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Home > Products > Circuit Protection > Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS) > TVS Diodes

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA12-E3/54

Name: SA12-E3/54
Brand: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
SKU: SA12-E3/54
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: SA12-E3/54

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Category:: TVS Diodes

Package:: DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial

Datasheet:: SA12-E3/54.pdf

Description:: TVS DIODE 12VWM 22VC DO204AC

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:6,696

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Product details

Overview

SA12-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional 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 (V_WM), 13.3–14.7 V breakdown voltage (V_BR at 1 mA), 19.9 V clamping voltage (V_C) 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 SA12-E3/54 datasheet, SA12-E3/54 pinout, SA12-E3/54 application, or SA12-E3/54 equivalent, this device serves as a robust, RoHS-compliant, lead-free transient suppressor for 12 V automotive power supplies, industrial sensor interfaces, and MOSFET gate protection where fast response (<1 ns), low clamping ratio, and high surge robustness are required.

Technical Context

The SA12-E3/54 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, enabling precise breakdown behavior and stable clamping under repetitive transients. Its unidirectional polarity-marked with cathode band-ensures asymmetric conduction: low forward voltage (~3.5 V at 100 A) during surge events and sub-1 µA leakage at 12 V stand-off.

It is rated for 70 A non-repetitive forward surge (IFSM, 10 ms half-sine), 3.0 W steady-state power dissipation on infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C, and operates across –55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature range-making it suitable for under-hood automotive environments and industrial control cabinets.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_WM	12 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; defines safe DC rail margin for 12 V systems.
V_BR (min/max)	13.3 V / 14.7 V at 1 mA - Tight breakdown window ensures predictable turn-on and avoids premature clamping in nominal operation.
V_C @ I_PPM	19.9 V at 25.1 A - Clamping voltage limits protected circuit stress during 500 W transient; clamping ratio = 1.66.
P_PPM	500 W (10/1000 µs) - Sustains industry-standard lightning/surge pulses without degradation; duty cycle limited to 0.01 %.
I_F_SM	70 A (10 ms half-sine) - Withstands high-energy inductive kickback from solenoids, relays, or motors without failure.
T_J max	+175 °C - Enables placement near heat sources (e.g., power converters) without derating concerns in automotive modules.
AEC-Q101	Qualified - Validated for automotive electronics per stress test requirements including HTOL, TCT, ESD, and mechanical shock.

Pinout & Package

Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial-leaded, molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. Matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. Cathode indicated by color band.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Anode	Forward conduction terminal	Connects to lower-potential side (e.g., ground or return path); conducts during positive transients when cathode is at higher potential.
Cathode	Reverse-biased clamping terminal	Marked with band; connects to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); avalanches into low-impedance state during overvoltage events.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Glass-passivated junction	Ensures stable V_BR tolerance (±5 % typical), low leakage (<1 µA at V_WM), and long-term reliability under thermal cycling.
500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs)	Handles ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a surges and IEC 61000-4-5 combination wave (1.2/50 µs + 8/20 µs) without failure.
Fast response time (<1 ns)	Clamps transients before downstream ICs (e.g., microcontrollers, CAN transceivers) experience damaging overvoltage.
AEC-Q101 qualification	Validates suitability for automotive powertrain, body control, and ADAS modules requiring zero-defect reliability.
RoHS-compliant E3 suffix	Meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance; enables lead-free reflow assembly and long-term storage stability.

Applications

Automotive Power Rail Protection	Industrial Sensor Interface Protection
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs against load dump (ISO 16750-2) and alternator switching transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping element placed between battery rail and input filter capacitor, absorbing >95 % of surge energy before reaching LDOs or MCUs. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤19.9 V during 25.1 A transients, preventing brownout or latch-up in 3.3 V/5 V logic domains.	Use Scenario: Shielding analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from ESD and cable discharge events in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (≈100 pF) shunt protector mounted at connector entry point, diverting fast transients away from precision op-amps or ADC inputs. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity with <1 µA leakage at 12 V, avoiding DC offset errors while clamping ±15 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2.
MOSFET Gate Driver Protection	DC Motor Control Board Protection
Use Scenario: Safeguarding high-side N-channel MOSFET gates driven by 12 V logic in H-bridge motor drivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamp referenced to gate driver supply, suppressing Miller-induced voltage spikes during switching transitions. Use Value: Prevents gate oxide breakdown by limiting gate-source voltage to ≤19.9 V, even during 70 A inductive flyback events.	Use Scenario: Suppressing back-EMF spikes from brushed DC motors in robotics and HVAC actuators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted across motor terminals to clamp bidirectional inductive kickback, reducing radiated emissions and relay contact arcing. Use Value: Dissipates 500 W surge energy within 1 ms, extending motor brush life and eliminating need for snubber RC networks.

Automotive Power Rail Protection

Industrial Sensor Interface Protection

Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs against load dump (ISO 16750-2) and alternator switching transients.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping element placed between battery rail and input filter capacitor, absorbing >95 % of surge energy before reaching LDOs or MCUs.

Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤19.9 V during 25.1 A transients, preventing brownout or latch-up in 3.3 V/5 V logic domains.

Use Scenario: Shielding analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from ESD and cable discharge events in factory automation.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (≈100 pF) shunt protector mounted at connector entry point, diverting fast transients away from precision op-amps or ADC inputs.

