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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA12-E3/73
- Part No.:
- SA12-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA12-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 22VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:5,456
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Product details
Overview
SA12-E3/73 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, and 500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - deployed in automotive body control modules and industrial sensor interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SA12-E3/73 datasheet, SA12-E3/73 pinout, SA12-E3/73 application, or SA12-E3/73 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, AEC-Q101 qualification status, DO-15 mechanical dimensions, clamping performance under surge conditions, and direct alternatives for ESD/surge protection design-in.
Technical Context
The SA12-E3/73 operates as a uni-directional avalanche diode, triggering conduction when reverse voltage exceeds its VWM = 12 V and entering low-impedance clamping mode above VBR = 13.3–14.7 V. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and fast response time (<1 ps), critical for suppressing transients from inductive switching or ESD events.
It supports repetitive surge handling up to 500 W (10/1000 µs), with thermal derating above TA = 25 °C per Fig. 2 and maximum junction temperature of 175 °C. The device exhibits 1.0 µA max reverse leakage at VWM, 3.5 V forward voltage at 100 A, and complies with JESD 22-B106 solderability (275 °C, 10 s).
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 1.0 mA - Confirmed breakdown range ensures reliable turn-on without premature conduction during normal operation. |
| VC @ IPPM | 19.9 V at 25.1 A - Clamping voltage limits downstream IC stress during 500 W transient events; enables robust interface protection. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform defines surge energy absorption capability for automotive load-dump immunity. |
| IFSM | 70 A - Non-repetitive forward surge current rating supports high-energy inrush or fault-current scenarios without bond-wire failure. |
| TJ max | 175 °C - Maximum junction temperature allows operation in under-hood automotive environments and thermally constrained enclosures. |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Standard axial-leaded through-hole package with 0.300" lead spacing; compatible with legacy PCB layouts and wave-solder processes. |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) package: axial-leaded, molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads. Cathode identified by color band on one end; anode is unmarked. Leads meet J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. E3 suffix indicates RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade construction per JESD 201 Class 1A whisker test.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (unmarked end) | Forward current entry / reverse voltage reference | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., GND or return path); establishes polarity-sensitive clamping direction. |
| Cathode (banded end) | Reverse voltage sensing / clamping node | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail or signal trace); conducts when transient exceeds VWM to shunt energy to ground. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity exposure. |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1, 2a, and 5a compliance for automotive 12 V systems without external heat sinking. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (HE3 variant) | Validated for automotive use including temperature cycling, mechanical shock, and high-acceleration vibration testing. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast-rising transients, reducing risk of latch-up or damage in downstream CMOS ICs. |
| UL 94 V-0 compliant molding compound | Meets flammability requirements for enclosed industrial and transportation equipment per safety certification standards. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial PLC Digital Input Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting microcontroller GPIOs and CAN transceiver power rails from load-dump and inductive kickback in vehicle door modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Uni-directional TVS placed between 12 V supply and ground to clamp transients before they reach LDO regulators and MCU VCC pins. Use Value: Limits clamping voltage to ≤19.9 V during 25.1 A surges, preventing overvoltage damage to 16 V-rated input stages while maintaining system uptime. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V digital input channels on programmable logic controllers against field-wiring induced surges and ESD. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end protection element on optocoupler input side, absorbing energy from accidental 48 V miswiring or relay coil flyback. Use Value: Withstands 70 A single-half-sine surge (8.3 ms), enabling robustness against sustained overvoltage without degradation across 100,000+ cycles. |
| Consumer Appliance Motor Driver Board | Telecom Power Supply Input Stage |
|
Use Scenario: Shielding gate drivers and current-sense amplifiers from back-EMF spikes generated by brushed DC motors in washing machines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS on motor H-bridge supply rail, activated within picoseconds to divert >500 W energy away from sensitive analog front-ends. Use Value: Achieves <1 ns response time and 1.0 µA leakage at 12 V, eliminating standby current impact while ensuring fail-safe shutdown during stall conditions. |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side transient suppression on +12 V output of AC/DC adapters powering VoIP phones and network switches. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage protector downstream of bulk capacitors and post-regulators, guarding against coupling from primary-side transients or lightning-induced surges. Use Value: Delivers 19.9 V clamping at full rated current, allowing downstream LDOs to maintain regulation and prevent brownout resets during telecom-grade surge tests. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ12A-E3/5T | Same VWM (12 V), identical DO-214AC (SMA) package; slightly higher VC = 20.1 V at 24.7 A; 600 W PPPM. | Surface-mount alternative requiring PCB rework; better suited for space-constrained designs where automated assembly is preferred. | Select SMAJ12A-E3/5T when migrating to SMT layout or needing marginally higher surge rating; verify thermal pad layout for 3.0 W steady-state dissipation. |
