Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA12A-E3/54
- Part No.:
- SA12A-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA12A-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:15,897
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Product details
Overview
SA12A-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional TransZORB® transient voltage suppressor diode in DO-15 package, rated for 12 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 13.3–14.7 V breakdown (VBR), 19.9 V clamping voltage (VC) at 25.1 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 500 W peak pulse power (PPPM). It protects MOSFETs and ICs against inductive switching transients in automotive power supplies and industrial sensor interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SA12A-E3/54 datasheet, SA12A-E3/54 pinout, SA12A-E3/54 application, or SA12A-E3/54 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, DO-15 terminal mapping, AEC-Q101 qualification status, clamping performance under 10/1000 µs surge, and direct alternatives for board-level ESD/surge protection design.
Technical Context
The SA12A-E3/54 operates as a unidirectional avalanche clamp with glass-passivated junction, responding to transients in <1 ps with low incremental surge resistance. Its 19.9 V clamping voltage at 25.1 A ensures safe voltage limiting for 12 V rail systems, while its -55 °C to +175 °C operating junction range supports under-hood automotive use.
Designed for repetitive 10/1000 µs waveform surges at 0.01 % duty cycle, it delivers 500 W peak pulse power dissipation and maintains 3.0 W steady-state power handling on infinite heatsink at 75 °C lead temperature. The device exhibits +12 mV/°C breakdown voltage temperature coefficient and 1.0 µA max reverse leakage at 12 V.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12 V - maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR min/max | 13.3 V / 14.7 V - guaranteed avalanche onset range at 1.0 mA test current |
| VC @ IPPM | 19.9 V - clamped voltage during 25.1 A 10/1000 µs surge, defining worst-case rail overshoot |
| PPPM | 500 W - peak transient energy absorption capability per IEC 61000-4-5 compliant surge |
| ID @ VWM | 1.0 µA - ultra-low leakage ensuring minimal standby power loss in battery-critical systems |
| TJ max | +175 °C - enables placement near high-temperature components like power MOSFETs or engine controllers |
| Package | DO-15 (DO-204AC) - industry-standard axial-leaded through-hole package with UL 94 V-0 molding |
Pinout & Package
DO-15 (DO-204AC) package: axial-leaded, molded epoxy body, matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002, RoHS-compliant (E3 suffix), AEC-Q101 qualified (HE3 variant), 0.432 g unit weight, 13" paper tape and reel packaging (54 code).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to system ground or lower-potential rail in unidirectional clamp configuration |
| Cathode (banded end) | Avalanche clamping terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V supply); color band identifies polarity for correct PCB orientation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Enables stable, repeatable avalanche behavior over 1000+ surge events without parameter drift |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity requirements for industrial and automotive ECUs |
| AEC-Q101 qualification (HE3 variant) | Validated for automotive under-hood applications including engine control, lighting, and body electronics |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.4) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on downstream 12 V-rated ICs and MOSFETs during fast transients |
| 175 °C max junction temperature | Supports operation in high-ambient environments such as power distribution modules and motor drives |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V supply lines in engine control units (ECUs) from load-dump and inductive kickback transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS diode placed between battery rail and local regulator input. Use Value: Clamps 12 V rail to ≤19.9 V during 25.1 A surges, preventing damage to 24 V-tolerant but 12 V-biased LDOs and microcontrollers. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog signal lines (e.g., 4–20 mA loop inputs) in PLC I/O modules from field wiring ESD and surge coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Point-of-entry TVS on sensor input traces, upstream of precision op-amps and ADC front-ends. Use Value: Limits transient-induced offset errors and latch-up risk via sub-20 V clamping with <1 µA leakage at 12 V bias. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Output Protection | Telecom DC Power Distribution |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage suppression in wall adapters supplying USB-C PD or legacy 12 V peripherals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage clamp on regulated output, guarding connected devices from regulator failure or feedback loop faults. Use Value: Activates within picoseconds to hold output at 19.9 V, avoiding thermal runaway in downstream USB port controllers. | Use Scenario: Surge protection on -48 V DC telecom power feeds entering base station cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS referenced to chassis ground on negative rail, absorbing lightning-induced common-mode surges. Use Value: Withstands repeated 500 W pulses while maintaining <1 µA leakage-critical for low-power monitoring circuits on -48 V bus. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12A | Same VWM (12 V), slightly higher VC (20.1 V), SMC package (surface-mount), 400 W PPPM | Requires PCB rework for SMT layout; better suited for space-constrained consumer boards | Select SMAJ12A when automated assembly and board density outweigh through-hole reliability needs. |
| P6SMB12A | Same VWM (12 V), identical VC (19.9 V), SMB package (SMT), 600 W PPPM, AEC-Q101 qualified | Higher surge rating but smaller footprint; requires thermal pad design for full 600 W derating | Choose P6SMB12A for automotive modules needing >500 W headroom and validated AEC-Q101 compliance in SMT form. |
Compared with SA12A-E3/54, SMAJ12A offers surface-mount compatibility at reduced pulse power, while P6SMB12A delivers higher surge capacity in a smaller AEC-Q101-qualified package-both require layout changes but enable next-generation miniaturization where DO-15 axial leads are impractical.
