Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA120AHE3/54
- Part No.:
- SA120AHE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA120AHE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 120VWM 193VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,050
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Product details
Overview
SA120AHE3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional TransZORB® transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, rated for 120 V standoff voltage (VWM), 133–147 V breakdown (VBR), 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 193 V clamping voltage at 2.6 A, and AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive electronics protection.
For engineers reviewing the SA120AHE3/54 datasheet, SA120AHE3/54 pinout, SA120AHE3/54 application, or SA120AHE3/54 equivalent, this device serves as a primary overvoltage clamp for DC power rails, sensor interfaces, and MOSFET gate protection where fast response (<1 ns), low clamping ratio, and high surge robustness are required.
Technical Context
The SA120AHE3/54 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, designed to enter breakdown symmetrically only in reverse bias (unidirectional polarity). Its clamping action begins at VBR ≥133 V and limits transient energy by shunting surge current to ground while maintaining VC ≤193 V at IPPM = 2.6 A.
It features 175 °C maximum junction temperature, 3.0 W steady-state power dissipation on infinite heatsink, and meets JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. The device is RoHS-compliant and qualified per AEC-Q101 for automotive under-hood and body-control module applications.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 120 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before leakage exceeds 1.0 μA |
| VBR (min/max) | 133 V / 147 V at 1.0 mA - Ensures reliable triggering above system nominal rail with margin against tolerance drift |
| VC @ IPPM | 193 V at 2.6 A - Clamping voltage defines worst-case stress on protected downstream ICs during 10/1000 μs surge |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak transient power handling capability with standard 10/1000 μs waveform, 0.01% duty cycle |
| IFSM | 70 A - Non-repetitive forward surge rating (10 ms half-sine), relevant for inadvertent forward fault conditions |
| TJ max | 175 °C - Enables operation in high-ambient environments such as engine control units and power distribution modules |
| Package | DO-15 (DO-204AC) - Industry-standard axial leaded package with 0.242–0.258 inch body length, UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy |
Pinout & Package
DO-15 (DO-204AC) package: axial-leaded, cylindrical epoxy-molded case with cathode band marking; matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to system ground or lower-potential node in unidirectional TVS configuration |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased clamping terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); color band identifies this end for correct orientation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated chip junction | Enables stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity stress |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates suitability for automotive electronic control units including powertrain, chassis, and body modules |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/3a and ISO 16750-2 load dump surges without degradation |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast-rising transients, improving protection margin for sensitive 12 V logic |
| Matte tin-plated leads | Ensures robust solder joint formation and compatibility with lead-free reflow and wave soldering processes |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V supply lines in engine control units (ECUs) against load dump and inductive switching transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamp placed between battery rail and local regulator input. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤193 V during 100 V/100 ms load dump events, preventing damage to downstream LDOs and microcontrollers. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog outputs of pressure/temperature sensors connected to PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reverse-bias clamping element on 24 V sensor excitation line. Use Value: Suppresses ESD and field-induced spikes up to ±30 kV contact discharge without affecting 4–20 mA signal integrity. |
| MOSFET Gate Protection | DC Motor Driver Flyback Suppression |
Use Scenario: Shielding N-channel high-side MOSFET gates in automotive window lift drivers from Miller-induced voltage spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance unidirectional clamp referenced to source, limiting gate-source voltage. Use Value: Prevents gate oxide rupture by clamping VGS to <193 V during rapid drain dV/dt events, preserving FET lifetime. | Use Scenario: Absorbing inductive kickback from brushed DC motors in HVAC actuators and seat adjusters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS across motor terminals to divert flyback energy. Use Value: Handles repetitive 500 W surges without thermal runaway, enabling compact design vs. RC snubbers. |
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-E3/52 | Same VWM/VBR range but SMC (DO-214AB) package; 600 W PPPM; higher IPPM (3.2 A) | Surface-mount alternative requiring PCB layout change; better thermal performance in high-density layouts | Select SMAJ120A-E3/52 when board space is constrained and automated assembly is preferred. |
| 1.5KE120A | Same DO-15 package and VWM, but 1.5 kW PPPM; larger junction area; higher VC (200 V) | Higher-energy surge handling (e.g., ISO 16750-2 Test 4b), but less precise clamping margin | Choose 1.5KE120A only if legacy designs require identical footprint and >500 W headroom is mandatory. |
Compared with SMAJ120A-E3/52 and 1.5KE120A, the SA120AHE3/54 offers AEC-Q101 qualification, tighter VBR tolerance (±5%), and optimized clamping for 12 V automotive systems-making it the preferred choice for new OEM designs requiring validated reliability and precise voltage limiting.
Availability
SA120AHE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial sensor nodes, and DC motor control circuits requiring stable component supply, full traceability, and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA120AHE3/54 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, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and passive components with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and automotive-grade qualification.
The SAxxxA series belongs to Vishay's TransZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for robust, low-clamping overvoltage protection in harsh automotive and industrial environments where AEC-Q101 compliance and repeatable surge performance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA120AHE3/54 and how is it measured?
The SA120AHE3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 193 V at 2.6 A peak pulse current (IPPM) using the standardized 10/1000 μs double-exponential waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by protected circuitry during a defined surge event. The SA120AHE3/54 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is SA120AHE3/54 suitable for bidirectional transient suppression?
No, SA120AHE3/54 is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "A" suffix (vs. "CA" for bidirectional). It conducts only in reverse bias and must be installed with cathode toward the protected line. For bidirectional protection (e.g., AC lines or data buses), use SA120CA variants instead. The SA120AHE3/54 is not rated for symmetrical clamping in both polarities.
Does SA120AHE3/54 meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes, SA120AHE3/54 carries the HE3 suffix, confirming AEC-Q101 qualification per Vishay documentation. This includes stress testing for temperature cycling, humidity bias, mechanical shock, and high-temperature operating life-validating its use in automotive powertrain, body, and chassis modules where reliability under vibration and thermal extremes is critical. The SA120AHE3/54 is not a commercial-grade part.
What is the meaning of the "/54" in SA120AHE3/54?
The "/54" in SA120AHE3/54 denotes the preferred packaging code: 13-inch diameter paper tape and reel, with 4000 units per reel. This format supports automated pick-and-place assembly. The "E3" indicates RoHS-compliant, matte tin-plated leads meeting JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance, while "HE3" confirms AEC-Q101 qualification. All three elements are integral to the full orderable part number SA120AHE3/54.
How does SA120AHE3/54 compare to standard Zener diodes for surge protection?
Unlike general-purpose Zener diodes, the SA120AHE3/54 is optimized for transient suppression: it delivers 500 W peak pulse power (vs. typically <5 W for Zeners), sub-nanosecond response time, and controlled clamping with low dynamic impedance. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR under surge stress, whereas Zeners may degrade or exhibit inconsistent breakdown. The SA120AHE3/54 is purpose-built-not adapted-for high-energy transients.
SA120AHE3/54 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AC (DO-15)
SA120AHE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA120AHE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA120AHE3/54 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 SA120AHE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA120AHE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA120AHE3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA120AHE3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA120AHE3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA120AHE3/54?
SA120AHE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA120AHE3/54 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 SA120AHE3/54?
For technical support, including SA120AHE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA120AHE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA120AHE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA120AHE3/54 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 SA120AHE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA120AHE3/54?
All SA120AHE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA120AHE3/54, 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 SA120AHE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA120AHE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA120AHE3/54 Tags

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