Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA12CHE3/54
- Part No.:
- SA12CHE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA12CHE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 22VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,119
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Product details
Overview
SA12CHE3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a uni-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, designed for primary overvoltage protection of DC power rails and signal lines. It features 12 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 13.3–14.7 V breakdown voltage (VBR at 1.0 mA), 19.9 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 25.1 A peak pulse current, 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability.
For engineers reviewing the SA12CHE3/54 datasheet, SA12CHE3/54 pinout, SA12CHE3/54 application, or SA12CHE3/54 equivalent, this device is selected for robust ESD and surge protection in automotive body electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, and 12 V supply rail conditioning where fast response (<1 ns), low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.45), and high surge current tolerance are required.
Technical Context
The SA12CHE3/54 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, enabling stable breakdown behavior under repetitive transient stress. Its uni-directional polarity-marked with cathode band-supports integration into DC-biased circuits without reverse conduction during normal operation.
It delivers 500 W peak pulse power per 10/1000 µs waveform at TA = 25 °C, derates linearly above 25 °C per Fig. 2, and sustains 70 A non-repetitive forward surge current (8.3 ms half-sine). Clamping performance is characterized up to 25.1 A, with VC = 19.9 V ensuring safe voltage limiting for downstream 20 V-rated ICs.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; sets protection threshold for 12 V nominal systems. |
| VBR (min/max) | 13.3 V / 14.7 V at IT = 1.0 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range; ensures reliable triggering without premature conduction. |
| VC @ IPPM | 19.9 V at 25.1 A - Measured clamping voltage under full 500 W surge; limits transient energy delivered to protected circuitry. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling per standard 10/1000 µs waveform; validates suitability for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 & 2a immunity. |
| IFSM | 70 A - Non-repetitive forward surge rating (8.3 ms half-sine); supports protection against load dump transients in automotive 12 V systems. |
| TJ max. | 175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood environments and high-power-density PCB layouts. |
| Qualification | AEC-Q101 qualified - Validated for automotive applications including engine control units, lighting modules, and infotainment power supplies. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial-leaded, molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0. Matte tin-plated leads comply with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. Cathode indicated by color band on one end.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry point during clamping | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); conducts surge current toward ground when VAK exceeds VBR. |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased terminal during normal operation | Marked with band; tied to system ground or low-impedance return path; defines uni-directional clamping polarity. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Ensures stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics across temperature and lifetime; eliminates surface leakage paths. |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Validates compliance with ISO 7637-2 Level III and IEC 61000-4-5 (Line-to-Ground) surge requirements for automotive ECUs. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Confirms reliability under automotive temperature cycling (-55 °C to +175 °C), mechanical shock, and humidity testing. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ESD >15 kV contact discharge), improving protection margin. |
| Solder dip 275 °C max., 10 s | Supports lead-free reflow and wave soldering processes without parametric shift or delamination risk. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects LIN bus transceivers and microcontroller I/O pins from load dump and inductive switching spikes in door module PCBs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Uni-directional TVS placed between LIN line and ground, triggered within <1 ns to clamp transients to ≤20 V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 5 V tolerant transceivers during 12 V system surges up to 70 A. |
Use Scenario: Shields 4–20 mA current loop inputs of PLC analog input modules from field wiring-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary front-end clamp on signal line, operating in parallel with series current-limiting resistor and secondary filtering. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by limiting transient voltage to 19.9 V while sustaining 500 W pulses without degradation. |
| 12 V DC Power Rail Protection | Automotive Lighting Driver Input Stage |
Use Scenario: Installed across input terminals of DC-DC converters powering ADAS cameras in vehicle rear-view systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS absorbing ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) energy before it reaches converter input capacitors. Use Value: Enables converter survival under 35 V/400 ms load dump events by clamping peak voltage to 19.9 V at 25.1 A. |
Use Scenario: Protects LED driver IC inputs from back-EMF generated during PWM dimming of headlamp arrays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response uni-directional suppressor placed between driver enable pin and ground. Use Value: Eliminates false triggering and gate oxide stress by suppressing sub-100 ns spikes to <20 V with no recovery delay. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12A-E3/52 (Vishay) | Same VWM (12 V), lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (surface-mount), no AEC-Q101 qualification. | Preferred for space-constrained consumer PCBs; unsuitable for automotive under-hood use due to qualification gap. | Select SMAJ12A-E3/52 only for cost-sensitive, non-automotive designs where board area is critical and surge levels remain ≤400 W. |
| 1.5KE12A (ON Semiconductor) | Same VWM/VBR range, identical DO-15 package, 500 W rating, but not AEC-Q101 qualified and higher VC (20.1 V). | Acceptable for industrial power supplies; lacks automotive validation and has marginally higher clamping voltage. | Choose 1.5KE12A for legacy industrial designs where AEC-Q101 is not mandated and 0.2 V higher clamping is acceptable. |
Compared with SMAJ12A-E3/52 and 1.5KE12A, SA12CHE3/54 provides guaranteed AEC-Q101 compliance, tighter VC (19.9 V vs. 20.1 V), and RoHS-compliant HE3 whisker-tested leads-making it the sole choice for new automotive production requiring traceable qualification and long-term supply stability.
