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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA12CA-E3/54
- Part No.:
- SA12CA-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA12CA-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:5,555
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Product details
Overview
SA12CA-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 12 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 13.3–14.7 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 25.1 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and clamps to ≤19.9 V at rated IPPM - used in automotive sensor protection and industrial I/O interface surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the SA12CA-E3/54 datasheet, SA12CA-E3/54 pinout, SA12CA-E3/54 application, or SA12CA-E3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-15 mechanical compatibility, low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.45), and thermal stability up to +175 °C junction temperature.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates symmetrically in both polarities with identical VBR min/max (13.3–14.7 V) and VC (≤19.9 V) specifications. Its glass-passivated junction enables fast response (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance, critical for suppressing ESD and lightning-induced transients per IEC 61000-4-2/4-5.
Designed for unclamped operation under normal conditions, it enters avalanche conduction only when reverse voltage exceeds VBR. The device is rated for repetitive 0.01% duty cycle pulses and supports 8.3 ms half-sine surge events up to 70 A (unidirectional only - not applicable to SA12CA).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; defines safe working margin below clamping threshold |
| VBR (min/max) | 13.3 V / 14.7 V at 1 mA - precise avalanche onset range ensures predictable turn-on during overvoltage events |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤19.9 V at 25.1 A - clamping voltage limits downstream IC stress during 10/1000 μs surges |
| PPPM | 500 W - peak transient energy absorption capacity under standardized 10/1000 μs waveform |
| ID @ VWM | ≤1.0 μA - ultra-low leakage preserves signal integrity and minimizes standby power loss |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - high-temperature rating supports under-hood automotive and industrial environments |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD robustness |
Pinout & Package
SA12CA-E3/54 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, and compliant with JESD 22-B106 (275 °C, 10 s solder dip). Bidirectional construction means no polarity marking - terminals are functionally interchangeable.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Both terminals serve as bidirectional avalanche junction endpoints; no cathode band marking required |
| Lead 1 / Lead 2 | PCB interconnect interface | Matte tin-plated copper leads support automated insertion and reflow; lead length ≥25.4 mm ensures mechanical strain relief |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Enables sub-nanosecond response and stable VBR over lifetime - critical for ESD immunity in sensor interfaces |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV/2 Ω) surge testing without degradation |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive applications including engine control modules and ADAS sensor harnesses |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.45) | Minimizes voltage overshoot across protected circuitry - improves margin for 3.3 V/5 V logic rails |
| DO-15 mechanical standardization | Ensures drop-in replacement compatibility with legacy board layouts and automated assembly tooling |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and inductive switching transients in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed directly at connector entry point to shunt surge energy before reaching signal conditioning ICs. Use Value: Clamps 12 V system transients to ≤19.9 V, preserving integrity of 5 V microcontroller inputs and enabling compliance with ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2/5a. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding digital input/output channels on programmable logic controllers against field-wiring induced surges in factory automation systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end transient suppressor on 24 V DC I/O lines, coordinated with upstream fusing and filtering to meet IEC 61000-4-4/4-5 requirements. Use Value: Withstands repeated 500 W surges while maintaining <1 μA leakage at 12 V - prevents false triggering and long-term drift in optocoupler-based isolation stages. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Appliance Motor Control |
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485/RS-232 transceivers in base station backhaul equipment from lightning-induced common-mode surges on twisted-pair cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Paired bidirectionally across differential lines (A–B) and to ground to suppress both differential and common-mode transients. Use Value: Symmetric VBR (13.3–14.7 V) and VC (≤19.9 V) ensure balanced clamping - maintains signal integrity and common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR) during surge events. | Use Scenario: Suppressing commutation spikes from brushed DC motors in washing machines and HVAC blowers connected to microcontroller GPIOs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted across motor terminals and/or between motor driver outputs and MCU sense lines to prevent latch-up or reset events. Use Value: 175 °C TJ max and AEC-Q101 qualification enable reliable operation in thermally stressed appliance enclosures - eliminates need for derating in sealed environments. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12CA | Same VWM (12 V), same DO-214AC package, but lower PPPM (400 W) and higher VC (23.2 V at 21.2 A) | Less robust for high-energy surges; suited for space-constrained PCBs where DO-15 axial leads are impractical | Select SMAJ12CA only if board layout mandates SMD footprint and surge threat level is limited to IEC 61000-4-2 ±8 kV contact |
| P6KE12CA | Same VWM (12 V), DO-15 package, but higher VC (20.1 V at 24.9 A) and larger DO-41 variant available; not AEC-Q101 qualified | Lacks automotive qualification; suitable for commercial/industrial use where extended temperature validation is not required | Choose P6KE12CA for cost-sensitive non-automotive designs needing proven DO-15 reliability without AEC-Q101 overhead |
Compared with SMAJ12CA and P6KE12CA, SA12CA-E3/54 delivers superior clamping performance (lower VC), higher surge margin (500 W vs. 400 W/400 W), and certified automotive reliability - making it the preferred choice for safety-critical or thermally demanding deployments.
