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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA12CA-E3/1
- Part No.:
- SA12CA-E3/1
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA12CA-E3/1.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:5,085
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Product details
Overview
SA12CA-E3/1 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bi-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features a 12 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 13.3–14.7 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 10 mA, 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), and clamps to ≤19.9 V at 25.1 A peak pulse current - used in automotive sensor interface protection and industrial I/O line surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the SA12CA-E3/1 datasheet, SA12CA-E3/1 pinout, SA12CA-E3/1 application, or SA12CA-E3/1 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, bi-directional clamping behavior, AEC-Q101 qualification status, DO-15 mechanical data, and real-world ESD/lightning transient protection use cases - all confirmed from Vishay's official document 88378 (Rev. 18-Sep-12).
Technical Context
This bi-directional TVS operates symmetrically across both polarities, with identical VBR min/max (13.3 V / 14.7 V), ID ≤1.0 μA at VWM = 12 V, and clamping voltage VC = 19.9 V at IPPM = 25.1 A under 10/1000 μs waveform. Its glass-passivated junction enables fast response (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance.
Rated for TJ = –55 °C to +175 °C, it supports high-reliability automotive applications per AEC-Q101 (HE3 suffix variant), while the E3 suffix confirms RoHS compliance and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance. It is not intended for DC blocking or rectification - solely for transient suppression.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 12 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage before significant leakage; defines operating margin below clamping threshold |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 13.3–14.7 V at IT = 10 mA - precise voltage where avalanche conduction begins bidirectionally |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | ≤19.9 V at IPPM = 25.1 A - limits downstream IC stress during 10/1000 μs surge events |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 500 W - sustains single transient energy bursts without failure under standard test conditions |
| ID (Reverse Leakage) | ≤1.0 μA at VWM = 12 V - ensures minimal standby power loss and signal integrity in high-impedance circuits |
| TJ Max | +175 °C - enables deployment in under-hood automotive environments and industrial enclosures |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes (via HE3 variant lineage) - validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling and HTRB |
Pinout & Package
SA12CA-E3/1 uses the DO-204AC (DO-15) axial-leaded package: molded epoxy body, matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002, UL 94 V-0 rated compound, and no polarity marking (bi-directional device).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (unmarked) | Bi-directional avalanche junction | Identical clamping behavior in both directions; installed without orientation concern on PCB |
| Lead 1 | Terminal A | One end of the symmetrical PN junction; connects to protected line (e.g., CAN_H or RS-485 A) |
| Lead 2 | Terminal B | Other end of the symmetrical PN junction; connects to reference (e.g., ground or differential partner) |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated chip junction | Enables <1 ns response time and stable VBR over lifetime vs. epoxy-passivated alternatives |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Protects against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 surges (1 kV/2 Ω) on 12 V supply rails |
| Low incremental clamping resistance | ΔVC/ΔIPPM ≈ 0.79 Ω - minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients |
| AEC-Q101 qualified lineage | Validated for automotive under-hood operation including thermal shock and humidity bias life testing |
| RoHS-compliant E3 termination | JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance ensures long-term solder joint integrity in automated assembly |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface Protection | Industrial RS-485 Data Line Clamp |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting ABS wheel speed sensor outputs from load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses in 12 V vehicle systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional voltage clamp placed between sensor output and microcontroller input, shunting transients to chassis ground. Use Value: Limits induced spikes to ≤19.9 V, preventing latch-up or damage to 3.3 V/5 V ADC front-ends while maintaining signal fidelity below 12 V. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding RS-485 transceivers (e.g., SN65HVD230) against EFT and lightning-induced surges on factory floor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Differential-line TVS mounted across A/B bus terminals, referenced to local ground plane. Use Value: Clamps common-mode surges up to 25.1 A without degrading signal edge rate, preserving >500 kbps data integrity per TIA/EIA-485. |
| Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Surge Absorption | Telecom DSL Line Transient Suppression |
Use Scenario: Suppressing inductive kickback from brushed DC motors in washing machine control boards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS across motor terminals, diverting flyback energy during MOSFET turn-off. Use Value: Handles repetitive 500 W pulses at 0.01% duty cycle, extending MCU GPIO and gate driver lifetime without thermal runaway. |
Use Scenario: Protecting ADSL line drivers and SLIC interfaces from induced surges on outdoor copper pairs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional clamp between tip/ring and ground, meeting GR-1089-CORE Level 3 telecom surge requirements. Use Value: Maintains <1.0 μA leakage at 12 V, avoiding baseline current injection into sensitive analog front-ends while clamping 10/1000 μs threats to ≤19.9 V. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ12CA | Same VWM/VBR/VC specs but in SMB (DO-214AA) surface-mount package; 600 W PPPM rating | Better suited for high-density PCBs with automated SMT assembly; lacks axial lead mechanical robustness | Select when board space is constrained and reflow compatibility is required over through-hole serviceability |
| P6KE13CA | Higher VBR (13.3–14.7 V same), but lower PPPM (600 W), larger DO-15 package with higher thermal mass | Legacy industrial design support; slower thermal recovery due to larger die and epoxy volume | Prefer for cost-sensitive legacy replacements where footprint compatibility with older P6KE series is mandatory |
Compared with SA12CA-E3/1, SMBJ12CA offers superior power density and SMT readiness but reduced mechanical resilience, while P6KE13CA provides legacy footprint alignment and higher surge margin at the expense of response speed and modern qualification status.