Availability
SA12CHE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, and 12 V DC power rail protection requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 validation, and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA12CHE3/54 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, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SAxxA series is engineered for robust transient suppression in harsh environments-targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where failure modes must be mitigated via proven avalanche ruggedness and thermal stability.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA12CHE3/54 at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA12CHE3/54 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 19.9 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 25.1 A under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 7 in the official Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 88378) and ensures safe voltage limiting for 20 V-tolerant downstream components. The SA12CHE3/54 maintains this clamping performance across its qualified operating temperature range.
Is SA12CHE3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SA12CHE3/54 is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified per the Vishay datasheet revision dated 18-Sep-12, confirming compliance with automotive reliability stress tests including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock. Its DO-204AC package, 175 °C max junction temperature, and HE3 whisker-tested leads make SA12CHE3/54 appropriate for under-hood and body-control module deployments where long-term robustness is mandatory.
What does the "HE3" suffix indicate in SA12CHE3/54?
The "HE3" suffix in SA12CHE3/54 denotes two key attributes: "H" indicates AEC-Q101 qualification, and "E3" specifies RoHS-compliant construction with JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. This distinguishes SA12CHE3/54 from commercial-grade "E3" variants (e.g., SA12AE3/54) and confirms its suitability for automotive production. The "/54" denotes the preferred package code for 13-inch paper tape and reel packaging (4000 units per reel).
How does SA12CHE3/54 differ from bi-directional TVS diodes like SA12CA?
SA12CHE3/54 is a uni-directional TVS diode with cathode marking and asymmetric conduction-blocking reverse current until VBR is exceeded, then clamping in reverse only. In contrast, SA12CA is bi-directional and clamps symmetrically in both polarities, making it suitable for AC lines or ungrounded signal pairs. SA12CHE3/54's uni-directional design yields lower leakage and better DC rail protection, whereas SA12CA would conduct continuously on negative half-cycles in DC applications.
What is the maximum steady-state power dissipation for SA12CHE3/54?
The SA12CHE3/54 has a maximum steady-state power dissipation (PD) of 3.0 W when mounted on an infinite heatsink at lead temperature (TL) = 75 °C, as specified in the "Maximum Ratings" table of the Vishay datasheet. This rating applies to continuous DC or low-frequency conditions-not transient suppression-and must be derated linearly above 75 °C per Figure 5. For typical PCB mounting, actual usable PD is lower and depends on copper area and airflow.
SA12CHE3/54 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:
- -
- 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)
SA12CHE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA12CHE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA12CHE3/54 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 SA12CHE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA12CHE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA12CHE3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA12CHE3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA12CHE3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA12CHE3/54?
SA12CHE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA12CHE3/54 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 SA12CHE3/54?
For technical support, including SA12CHE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA12CHE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA12CHE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA12CHE3/54 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 SA12CHE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA12CHE3/54?
All SA12CHE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA12CHE3/54, 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 SA12CHE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA12CHE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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