Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA120CAHE3/54
- Part No.:
- SA120CAHE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA120CAHE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 120VWM 193VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,199
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Product details
Overview
SA120CAHE3/54 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 standoff voltage (VWM), 133–147 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 193 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 193 V clamping voltage (VC) at rated current - used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in industrial power supplies.
For engineers reviewing the SA120CAHE3/54 datasheet, SA120CAHE3/54 pinout, SA120CAHE3/54 application, or SA120CAHE3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability, DO-15 mechanical compatibility, and thermal derating behavior above 25 °C ambient.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamping protection element with symmetrical reverse/forward conduction in bidirectional mode, enabling suppression of both positive and negative transients without polarity sensitivity. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1.0 μA at VWM) and low incremental surge resistance, critical for fast response to ESD and inductive switching events.
The SA120CAHE3/54 is rated for 175 °C maximum junction temperature and supports repetitive 10/1000 μs surge waveforms at 0.01% duty cycle. Its 3.0 W steady-state power dissipation (at TL = 75 °C) and 2.6 A IPPM derating above TA = 25 °C define its thermal management envelope in continuous operation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 120 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage before clamping begins; sets operating margin for protected circuitry |
| VBR (min/max) | 133 V / 147 V at 1.0 mA - defines precise clamping onset threshold under standardized test conditions |
| VC @ IPPM | 193 V at 2.6 A - clamped voltage during full-rated transient; determines worst-case stress on downstream components |
| PPPM | 500 W (10/1000 μs) - peak transient energy handling capacity; validates robustness against lightning or load dump surges |
| ID @ VWM | ≤1.0 μA - ultra-low leakage ensures minimal standby power loss and signal integrity in high-impedance lines |
| TJ max. | 175 °C - enables reliable operation in under-hood automotive or industrial environments with elevated ambient temperatures |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - confirms suitability for automotive electronics per stress-test requirements including temperature cycling and HTRB |
Pinout & Package
SA120CAHE3/54 uses the DO-15 (DO-204AC) axial-leaded package: molded epoxy body, matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002, UL 94 V-0 rated, with no polarity marking due to bidirectional symmetry.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional clamping node | No functional distinction between leads; either terminal connects to protected line or ground reference |
| Lead 1 / Lead 2 | Current path for transient energy diversion | Both leads conduct equally during positive or negative overvoltage events; requires symmetric PCB layout |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity exposure |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Validates immunity to IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV line-to-line) in industrial control systems |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Confirms compliance with automotive-grade stress tests including HTSL, TC, and UHAST for engine control units |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.45) | Minimizes overvoltage overshoot during fast transients, reducing risk of latch-up in CMOS ICs |
| DO-15 mechanical standardization | Enables drop-in replacement across legacy designs using industry-standard axial TVS footprints |
Applications
| Automotive Power Distribution | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump transients up to 60 V and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed between power rail and chassis ground to shunt surge energy away from voltage regulators and microcontrollers. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤193 V during 120 V-rated surges, preventing damage to 3.3 V/5 V logic and analog front-ends. | Use Scenario: Shielding 4–20 mA current-loop sensors in factory automation from inductive kickback and ESD events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Line-transient suppressor connected across sensor output terminals to clamp ±1 kV ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and 400 V ring waves (IEC 61000-4-12). Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by limiting clamping voltage to <200 V while adding <1 pF parasitic capacitance - negligible impact on loop bandwidth. |
| Telecom Line Card Surge Protection | Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding Ethernet PHY interfaces and PoE injectors against lightning-induced surges on twisted-pair cables. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS on differential pairs, coordinated with GDTs and common-mode chokes for multi-stage protection architecture. Use Value: Responds within <1 ns to divert >190 A surge current, holding differential voltage below 200 V to preserve PHY IC isolation ratings. | Use Scenario: Suppressing back-EMF spikes from brushed DC motors in washing machines and HVAC blowers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Across-motor terminals to clamp inductive turn-off transients before they reach MCU GPIOs or H-bridge drivers. Use Value: Withstands repetitive 500 W pulses at 0.01% duty cycle, enabling reliable operation over 10,000+ motor cycles without degradation. |
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), lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (surface-mount) | Requires PCB rework for SMT assembly; lacks AEC-Q101 qualification | Select when board space is constrained and automotive qualification is not required |
| P6KE120CA | Same VWM and bidirectional function, higher VC (200 V), through-hole DO-15 but non-AEC-Q101 | Higher clamping voltage increases stress on protected ICs; no automotive stress validation | Select for cost-sensitive industrial applications where AEC-Q101 is unnecessary |
Compared with SMAJ120CA and P6KE120CA, the SA120CAHE3/54 delivers superior automotive-grade reliability via AEC-Q101 qualification, tighter clamping (193 V vs. ≥200 V), and guaranteed 500 W surge handling - making it the preferred choice for safety-critical or high-reliability deployments.
Availability
SA120CAHE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, industrial sensor interface protection, telecom line card surge protection, and consumer appliance motor drive protection requiring stable component supply and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for SA120CAHE3/54 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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific performance.
The SAxxCA series targets high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments, with design focus on automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where AEC-Q101 compliance and repeatable clamping behavior are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SA120CAHE3/54 at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA120CAHE3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 193 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 2.6 A under a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during a full-rated transient event. The SA120CAHE3/54 maintains this clamping performance across its qualified operating temperature range.
Is the SA120CAHE3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the SA120CAHE3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified, confirming its suitability for automotive applications such as engine control units, body electronics, and power distribution modules. The HE3 suffix explicitly denotes AEC-Q101 qualification, including testing for high-temperature reverse bias, temperature cycling, and unbiased highly accelerated stress testing - all validated per the SA120CAHE3/54 datasheet revision dated 27-Sep-2021.
Does the SA120CAHE3/54 have polarity markings on its package?
No, the SA120CAHE3/54 does not have polarity markings because it is a bidirectional TVS diode. As confirmed in the Vishay datasheet, "no marking on bidirectional types" - both leads are functionally identical and may be connected interchangeably across the protected line and ground reference. This symmetry eliminates orientation errors during manual or automated assembly.
What is the maximum junction temperature rating for the SA120CAHE3/54?
The SA120CAHE3/54 has a maximum junction temperature (TJ max.) of +175 °C, as specified in the "Maximum Ratings" table of the Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 88378). This rating enables operation in under-hood automotive environments and high-ambient industrial settings, and supports thermal derating curves that maintain safe power dissipation up to this limit.
How does the SA120CAHE3/54 differ from unidirectional variants like SA120AHE3/54?
The SA120CAHE3/54 is bidirectional with symmetrical clamping in both polarities, whereas SA120AHE3/54 is unidirectional and conducts only in reverse bias. The 'CA' suffix indicates bidirectional functionality, resulting in identical VBR and VC values for positive and negative transients - essential for protecting AC-coupled or floating signal lines. Unidirectional versions require correct cathode orientation and cannot suppress positive-going surges on grounded lines.
SA120CAHE3/54 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:
- -
- 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)
SA120CAHE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA120CAHE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA120CAHE3/54 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 SA120CAHE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA120CAHE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA120CAHE3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA120CAHE3/54?
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4.How is shipping managed for SA120CAHE3/54?
SA120CAHE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA120CAHE3/54 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 SA120CAHE3/54?
For technical support, including SA120CAHE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA120CAHE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA120CAHE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA120CAHE3/54 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 SA120CAHE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA120CAHE3/54?
All SA120CAHE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA120CAHE3/54, 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 SA120CAHE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA120CAHE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA120CAHE3/54 Tags

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