Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA120A-E3/54
- Part No.:
- SA120A-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA120A-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 120VWM 193VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,445
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Product details
Overview
SA120A-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for circuit protection against ESD and surge transients. It features 120 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 133–147 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 193 V clamping voltage (VC) at 2.6 A peak pulse current, 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use.
For engineers reviewing the SA120A-E3/54 datasheet, SA120A-E3/54 pinout, SA120A-E3/54 application, or SA120A-E3/54 equivalent, this device is selected for robust overvoltage protection in DC power rails, sensor interfaces, and industrial control inputs where fast response (<1 ns), low clamping ratio, and high surge reliability are required.
Technical Context
The SA120A-E3/54 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, enabling sub-nanosecond response to transient events. Its unidirectional polarity uses a cathode band marking and exhibits 3.5 V maximum forward voltage at 100 A surge, supporting high-current fault handling without latch-up.
Thermal performance is defined by a 175 °C maximum junction temperature and 3.0 W steady-state power dissipation on infinite heatsink at 75 °C lead temperature. The device is rated for 70 A non-repetitive forward surge (10 ms half-sine) and meets JESD 22-B106 solderability standards (275 °C, 10 s).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 120 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins; sets protection threshold for 120 V DC systems. |
| VBR min/max | 133 V / 147 V at 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range; ensures reliable triggering above normal operating voltage. |
| VC @ IPPM | 193 V at 2.6 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; limits downstream stress to ≤193 V under rated 500 W pulse. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling per 10/1000 μs waveform; supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity. |
| ID @ VWM | 1.0 μA - Reverse leakage at 120 V; negligible power loss and signal integrity impact in standby. |
| TJ max | 175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive or high-ambient industrial environments. |
| IFSM | 70 A - Non-repetitive forward surge rating (10 ms half-sine); withstands inrush or fault currents without failure. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-15 (DO-204AC), axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case with matte tin-plated leads. Dimensions: 3.3–3.5 mm diameter × 25.4 mm minimum length. Complies with UL 94 V-0 flammability rating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / surge return path | Connected to protected line's low-side or ground reference; conducts during positive transients when cathode is biased higher. |
| Cathode (banded end) | Avalanche conduction node / clamping terminal | Connected to protected line's high-side; initiates clamping when reverse voltage exceeds VBR; color band identifies polarity for correct PCB orientation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Enables stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics and long-term reliability under repetitive surge stress. |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports high-energy transient suppression per IEC 61000-4-5 without thermal runaway. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ISO 7637-2 pulse 1/2a/5a), improving clamping precision. |
| Solderable per J-STD-002/JESD 22-B102 | Ensures robust lead termination during reflow or wave soldering without delamination or voiding. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V battery-fed ECUs and infotainment modules from load dump and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between power rail and ground to clamp surges exceeding 120 V while remaining inert during nominal operation. Use Value: Limits peak voltage to 193 V during 500 W pulses, preventing damage to downstream regulators and microcontrollers per ISO 16750-2. | Use Scenario: Shielding analog output lines of pressure or temperature sensors in factory automation PLCs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Connected across signal and ground to absorb ESD (IEC 61000-4-2 ±8 kV contact) and inductive switching noise from solenoid drivers. Use Value: Sub-nanosecond response and 1.0 μA leakage preserve signal fidelity and offset accuracy in mV-level sensor outputs. |
| DC Motor Drive Input Stage | Telecom Power Supply Input |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding H-bridge gate drivers and current sense amplifiers from back-EMF spikes during motor commutation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted at motor driver input terminals to shunt inductive kickback energy away from sensitive logic and analog circuitry. Use Value: Withstands 70 A single-pulse forward surge and clamps at 193 V, ensuring uninterrupted operation during 10 ms stall conditions. | Use Scenario: Front-end protection for AC/DC rectified bus in telecom base station power supplies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed after bridge rectifier to suppress lightning-induced surges on 48 V DC distribution lines. Use Value: 500 W pulse rating and 175 °C TJ max enable reliable operation in sealed, high-temperature enclosures without derating. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ120A-E3/5T | Same VWM (120 V), lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (surface-mount), 1.5 A IPPM | Designed for space-constrained PCBs; lacks AEC-Q101 qualification and lower surge margin | Select for consumer-grade SMT designs where board area is critical and surge severity is moderate. |
| 1.5KE120A | Same VWM (120 V), higher PPPM (1500 W), DO-204AL (DO-41) package, 12.5 A IPPM | Larger footprint and higher clamping voltage (200 V); suited for high-energy industrial mains protection | Choose when system-level surge tests exceed IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 and board layout allows larger axial package. |
Compared with SMAJ120A-E3/5T and 1.5KE120A, the SA120A-E3/54 delivers optimal balance of automotive qualification, 500 W surge capability, and DO-15 through-hole reliability-making it preferred for cost-sensitive, high-volume automotive and industrial power rail protection where AEC-Q101 compliance and proven thermal robustness are mandatory.