| 1.5KE12A | Higher PPPM = 1500 W, same VWM/VBR range, but larger DO-201AD package; slower response due to higher junction capacitance. | Used in high-energy industrial UPS and power supply inputs where physical size is less constrained than in automotive modules. | Choose 1.5KE12A only when 500 W is insufficient and board space permits larger footprint; avoid in high-speed signal paths due to ~200 pF capacitance. |
Compared with SMAJ12A-E3/5T and 1.5KE12A, SA12-E3/73 offers optimal balance of axial-leaded manufacturability, AEC-Q101 readiness (via HE3 variant), and precise 12 V system-level clamping - making it the preferred choice for cost-sensitive, through-hole automotive and industrial control applications where DO-15 compatibility is required.
Availability
SA12-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial PLCs, and consumer appliance designs requiring stable component supply with consistent DO-15 form factor and RoHS compliance.
Supply support for SA12-E3/73 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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, automotive qualification, and high-volume manufacturing.
The SAxxA series is engineered specifically for robust transient suppression in 12 V–170 V DC systems, targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where predictable clamping, low leakage, and AEC-Q101 validation are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA12-E3/73 at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA12-E3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 19.9 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 25.1 A, measured using the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value ensures downstream components see limited overvoltage during surge events. The SA12-E3/73 maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range and is validated per Vishay's published test methodology in Document Number 88378.
Is SA12-E3/73 qualified for automotive applications?
The SA12-E3/73 itself is RoHS-compliant and commercial-grade; however, its HE3-suffix variant (e.g., SA12HE3/73) is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified. For automotive use, designers must specify the HE3 version to ensure qualification for temperature cycling, mechanical shock, and reliability testing. The SA12-E3/73 shares identical electrical specs and DO-15 packaging but lacks formal automotive qualification documentation.
What is the reverse leakage current of SA12-E3/73 at its stand-off voltage?
The SA12-E3/73 exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1.0 µA at its rated stand-off voltage (VWM) of 12 V and TA = 25 °C. This ultra-low leakage preserves battery life in always-on automotive modules and avoids false triggering in high-impedance sensor interfaces. The SA12-E3/73 maintains leakage below 5 µA up to 80 % of VWM, per Vishay's Electrical Characteristics table.
Can SA12-E3/73 be used in bi-directional protection circuits?
No - SA12-E3/73 is a uni-directional TVS diode, indicated by the "A" suffix (vs. "CA" for bi-directional). It conducts only in reverse bias above VBR and blocks forward current like a standard rectifier. For bi-directional protection (e.g., AC lines or differential signals), SA12CA or equivalent CA-suffix parts must be selected. The SA12-E3/73 datasheet explicitly restricts its use to DC rail and polarized signal protection.
What is the thermal derating behavior of SA12-E3/73 above 25 °C ambient?
The SA12-E3/73 follows linear thermal derating above TA = 25 °C: its peak pulse power (PPPM) decreases proportionally per Figure 2 in Document 88378, reaching ~50 % of 500 W at TA ≈ 125 °C. Steady-state power dissipation (PD) is rated at 3.0 W on infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C, with derating to zero at TJ = 175 °C. These curves are integral to the SA12-E3/73 specification and validated per JEDEC test standards.
SA12-E3/73 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:
- 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-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA12-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA12-E3/73 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 SA12-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA12-E3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA12-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA12-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA12-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA12-E3/73?
SA12-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA12-E3/73 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 SA12-E3/73?
For technical support, including SA12-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA12-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA12-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA12-E3/73 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 SA12-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA12-E3/73?
All SA12-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA12-E3/73, 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 SA12-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA12-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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