Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA12CHE3/73
- Part No.:
- SA12CHE3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA12CHE3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 22VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,936
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Product details
Overview
SA12CHE3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a uni-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, rated for 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 AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive use. It protects MOSFETs and ICs against inductive switching transients in engine control units.
For engineers reviewing the SA12CHE3/73 datasheet, SA12CHE3/73 pinout, SA12CHE3/73 application, or SA12CHE3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage (19.9 V at 25.1 A), low leakage (<1.0 μA at 12 V), junction temperature range (−55 °C to +175 °C), and RoHS-compliant matte tin-plated leads per J-STD-002.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a uni-directional clamping device with avalanche breakdown behavior, designed to shunt transient energy away from sensitive downstream circuitry during ESD or load-dump events. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance and low incremental surge resistance.
The device complies with AEC-Q101 stress testing for automotive reliability and supports repetitive 10/1000 μs surge pulses at 0.01% duty cycle. Thermal performance is characterized up to 175 °C junction temperature, with steady-state power dissipation derated linearly above 75 °C lead temperature.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR min/max | 13.3 V / 14.7 V at 1 mA - Ensures predictable turn-on threshold across production lot |
| VC @ IPPM | 19.9 V at 25.1 A - Clamping voltage limits stress on protected ICs during worst-case surge |
| PPPM | 500 W (10/1000 μs) - Handles automotive load-dump surges without failure |
| ID @ VWM | <1.0 μA - Negligible leakage current preserves low-power system integrity |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Supports under-hood automotive placement without thermal derating loss |
| IFSM | 70 A (10 ms half-sine) - Withstands high-energy forward surge during fault conditions |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial-leaded, molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0; cathode indicated by color band on one end.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / transient return path | Connected to ground or low-impedance return plane during clamping |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased terminal / clamping node | Connected to protected line; avalanche conduction occurs when voltage exceeds VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Enables tight VBR tolerance (±5%) and long-term stability under thermal cycling |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive under-hood applications including engine control and body electronics |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Meets ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a load-dump immunity requirements for 12 V systems |
| Matte tin plated leads | Ensures solderability per J-STD-002 and whisker resistance per JESD 201 Class 2 (HE3 suffix) |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.42) | Minimizes overvoltage exposure to protected ICs during transient events |
Applications
| Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU) | Industrial PLC Digital Input Module |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting microcontroller GPIO and CAN transceiver pins from alternator load-dump transients in 12 V vehicle electrical systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Uni-directional TVS clamping device placed between signal line and chassis ground. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤19.9 V, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in 3.3 V/5 V logic interfaces. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V DC digital input circuits from inductive kickback generated by solenoid valves and relay coils. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage protection element on field-side input terminals. Use Value: Absorbs 500 W surge energy within 1000 μs, enabling robust operation in factory automation environments. |
| Telecom Power Supply Interface | Consumer Appliance Motor Driver Board |
Use Scenario: Shielding AC-DC adapter output rails and communication lines from lightning-induced surges entering via PoE or external ports. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level transient suppressor downstream of bulk MOVs. Use Value: Fast response time (<1 ns) and low clamping voltage preserve signal integrity on RS-485 and Ethernet PHY interfaces. | Use Scenario: Guarding H-bridge gate drivers and MCU I/O from back-EMF spikes during brushed DC motor commutation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized clamping component mounted adjacent to motor driver IC. Use Value: Withstands 70 A non-repetitive forward surge, ensuring survival during repeated motor stall events. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12A-E3/5A | Same VWM (12 V), lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (surface-mount) | Requires PCB rework for SMT assembly; lacks AEC-Q101 qualification | Select for space-constrained consumer designs where automotive qualification is not required |
| P6SMB12AHE3/A | Same VWM (12 V), identical AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-214AA package | Larger footprint and higher thermal resistance than DO-15; different mounting geometry | Choose when higher surge margin or legacy board compatibility drives package preference |
Compared with SA12CHE3/73, SMAJ12A-E3/5A offers smaller size but reduced surge capability and no automotive qualification, while P6SMB12AHE3/A provides equivalent reliability in a larger SMT package-making SA12CHE3/73 optimal for cost-sensitive, through-hole automotive modules requiring proven DO-15 mechanical robustness.
Availability
SA12CHE3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial PLC input stages, telecom power interfaces, and appliance motor control boards requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.
Supply support for SA12CHE3/73 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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability and automotive-grade validation.
The SAxxA series is engineered specifically for transient overvoltage protection in harsh environments, targeting 12 V and 24 V automotive, industrial, and telecom power systems where AEC-Q101 compliance and repeatable clamping performance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SA12CHE3/73 under maximum rated surge current?
The SA12CHE3/73 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 19.9 V when subjected to its peak pulse current (IPPM) of 25.1 A using the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per the test conditions defined in Vishay document 88378 and ensures predictable overvoltage limiting for downstream components such as microcontrollers or transceivers. The SA12CHE3/73 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is the SA12CHE3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the SA12CHE3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive use, including under-hood environments. Its construction features glass-passivated junctions, matte tin-plated leads compliant with JESD 201 Class 2 whisker testing, and operation up to +175 °C junction temperature. These attributes make the SA12CHE3/73 appropriate for engine control units, body control modules, and other automotive subsystems requiring certified transient protection.
What does the "HE3" suffix indicate in SA12CHE3/73?
The "HE3" suffix in SA12CHE3/73 denotes two critical specifications: "H" indicates AEC-Q101 qualification, and "E3" confirms RoHS compliance with matte tin plating and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance. The "/73" denotes tape-and-reel packaging in 73 mm carrier tape width. This full designation distinguishes the SA12CHE3/73 from commercial-grade variants like SA12AE3/73 and ensures traceable compliance for automotive BOMs.
How does the SA12CHE3/73 compare to bi-directional TVS diodes?
The SA12CHE3/73 is a uni-directional TVS diode, meaning it conducts only in reverse bias above VBR and blocks forward current up to VF ≈ 3.5 V at 100 A. Unlike bi-directional types (e.g., SA12CA), it cannot suppress transients on AC-coupled or floating lines without additional polarity handling. Its design targets DC-powered systems like automotive 12 V rails, where unidirectional clamping delivers lower capacitance and tighter VBR control than equivalent bi-directional parts.
What is the maximum steady-state power dissipation for the SA12CHE3/73?
The SA12CHE3/73 has a maximum steady-state power dissipation (PD) of 3.0 W when mounted on an infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C, as specified in Vishay document 88378. This rating decreases linearly with increasing lead temperature above 75 °C, reaching zero at 175 °C. In typical through-hole PCB layouts without heatsinking, practical continuous power handling is limited to ~0.5–1.0 W depending on copper area and airflow-making the SA12CHE3/73 primarily intended for transient, not continuous, power dissipation.
SA12CHE3/73 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- 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)
SA12CHE3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA12CHE3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA12CHE3/73 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 SA12CHE3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA12CHE3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA12CHE3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA12CHE3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA12CHE3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA12CHE3/73?
SA12CHE3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA12CHE3/73 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 SA12CHE3/73?
For technical support, including SA12CHE3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA12CHE3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA12CHE3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA12CHE3/73 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 SA12CHE3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA12CHE3/73?
All SA12CHE3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA12CHE3/73, 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 SA12CHE3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA12CHE3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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