Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA12C-E3/54
- Part No.:
- SA12C-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA12C-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 22VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,841
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Product details
Overview
SA12C-E3/54 from Vishay 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 1 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 interfaces and industrial I/O protection.
For engineers reviewing the SA12C-E3/54 datasheet, SA12C-E3/54 pinout, SA12C-E3/54 application, or SA12C-E3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include bi-directional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-15 mechanical compatibility, and verified 175 °C junction temperature rating under transient stress.
Technical Context
The SA12C-E3/54 operates as a bi-directional avalanche diode with symmetrical clamping in both polarities, enabling protection of AC-coupled or floating signal paths without polarity constraints. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5 %) and low incremental surge resistance, critical for consistent clamping across repetitive transients.
Designed for 10/1000 µs waveform compliance, it delivers 500 W peak pulse power with <1 ns response time and supports surge currents up to 25.1 A while maintaining clamping voltage ≤19.9 V - meeting IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 requirements when properly laid out.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage before conduction begins; defines operating margin below clamping threshold |
| VBR (min/max) | 13.3 V / 14.7 V at 1 mA - guaranteed avalanche onset range; ensures predictable turn-on during overvoltage events |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤19.9 V at 25.1 A - clamped voltage under full-rated 500 W transient; limits stress on downstream ICs |
| PPPM | 500 W - peak pulse power handling per 10/1000 µs waveform; validates robustness against lightning/surge events |
| IPPM | 25.1 A - maximum non-repetitive surge current; determines minimum PCB trace width and layout clearance |
| TJ max | +175 °C - maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive or high-ambient industrial environments |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - industry-standard axial leaded package with UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy; compatible with legacy through-hole assembly |
Pinout & Package
SA12C-E3/54 is a two-terminal bi-directional TVS diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package. No polarity marking; terminals are interchangeable. Leads are matte tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, with whisker resistance per JESD 201 Class 1A (E3 suffix).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bi-directional avalanche junction | No functional distinction between leads; either terminal may connect to protected line or ground |
| Lead 1 / Lead 2 | Current path during clamping | Carries full transient current bidirectionally; requires ≥1.5 mm creepage/clearance in PCB layout |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated chip junction | Ensures stable VBR over lifetime and temperature; eliminates surface leakage paths that degrade clamping consistency |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD; suitable for engine control and ADAS sensor nodes |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 combination wave surges up to 1 kV/500 A without degradation when mounted per layout guidelines |
| Low incremental clamping resistance | Enables tight VC – VBR spread (≤6.6 V), minimizing voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients like EFT bursts |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Prevents flame propagation during fault conditions; required for industrial safety certifications (IEC 62368-1, UL 62368) |
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 ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional clamping element placed between signal line and chassis ground, absorbing energy before it reaches the transceiver's ESD structure. Use Value: Limits induced voltage to ≤19.9 V during 25.1 A transients, preventing latch-up or permanent damage to 5 V/3.3 V interface ICs. | Use Scenario: Shielding digital input modules in programmable logic controllers from inductive kickback caused by relay coil de-energization. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp across dry-contact inputs, shunting surge energy away from optocoupler input stages. Use Value: Responds in <1 ns to suppress >1 kV spikes, preserving signal integrity and extending optocoupler MTBF beyond 10 years. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Appliance Motor Control |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding RS-485 transceivers in base station backhaul links exposed to lightning-induced surges on long cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line transient suppressor on differential pair, placed before common-mode choke and transceiver ESD diodes. Use Value: Clamps common-mode surges to ≤19.9 V while maintaining signal fidelity up to 20 Mbps due to low capacitance (<100 pF at 0 V). | Use Scenario: Protecting microcontroller GPIOs driving brushed DC motors in washing machines and HVAC blowers from commutation spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized clamp across motor driver output traces, diverting inductive energy before reaching MCU pins. Use Value: Withstands 70 A non-repetitive forward surge (IFSM), surviving repeated motor stall events without parametric shift. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ12CA | DO-214AA (SMB) package; 12 V VWM, 13.3–14.7 V VBR, same PPPM but higher IPPM (32.4 A) | Surface-mount footprint; better thermal dissipation in high-density layouts; not through-hole compatible | Select SMBJ12CA for SMT designs requiring higher surge margin or automated assembly. |
| P6KE12CA | DO-15 package; 12 V VWM, 13.3–14.7 V VBR, lower PPPM (600 W nominal but derated to 500 W at TA > 25 °C) | Legacy design; wider VBR tolerance (±10 %); no AEC-Q101 qualification | Select P6KE12CA only for cost-sensitive commercial applications where automotive qualification is unnecessary. |
Compared with SMBJ12CA and P6KE12CA, SA12C-E3/54 provides AEC-Q101 qualification and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance in the same DO-15 form factor - making it the preferred choice for automotive and high-reliability industrial through-hole deployments where qualification and long-term stability are mandatory.
Availability
SA12C-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, telecom line protection, and consumer appliance motor control requiring stable component supply and full traceability.
Supply support for SA12C-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, precision, and automotive-grade validation.
The SAxxC series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for bi-directional transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications demanding AEC-Q101 compliance and repeatable clamping performance.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of SA12C-E3/54?
The SA12C-E3/54 is a bi-directional TVS diode with symmetrical avalanche characteristics in both directions. It has no cathode marking and no functional polarity - either lead may be connected to the protected line or reference ground. This enables use in AC-coupled circuits and floating interfaces without orientation concerns.
Does SA12C-E3/54 meet automotive reliability standards?
Yes, SA12C-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified per the Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 88378, Revision: 18-Sep-12). It undergoes stress testing including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and ESD verification - confirming suitability for under-hood and chassis-mounted automotive electronics such as body control modules and sensor hubs.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA12C-E3/54 under rated surge conditions?
The SA12C-E3/54 clamps to a maximum of 19.9 V at its rated peak pulse current of 25.1 A (10/1000 µs waveform). This value is measured per Figure 7 in the official Vishay datasheet and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by downstream circuitry during worst-case transient events.
Can SA12C-E3/54 replace SA12A-E3/54 in existing designs?
No - SA12C-E3/54 is bi-directional while SA12A-E3/54 is uni-directional. Substituting them requires verifying circuit polarity and grounding topology. The SA12C-E3/54 lacks a cathode band and conducts identically in both directions, whereas SA12A-E3/54 blocks reverse current until breakdown. Layout and system-level protection strategy must be re-evaluated.
What is the lead finish and solderability specification for SA12C-E3/54?
The SA12C-E3/54 features matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 for solderability. Its E3 suffix confirms compliance with JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing. Maximum solder dip temperature is 275 °C for 10 seconds, per JESD 22-B106 - supporting standard wave and selective soldering processes.
SA12C-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:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 12V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 13.3V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 22V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 22.7A
- 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)
SA12C-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA12C-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA12C-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 SA12C-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA12C-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 SA12C-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA12C-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA12C-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA12C-E3/54?
SA12C-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA12C-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 SA12C-E3/54?
For technical support, including SA12C-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA12C-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA12C-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA12C-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 SA12C-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA12C-E3/54?
All SA12C-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA12C-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 SA12C-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA12C-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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