Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA120CA-E3/54
- Part No.:
- SA120CA-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA120CA-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 120VWM 193VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,035
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Product details
Overview
SA120CA-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features 120 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 133–147 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 193 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and clamps to ≤275 V at rated surge. Used in automotive sensor protection and industrial I/O interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SA120CA-E3/54 datasheet, SA120CA-E3/54 pinout, SA120CA-E3/54 application, or SA120CA-E3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-15 mechanical compatibility, thermal derating above 25 °C, and compliance with IEC 61000-4-2/4-4/4-5 surge immunity standards.
Technical Context
The SA120CA-E3/54 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with symmetrical bidirectional conduction-no polarity marking required. Its junction is glass passivated for stable breakdown and low leakage (<1.0 μA at 120 V). Clamping begins at VBR (min 133 V) and sustains 500 W peak pulse power under 10/1000 μs waveform with 0.01% duty cycle.
Thermal performance is defined by 175 °C max junction temperature and 3.0 W steady-state power dissipation on infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C. It meets JESD 22-B106 solderability (275 °C, 10 s) and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance (E3 suffix).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 120 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates |
| VBR (min/max) | 133 V / 147 V - guaranteed avalanche onset range at 1 mA test current; defines clamping threshold consistency |
| IPPM | 193 A - peak surge current it safely clamps at 10/1000 μs waveform without failure |
| VC | 275 V - maximum clamped voltage across device at 193 A IPPM; determines protected circuit's worst-case overvoltage |
| PPPM | 500 W - transient energy handling capacity per pulse; enables robust protection against ESD and lightning surges |
| TJ max | +175 °C - maximum junction temperature; supports operation in under-hood automotive and industrial environments |
| ID @ VWM | ≤1.0 μA - ultra-low reverse leakage ensures minimal standby power loss and signal integrity |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-15 (DO-204AC), axial-leaded, molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0. Bidirectional construction means no cathode band; both leads are electrically symmetric terminals.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (both leads) | Bidirectional avalanche junction terminal | Either lead serves as input/output for transient suppression; no polarity dependency simplifies PCB layout and orientation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over time and temperature; eliminates parameter drift during long-term operation |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HE3 variant); E3 suffix meets Class 1A whisker test | Validated for automotive electronics use; supports reliability requirements in engine control, ADAS, and body modules |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV line-to-line) surges without degradation |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast transients; improves clamping precision for sensitive analog inputs |
| Matte tin-plated leads, J-STD-002 compliant | Enables reliable reflow and wave soldering; eliminates intermetallic formation risk in high-volume assembly |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and inductive switching spikes in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-clamp TVS placed directly at connector or IC pad to shunt surge energy before reaching downstream circuitry. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 12 V/24 V automotive interface ICs by limiting transient voltage to ≤275 V at 193 A. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding digital input channels of programmable logic controllers against field-wiring induced surges in factory automation systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary front-end protection element on 24 V DC input terminals, coordinated with upstream fuse and series impedance. Use Value: Maintains system uptime by absorbing repetitive 10/1000 μs surges up to 500 W without parameter shift or thermal runaway. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Appliance Motor Control |
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485 transceivers and Ethernet PHYs from lightning-induced common-mode transients on outdoor telecom lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping device across differential pair or line-to-ground, leveraging symmetry for balanced surge suppression. Use Value: Enables compliance with ITU-T K.20/K.44 immunity requirements while preserving signal integrity below 120 V operating range. | Use Scenario: Protecting microcontroller GPIOs and gate drivers in washing machine motor inverters from back-EMF spikes during brushless DC motor commutation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized TVS mounted adjacent to MOSFET driver ICs to clamp inductive kickback before propagation into logic circuitry. Use Value: Extends MCU lifetime by limiting transient coupling to <1 μA leakage and clamping within 1 ns response time. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ120CA | Same VWM (120 V), same DO-214AC package; lower PPPM (400 W), higher VC (290 V) | Surface-mount alternative; requires PCB rework; less robust for high-energy surges | Select SMAJ120CA only when space-constrained layouts prohibit axial DO-15 placement |
| P6KE120CA | Same VWM (120 V), larger DO-15 package; identical PPPM (500 W), slightly higher VC (285 V) | Legacy through-hole option with longer lead form factor; compatible with manual insertion processes | Choose P6KE120CA if existing tooling or legacy BOM mandates P6KE-series footprint and lead spacing |
Compared with SMAJ120CA and P6KE120CA, the SA120CA-E3/54 offers optimal balance of surge robustness (500 W), low clamping (275 V), and AEC-Q101 readiness-making it preferred for new automotive and industrial designs requiring validated reliability and axial-leaded manufacturability.
Availability
SA120CA-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, telecom line protection, and appliance motor control circuits requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA120CA-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, rectifiers, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability and automotive-grade qualification.
The SAxxCA family targets board-level transient protection in harsh environments; engineered for high-surge resilience, low leakage, and AEC-Q101 compliance in automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA120CA-E3/54 at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA120CA-E3/54 clamps to a maximum of 275 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 193 A under a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is specified in the Electrical Characteristics table and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The SA120CA-E3/54 achieves this clamping performance while maintaining bidirectional symmetry and low leakage below 1.0 μA at 120 V.
Is SA120CA-E3/54 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the SA120CA-E3/54 is RoHS-compliant and manufactured to meet AEC-Q101 stress test requirements when ordered with the HE3 suffix (e.g., SA120CAHE3/54). While the E3 suffix denotes commercial-grade qualification with JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance, the HE3 variant adds full AEC-Q101 validation-including temperature cycling, humidity bias HAST, and accelerated life testing-for under-hood and chassis-mounted automotive systems.
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in SA120CA-E3/54?
The "CA" suffix in SA120CA-E3/54 designates a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor configuration. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., SA120A), the CA version provides symmetrical clamping in both polarities-eliminating the need for polarity marking and enabling use across AC-coupled or differential signal paths. This makes the SA120CA-E3/54 ideal for protecting RS-485 buses, CAN transceivers, and other bidirectional interfaces where voltage transients may occur in either direction.
Can SA120CA-E3/54 be used in place of SA120A in an existing design?
No-SA120CA-E3/54 and SA120A are not functionally interchangeable without circuit review. SA120A is unidirectional (cathode-banded) and conducts forward current only; SA120CA-E3/54 is bidirectional with no polarity marking. Substituting SA120CA-E3/54 for SA120A may cause unintended conduction in DC-biased circuits or fail to suppress negative-going transients properly. Always verify signal topology and bias conditions before replacement.
What is the maximum operating temperature for SA120CA-E3/54?
The SA120CA-E3/54 has a maximum junction temperature (TJ max) of +175 °C, as specified in the Maximum Ratings table. This rating allows reliable operation in high-ambient environments such as automotive engine compartments or industrial control cabinets. Derating applies above TA = 25 °C per Figure 2 in the datasheet, and steady-state power dissipation drops to 3.0 W at TL = 75 °C on an infinite heatsink.
SA120CA-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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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)
SA120CA-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA120CA-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA120CA-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 SA120CA-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA120CA-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 SA120CA-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA120CA-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA120CA-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA120CA-E3/54?
SA120CA-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA120CA-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 SA120CA-E3/54?
For technical support, including SA120CA-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA120CA-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA120CA-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA120CA-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 SA120CA-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA120CA-E3/54?
All SA120CA-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA120CA-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 SA120CA-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA120CA-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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