Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA12CAHE3/54
- Part No.:
- SA12CAHE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA12CAHE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,770
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Product details
Overview
SA12CAHE3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for circuit protection against ESD, lightning surges, and inductive switching transients. It features 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 12 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 13.3–14.7 V breakdown voltage (VBR at 1 mA), clamping voltage of 19.9 V at 25.1 A, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use.
For engineers reviewing the SA12CAHE3/54 datasheet, SA12CAHE3/54 pinout, SA12CAHE3/54 application, or SA12CAHE3/54 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, DO-15 terminal mapping, real-world protection use cases, and validated alternative parts for automotive sensor interface, industrial I/O, and telecom line protection designs.
Technical Context
The SA12CAHE3/54 operates as a bidirectional avalanche diode with symmetrical clamping in both polarities, enabling suppression of positive and negative transients without polarity sensitivity. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5 %) and low leakage (<1.0 μA at 12 V), while the 175 °C max junction temperature supports under-hood automotive deployment.
It delivers 25.1 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under 10/1000 μs waveform with 19.9 V clamping voltage - a 66 % overvoltage margin above VWM - and exhibits 12 mV/°C temperature coefficient for predictable drift across operating range.
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 at 1 mA - defines reliable avalanche initiation window for transient detection |
| VC @ IPPM | 19.9 V at 25.1 A - clamped voltage seen by protected IC during worst-case surge |
| PPPM | 500 W - peak transient energy absorption capability per 10/1000 μs pulse |
| IPPM | 25.1 A - maximum non-repetitive surge current the device safely clamps |
| TJ max | 175 °C - enables operation in high-temperature automotive engine compartments |
| Leakage @ VWM | <1.0 μA - negligible standby power loss and signal integrity impact |
Pinout & Package
SA12CAHE3/54 uses the DO-15 (DO-204AC) axial-leaded package: molded epoxy body, matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002, RoHS-compliant, AEC-Q101 qualified, with no polarity marking (bidirectional).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional avalanche junction | No cathode band; terminals interchangeable - suppresses ± transients equally |
| Lead 1 | Current path input/output | Connects to protected line (e.g., CAN_H or RS-485 A); no directional routing required |
| Lead 2 | Current path input/output | Connects to ground or reference plane; forms low-inductance clamp path with Lead 1 |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5 %) and long-term reliability under thermal cycling |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Handles IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV/2 Ω) on 12 V lines without failure |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units and ADAS sensor interfaces |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VWM = 1.66) | Minimizes stress on downstream 15 V-rated components during transient events |
| DO-15 mechanical robustness | Withstands 275 °C solder dip (10 s) and meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface | Industrial RS-485 Bus Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines of pressure/temperature sensors in engine bay environments exposed to load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed between sensor output and microcontroller ADC input. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤19.9 V, preserving 12-bit ADC accuracy and preventing latch-up in 3.3 V or 5 V MCU inputs. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding RS-485 transceivers (e.g., SN65HVD230) on factory floor communication lines subject to EFT and surge coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Line-to-ground TVS on differential pair (A/B) and common-mode line (GND reference). Use Value: Clamps 4 kV ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and 1 kV surge (IEC 61000-4-5) within 1 ns, maintaining bus integrity without signal distortion. |
| Telecom DSL Line Protection | Consumer Appliance Motor Control |
Use Scenario: Shielding ADSL/VDSL line drivers from lightning-induced surges entering via outdoor copper pairs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary protection stage before gas discharge tube (GDT) secondary stage in hybrid protector modules. Use Value: Fast response (<1 ns) initiates clamping before GDT fires, reducing let-through energy to <10 mJ for downstream IC survival. | Use Scenario: Suppressing back-EMF spikes from brushed DC motors in washing machine control boards during commutation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Across-motor terminals (M+ to M−) to absorb inductive kickback energy. Use Value: Absorbs 500 W pulses repeatedly without degradation, extending MOSFET lifetime and eliminating snubber resistor heat dissipation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12CA | Same VWM (12 V), lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (surface-mount) | Requires PCB rework for SMT layout; unsuitable for through-hole legacy designs | Select when board space is constrained and reflow assembly is available. |
| 1.5KE12CA | Same VWM (12 V), higher PPPM (1500 W), DO-201 package (larger, higher inductance) | Slower response due to larger junction capacitance; less effective for fast ESD | Select only for high-energy surge-only scenarios where ESD immunity is secondary. |
Compared with SMAJ12CA and 1.5KE12CA, SA12CAHE3/54 offers optimal balance of AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-15 through-hole compatibility, and 500 W surge handling - making it the preferred choice for automotive and industrial through-hole TVS deployments requiring validated reliability.
Availability
SA12CAHE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor protection, industrial RS-485 interface hardening, and telecom DSL line safeguarding requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA12CAHE3/54 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 protection devices with emphasis on reliability, AEC-Q qualification, and high-volume manufacturing consistency.
The SAxxCA series is engineered specifically for robust transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where failure modes must be mitigated without compromising signal fidelity or thermal stability.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA12CAHE3/54 at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA12CAHE3/54 clamps to 19.9 V at its specified peak pulse current of 25.1 A (10/1000 μs waveform). This value is measured per Figure 7 in the Vishay datasheet 88378 and represents the maximum voltage imposed on protected circuitry during a standardized surge event. The clamping performance directly determines whether downstream 15 V-rated ICs remain within safe operating limits.
Is SA12CAHE3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SA12CAHE3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified (per datasheet note on page 3), with operating junction temperature up to +175 °C and construction optimized for under-hood reliability. Its DO-15 package, glass-passivated junction, and 12 mV/°C VBR temperature coefficient make SA12CAHE3/54 appropriate for engine control modules, body electronics, and ADAS sensor protection where environmental stress is severe.
Does SA12CAHE3/54 have polarity markings on the package?
No, SA12CAHE3/54 has no color band or marking because it is a bidirectional TVS diode. Both leads are functionally identical - the device clamps symmetrically for positive and negative transients. This eliminates orientation errors during manual or automated assembly and simplifies PCB layout for differential or AC-coupled lines.
What is the maximum leakage current of SA12CAHE3/54 at its stand-off voltage?
The maximum reverse leakage current of SA12CAHE3/54 is 1.0 μA at VWM = 12 V and TA = 25 °C, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table (page 2 of datasheet 88378). This ultra-low leakage ensures minimal power drain in battery-powered systems and avoids false triggering in high-impedance sensing circuits protected by SA12CAHE3/54.
How does the SA12CAHE3/54 differ from unidirectional SA12A variants?
SA12CAHE3/54 is bidirectional with symmetrical clamping in both directions and no cathode marking, whereas SA12A is unidirectional with a cathode band and only clamps negative transients. SA12CAHE3/54 has identical VWM (12 V) and VBR (13.3–14.7 V) but differs in polarity behavior, making SA12CAHE3/54 mandatory for AC signal lines, differential buses, or any application requiring dual-polarity surge suppression.
SA12CAHE3/54 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:
- -
- 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)
SA12CAHE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA12CAHE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA12CAHE3/54 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 SA12CAHE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA12CAHE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA12CAHE3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA12CAHE3/54?
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4.How is shipping managed for SA12CAHE3/54?
SA12CAHE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA12CAHE3/54 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 SA12CAHE3/54?
For technical support, including SA12CAHE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA12CAHE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA12CAHE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA12CAHE3/54 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 SA12CAHE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA12CAHE3/54?
All SA12CAHE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA12CAHE3/54, 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 SA12CAHE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA12CAHE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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