay) carries AEC-Q101 qualification and is suitable for automotive-grade designs.

For General Industrial Applications: P5KE90A series (Micro Commercial Co) variants provide equivalent electrical performance with active production status and extended operating temperature range (-65°C to 175°C).

All substitute parts are REACH Unaffected and classified under ECCN EAR99.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA90A-AP or SA90A-BP be used as direct replacements for the obsolete onsemi SA90A?

A: Yes. Both parts maintain the 90V reverse standoff, 146V clamping voltage, and 500W peak pulse power specifications. The 4.6A peak pulse current (versus 3.4A in the original) represents a minor manufacturing tolerance variation and does not affect functional compatibility in general-purpose transient suppression applications.

Q: What is the difference between SA90A-E3/54 and SA90AHE3/54?

A: Both are Vishay TransZorb® series parts with identical electrical specifications. SA90A-E3/54 is supplied in Cut Tape packaging; SA90AHE3/54 is supplied in Tape & Reel packaging and includes AEC-Q101 automotive qualification.

Q: Are P5KE90A series parts compatible with SA90A applications?

A: Yes. P5KE90A-AP, P5KE90A-BP, and P5KE90A-TP maintain all core electrical parameters: 90V reverse standoff, 100V breakdown minimum, 146V clamping voltage, and 3.4A peak pulse current. The different base product number (P5KE90 vs SA90) reflects manufacturer designation but does not affect electrical equivalence.

Q: What packaging options are available?

A: All substitute parts are supplied in DO-15 or DO-204AC (DO-15) axial through-hole packages. Packaging variants include Bulk, Cut Tape (CT), and Tape & Reel (TR). Verify packaging selection based on assembly requirements.

Q: Which substitute part has the widest operating temperature range?

A: P5KE90A series parts (P5KE90A-AP, P5KE90A-BP, P5KE90A-TP) specify -65°C to 175°C operating temperature range, compared to -55°C to 175°C for most SA90A variants.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Vishay parts (SA90A-E3/54, SA90AHE3/54) are explicitly marked ROHS3 Compliant. All parts are REACH Unaffected. Verify specific compliance documentation with the supplier for your application requirements.

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