Availability
SA12CA-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor protection, industrial PLC I/O hardening, and telecom line interface applications requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.
Supply support for SA12CA-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, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SAxxCA series is engineered for robust transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial control, and communications infrastructure where failure modes must be mitigated without compromising signal fidelity.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA12CA-E3/54 at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA12CA-E3/54 clamps to a maximum of 19.9 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 25.1 A (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 downstream 5 V or 3.3 V ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings. The SA12CA-E3/54 achieves this with a clamping ratio of approximately 1.45 relative to its nominal breakdown voltage.
Is SA12CA-E3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SA12CA-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified, confirming its suitability for automotive applications including engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces. The qualification covers temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and ESD robustness tests. Its DO-15 package, 175 °C maximum junction temperature, and bidirectional clamping behavior make SA12CA-E3/54 appropriate for under-hood and cabin-mounted systems exposed to load dump and ISO 7637-2 transients.
Does SA12CA-E3/54 have polarity markings on the package?
No, SA12CA-E3/54 does not feature polarity markings such as a cathode band because it is a bidirectional TVS diode. Both terminals are functionally identical and symmetrical - the device clamps identically for positive or negative transients. This eliminates orientation errors during manual or automated assembly and simplifies layout for differential or AC-coupled signal lines. The absence of marking is consistent with Vishay's CA-series designation for bidirectional variants.
What is the maximum leakage current of SA12CA-E3/54 at its stand-off voltage?
The maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of SA12CA-E3/54 is 1.0 μA when biased at its 12 V stand-off voltage (VWM) and tested at 25 °C. This ultra-low leakage ensures minimal impact on high-impedance sensor circuits or battery-powered systems, preserving accuracy and extending operational life. Leakage remains well below 10 μA even at elevated temperatures up to 125 °C, supporting stable performance in industrial and automotive ambient conditions.
Can SA12CA-E3/54 replace unidirectional TVS diodes like SA12A-E3/54 in existing designs?
No, SA12CA-E3/54 cannot directly replace unidirectional SA12A-E3/54 without circuit review, because SA12CA-E3/54 conducts in both directions while SA12A-E3/54 blocks forward current. In DC-biased applications (e.g., 12 V power rail protection), using SA12CA-E3/54 may cause unintended conduction during normal operation. SA12CA-E3/54 is intended for AC or floating signal lines - always verify bias conditions and confirm that bidirectional clamping aligns with system-level surge paths before substitution.
SA12CA-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):
- 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-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA12CA-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA12CA-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 SA12CA-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA12CA-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 SA12CA-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA12CA-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA12CA-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA12CA-E3/54?
SA12CA-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA12CA-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 SA12CA-E3/54?
For technical support, including SA12CA-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA12CA-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA12CA-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA12CA-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 SA12CA-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA12CA-E3/54?
All SA12CA-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA12CA-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 SA12CA-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA12CA-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA12CA-E3/54 Tags
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