Availability
SA12A-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, industrial sensor interface protection, and telecom DC power distribution requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and surge stress conditions.
Supply support for SA12A-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, MOSFETs, and passive components with emphasis on reliability, power handling, and automotive qualification.
The SAxxA series belongs to Vishay's TransZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for robust, low-clamping transient suppression in harsh environments-including engine compartments, factory floors, and outdoor telecom infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA12A-E3/54 and how is it measured?
The SA12A-E3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 19.9 V, measured at 25.1 A peak pulse current using a standardized 10/1000 µs double-exponential waveform per IEC 61000-4-5. This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events and is confirmed in Vishay's datasheet revision 27-Sep-2021, document 88378. The SA12A-E3/54 achieves this clamping performance consistently across its operating temperature range.
Is SA12A-E3/54 AEC-Q101 qualified?
No - the SA12A-E3/54 carries the E3 suffix, indicating RoHS compliance and commercial-grade qualification only. For AEC-Q101 qualification, the correct part is SA12AHE3/54 (HE3 suffix), which undergoes additional stress testing per automotive standard. Both share identical electrical specs and DO-15 packaging, but SA12A-E3/54 is intended for industrial and consumer applications where automotive certification is not required.
What does the "/54" in SA12A-E3/54 signify?
The "/54" in SA12A-E3/54 is Vishay's preferred package code denoting 4000-unit quantity per 13-inch diameter paper tape and reel. It is not a revision or variant identifier - all SA12A-E3/54 units meet the same electrical, thermal, and mechanical specifications outlined in datasheet 88378. This packaging format enables automated pick-and-place assembly and is standard for DO-15 devices at Aetrix Electronics.
Can SA12A-E3/54 be used in bidirectional protection circuits?
No - SA12A-E3/54 is strictly unidirectional, as indicated by the "A" (not "CA") suffix and presence of cathode band marking. Bidirectional variants like SA12CA-E3/54 exist in the same family but lack polarity marking and exhibit symmetrical clamping in both directions. Using SA12A-E3/54 in bidirectional configurations risks open-circuit failure during reverse surges; always match suffix ("A" = unidirectional, "CA" = bidirectional) to system topology.
What is the maximum reverse leakage current for SA12A-E3/54 at its rated stand-off voltage?
The SA12A-E3/54 exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1.0 µA at its 12 V stand-off voltage (VWM), measured at 25 °C ambient. This ultra-low leakage preserves battery life in always-on systems and avoids loading sensitive reference nodes. Leakage remains below 5 µA up to +125 °C, per Vishay's derating curves in figure 2 of datasheet 88378 - confirming suitability for thermally demanding deployments of SA12A-E3/54.
SA12A-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):
- 12V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 13.3V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 19.9V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 25.1A
- 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)
SA12A-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA12A-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA12A-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 SA12A-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA12A-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 SA12A-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA12A-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA12A-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA12A-E3/54?
SA12A-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA12A-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 SA12A-E3/54?
For technical support, including SA12A-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA12A-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA12A-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA12A-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 SA12A-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA12A-E3/54?
All SA12A-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA12A-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 SA12A-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA12A-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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