Use Value: Maintains signal integrity with <1 µA leakage at 12 V, avoiding DC offset errors while clamping ±15 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2.

MOSFET Gate Driver Protection

DC Motor Control Board Protection

Use Scenario: Safeguarding high-side N-channel MOSFET gates driven by 12 V logic in H-bridge motor drivers.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamp referenced to gate driver supply, suppressing Miller-induced voltage spikes during switching transitions.

Use Value: Prevents gate oxide breakdown by limiting gate-source voltage to ≤19.9 V, even during 70 A inductive flyback events.

Use Scenario: Suppressing back-EMF spikes from brushed DC motors in robotics and HVAC actuators.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted across motor terminals to clamp bidirectional inductive kickback, reducing radiated emissions and relay contact arcing.

Use Value: Dissipates 500 W surge energy within 1 ms, extending motor brush life and eliminating need for snubber RC networks.

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	Same V_WM (12 V), identical DO-214AC package, but lower P_PPM (400 W) and higher V_C (20.1 V at 20.1 A).	Less robust for high-energy load dump; better suited for space-constrained PCBs where SMA footprint is preferred.	Select SMAJ12A-E3/52 only if board layout mandates surface-mount and surge energy remains below 400 W.
1.5KE12A	Higher P_PPM (1500 W), larger DO-201AD package, same V_WM/V_BR range, but no AEC-Q101 qualification.	Used in industrial power supplies where automotive qualification is unnecessary and higher surge margin is critical.	Choose 1.5KE12A when system-level testing requires >500 W immunity and automotive compliance is not mandated.

Compared with SMAJ12A-E3/52 and 1.5KE12A, SA12-E3/54 delivers optimal balance of automotive qualification, axial-leaded ease-of-service, and 500 W surge handling-making it the preferred choice for production automotive modules and repairable industrial controllers.

Availability

SA12-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, industrial sensor interface protection, and MOSFET gate driver protection requiring stable component supply, full traceability, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for SA12-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, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and automotive-grade validation.

The SAxx series is engineered specifically for transient overvoltage protection in 12 V–170 V DC systems, targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where robustness against ESD, load dump, and inductive switching is mission-critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA12-E3/54 under standard surge conditions?

The SA12-E3/54 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 19.9 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 25.1 A using the 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 7 in the official Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 88378) and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by protected circuitry during a 500 W transient event. The SA12-E3/54 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.

Is SA12-E3/54 suitable for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 qualification?

Yes, SA12-E3/54 is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified per Vishay's documentation (Revision: 18-Sep-12, Document Number: 88378). It has passed stress tests including high-temperature operating life (HTOL), temperature cycling (TCT), electrostatic discharge (HBM/MM), and mechanical shock-validating its use in automotive body control modules, infotainment power supplies, and ADAS sensor hubs. The E3 suffix confirms RoHS compliance and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance, further supporting automotive deployment.

What is the polarity configuration of SA12-E3/54, and how is it identified physically?

SA12-E3/54 is a unidirectional TVS diode, meaning it clamps only in reverse bias and conducts forward current like a standard rectifier. Polarity is indicated by a single color band on the cathode end of the DO-204AC (DO-15) package. When installed, the banded end connects to the protected line (e.g., 12 V rail), and the unbanded (anode) end connects to ground or return. This configuration prevents forward conduction during normal operation while enabling rapid avalanche clamping during overvoltage events.

How does the SA12-E3/54 compare to bi-directional variants like SA12CA in terms of application scope?

Unlike bi-directional SA12CA, the SA12-E3/54 is unidirectional and lacks symmetrical clamping-making it unsuitable for AC-coupled or floating signal lines. However, it offers superior forward surge capability (70 A IFSM vs. none for SA12CA) and lower forward voltage drop, which is critical for protecting DC power rails and gate drivers where unidirectional transients dominate. SA12-E3/54 is preferred for 12 V battery systems; SA12CA would be selected only for differential data lines (e.g., RS-485) requiring bidirectional ESD suppression.

What is the thermal derating behavior of SA12-E3/54 above 25 °C ambient?

SA12-E3/54 follows a linear derating curve from 3.0 W at TL = 75 °C (per Figure 5), with power dissipation decreasing to ~1.5 W at TL = 125 °C and zero at TL = 175 °C. This derating applies to steady-state power (P_D), not peak pulse power (P_PPM). For continuous operation in hot environments (e.g., engine compartments), thermal design must ensure lead temperature stays within limits-using adequate copper pour or standoff spacing. The SA12-E3/54 junction-to-lead thermal resistance is optimized for axial mounting with 9.5 mm lead length.

SA12-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:: 1

Bidirectional Channels:: -

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)

SA12-E3/54 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for SA12-E3/54 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA12-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 SA12-E3/54 reliable?

The price and inventory of SA12-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 SA12-E3/54 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for SA12-E3/54?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA12-E3/54 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for SA12-E3/54?

SA12-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your SA12-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 SA12-E3/54?

For technical support, including SA12-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA12-E3/54 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that SA12-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All SA12-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 SA12-E3/54 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA12-E3/54?

All SA12-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA12-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 SA12-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for SA12-E3/54:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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