Availability
SA120A-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial sensor interfaces, DC motor drive inputs, and telecom power supply inputs requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 assurance.
Supply support for SA120A-E3/54 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Vishay General Semiconductor is a global leader in discrete semiconductors, specializing in diodes, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and automotive-grade qualification.
The SAxxA series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for robust, standardized transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and telecom power and signal lines where consistent clamping and AEC-Q101 validation are required.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA120A-E3/54 and how does it protect downstream circuits?
The SA120A-E3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 193 V at 2.6 A peak pulse current (10/1000 μs waveform). This means that during a transient event, the device limits the voltage seen by downstream components to no more than 193 V, preventing overvoltage damage to ICs, regulators, or sensors connected to the same rail. Its low clamping ratio (VC/VWM ≈ 1.61) ensures effective protection without excessive voltage overshoot.
Is SA120A-E3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SA120A-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive use. It meets requirements for under-hood and body electronics, including resistance to thermal cycling, mechanical shock, and high-energy transients such as load dump (ISO 16750-2) and coupled surges (ISO 7637-2). Its 175 °C maximum junction temperature and DO-15 rugged packaging further support automotive deployment.
What is the meaning of the "E3/54" suffix in SA120A-E3/54?
The "E3" suffix indicates RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade construction with JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance; "/54" denotes the preferred package code for 13-inch paper tape and reel packaging with 4000 units per reel. This ordering format ensures traceable, standardized logistics for automated assembly and complies with Vishay's documented delivery mode specifications.
How does SA120A-E3/54 differ from bidirectional variants like SA120CA?
SA120A-E3/54 is unidirectional and features a cathode band for polarity-sensitive placement; it conducts only during reverse overvoltage and forward surge events. In contrast, SA120CA is bidirectional with no polarity marking and clamps transients of either polarity-making it suitable for AC lines or differential signal pairs. SA120A-E3/54 offers lower forward voltage (3.5 V at 100 A) and is optimized for DC rail protection where polarity is fixed.
Can SA120A-E3/54 be used in parallel for higher surge current handling?
No-SA120A-E3/54 is not recommended for parallel connection due to mismatch in avalanche voltage (VBR tolerance ±5 %) causing current imbalance and potential thermal runaway. For higher surge capacity, select a single higher-rated device (e.g., 1.5KE120A) or implement staged protection with upstream current-limiting resistors and coordinated TVS selection verified per IEC 61000-4-5 system testing.
SA120A-E3/54 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 120V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 133V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 193V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 2.6A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 500W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AC (DO-15)
SA120A-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA120A-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA120A-E3/54 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for SA120A-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA120A-E3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA120A-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA120A-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA120A-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA120A-E3/54?
SA120A-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA120A-E3/54 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for SA120A-E3/54?
For technical support, including SA120A-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA120A-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA120A-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA120A-E3/54 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that SA120A-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA120A-E3/54?
All SA120A-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA120A-E3/54, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The SA120A-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA120A-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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