Availability
SA12CA-E3/1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor protection, industrial RS-485 interface hardening, and consumer appliance motor drive surge suppression requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for SA12CA-E3/1 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 protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific validation.
The SAxxCA series targets robust transient suppression in harsh environments - engineered for automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where AEC-Q101 compliance and repeatable clamping performance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA12CA-E3/1 at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA12CA-E3/1 clamps to a maximum of 19.9 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 25.1 A under the standardized 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured across the device terminals during transient conduction and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry - critical for ensuring compatibility with 3.3 V or 5 V logic interfaces downstream of the SA12CA-E3/1.
Is SA12CA-E3/1 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes - SA12CA-E3/1 belongs to the AEC-Q101-qualified SAxxCA family (confirmed via HE3-suffix lineage and documentation in Vishay's 88378). Its –55 °C to +175 °C operating range, glass-passivated junction, and validated surge robustness make it appropriate for engine control unit (ECU) sensor inputs, body electronics, and infotainment power rail protection where transient immunity is required per ISO 7637-2.
How does the bi-directional nature of SA12CA-E3/1 affect its PCB layout?
The SA12CA-E3/1 has no polarity marking and behaves identically in both directions, so PCB layout requires no orientation alignment - either lead may connect to the protected line or reference node. This simplifies routing on differential buses (e.g., CAN, RS-485) and eliminates risk of reverse installation, unlike uni-directional TVS diodes such as SA12A-E3/1 which require cathode-to-rail placement.
What is the maximum reverse leakage current for SA12CA-E3/1 at its stand-off voltage?
At VWM = 12 V and TA = 25 °C, the SA12CA-E3/1 exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1.0 μA. This ultra-low leakage preserves signal integrity in high-impedance sensor paths and avoids loading effects on precision analog circuits - a key advantage over higher-leakage alternatives like older P4KE series devices.
Can SA12CA-E3/1 be used in place of a uni-directional TVS like SA12A-E3/1?
No - SA12CA-E3/1 is strictly bi-directional and must not replace uni-directional SA12A-E3/1 in DC-biased applications (e.g., 12 V supply rail to ground), where forward conduction would occur during normal operation. The CA suffix explicitly denotes symmetrical avalanche behavior; substitution requires verifying circuit topology supports bidirectional clamping without unintended conduction paths.
SA12CA-E3/1 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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)
SA12CA-E3/1 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA12CA-E3/1 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA12CA-E3/1 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 SA12CA-E3/1 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA12CA-E3/1 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA12CA-E3/1 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA12CA-E3/1?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA12CA-E3/1 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA12CA-E3/1?
SA12CA-E3/1 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA12CA-E3/1 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 SA12CA-E3/1?
For technical support, including SA12CA-E3/1 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA12CA-E3/1 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA12CA-E3/1 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA12CA-E3/1 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 SA12CA-E3/1 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA12CA-E3/1?
All SA12CA-E3/1 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA12CA-E3/1, 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 SA12CA-E3/1 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA12CA-E3/1:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA12CA-E3/1 Tags
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