Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA12HE3/54
- Part No.:
- SA12HE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA12HE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 22VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,074
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Product details
Overview
SA12HE3/54 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 mA, 19.9 V clamping voltage (VC) at 25.1 A peak pulse current (IPPM), 500 W peak pulse power (PPPM), and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability.
For engineers reviewing the SA12HE3/54 datasheet, SA12HE3/54 pinout, SA12HE3/54 application, or SA12HE3/54 equivalent, this device is selected for robust ESD and surge protection in 12 V automotive subsystems, industrial sensor interfaces, and DC power input stages where fast response (<1 ns), low clamping ratio, and high surge current handling are critical.
Technical Context
The SA12HE3/54 operates as a uni-directional avalanche diode, triggering when reverse voltage exceeds its VBR range (13.3–14.7 V), then clamping transients to ≤19.9 V at 25.1 A (10/1000 μs waveform). Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage (≤1.0 μA at 12 V).
Designed for transient suppression-not steady-state regulation-it exhibits 3.5 V maximum forward voltage at 100 A surge and supports operating junction temperatures from –55 °C to +175 °C. The HE3 suffix confirms AEC-Q101 qualification and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 12 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping begins; defines safe DC operating margin. |
| VBR (min/max) | 13.3 V / 14.7 V at 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range; ensures reliable triggering above nominal rail. |
| VC @ IPPM | 19.9 V at 25.1 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; determines protected circuit's maximum stress level. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak transient energy absorption capability; enables protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges. |
| IFSM | 70 A - Non-repetitive forward surge rating; supports inrush current tolerance during system startup or fault recovery. |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; allows operation in under-hood automotive environments without derating. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Validated for automotive electronics per stress test requirements including HTOL, TC, and HAST. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial leaded, molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads. Polarity marked by cathode band on one end.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (unmarked end) | Forward current entry / low-side reference | Connected to ground or lower-potential node in uni-directional clamp configuration. |
| Cathode (banded end) | Reverse-biased clamping node | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); conducts avalanche current during overvoltage events. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over temperature and lifetime; eliminates surface degradation risks in humid or contaminated environments. |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports EN 61000-4-5 4 kV surge immunity without external series impedance in many 12 V applications. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification (HE3 suffix) | Validates suitability for automotive body control modules, infotainment power supplies, and ADAS sensor interfaces. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.42) | Minimizes voltage overshoot across protected ICs-critical for 12 V logic-level devices with 20 V absolute maximum ratings. |
| JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance | Prevents tin whisker growth under thermal cycling, ensuring long-term reliability in automotive under-hood assemblies. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Input Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Clamp |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: 12 V battery-fed ECUs exposed to load dump (ISO 16750-2) and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary TVS clamp placed upstream of DC-DC converter input to limit transient voltage to <20 V. Use Value: Prevents damage to buck controller ICs rated for 36 V max input by clamping 12 V rail surges to 19.9 V at 25.1 A. |
Use Scenario: 4–20 mA current loop interface in PLC analog input modules subject to field wiring ESD. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Uni-directional shunt protector on signal return path to absorb ±8 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2. Use Value: Limits induced voltage on signal ground to <20 V during discharge, preserving ADC front-end integrity without adding series resistance. |
| DC Power Rail Surge Suppression | Consumer Device USB Port Protection |
|
Use Scenario: 12 V wall adapter input to smart home gateway with no internal fuse or current limiting. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on main DC input to suppress lightning-induced surges coupled via AC mains. Use Value: Absorbs 500 W transient energy (10/1000 μs) while maintaining <19.9 V clamping-within safe margin for 24 V-rated input capacitors. |
Use Scenario: USB VBUS line in portable speaker dock subjected to hot-plug inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-leakage (≤1.0 μA) uni-directional TVS between VBUS and GND to prevent overvoltage latch-up in USB controller. Use Value: Responds in <1 ns to clamp VBUS spikes to 19.9 V before USB PHY ICs exceed 20 V absolute maximum rating. |
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-E3/52 (Vishay) | Same VWM (12 V), same DO-214AC package, but lower PPPM (400 W) and higher VC (20.1 V at 24.7 A). | Lower surge margin; suitable only where 400 W rating meets IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3, not Level 4. | Select SMAJ12A-E3/52 only if board space requires SMD mounting and 400 W suffices. |
| P6SMB12A (Littelfuse) | Identical VWM (12 V), DO-214AA package, 600 W PPPM, but higher VC (20.1 V at 29.8 A) and no AEC-Q101 qualification. | Higher surge capacity but unqualified for automotive; used in industrial/commercial power supplies. | Choose P6SMB12A for cost-sensitive non-automotive designs requiring >500 W headroom. |
Compared with SA12HE3/54, SMAJ12A-E3/52 offers surface-mount compatibility at reduced surge rating, while P6SMB12A delivers higher pulse power without automotive qualification-making SA12HE3/54 the optimal choice for AEC-Q101–mandated 12 V systems needing proven 500 W clamping performance in through-hole DO-15 form.
Availability
SA12HE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, and DC power input protection requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 compliance, and DO-15 through-hole assembly compatibility.
Supply support for SA12HE3/54 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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and automotive-grade validation.
The SAxxA/SAxxCA TransZORB® family targets robust transient suppression in harsh environments-designed specifically for automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where failure modes must be mitigated by certified, high-energy clamping devices.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SA12HE3/54 under a standard 10/1000 μs surge?
The SA12HE3/54 clamps to a maximum 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 defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during surge events. The SA12HE3/54 maintains this clamping performance across its qualified temperature range.
Is the SA12HE3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the SA12HE3/54 is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by the "HE3" suffix and documentation in Vishay's datasheet revision 18-Sep-12. It meets stress tests including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and humidity testing required for under-hood and cabin electronics. The SA12HE3/54 is routinely deployed in automotive body control modules and power distribution units.
What does the "HE3" suffix indicate on SA12HE3/54?
The "HE3" suffix on SA12HE3/54 denotes RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. It distinguishes this variant from commercial-grade "E3" versions (e.g., SA12A-E3/54) and confirms compliance with automotive reliability standards-including extended temperature operation and mechanical robustness for vibration-prone environments. The SA12HE3/54 is not interchangeable with non-HE3 variants in automotive designs.
How does the SA12HE3/54 differ from bi-directional TVS diodes like SA12CA?
The SA12HE3/54 is uni-directional and intended for DC rail protection with polarity-sensitive placement (cathode to line), whereas SA12CA is bi-directional and used for AC or floating signal lines. SA12HE3/54 has a forward voltage drop (~3.5 V at 100 A) and blocks only in reverse; SA12CA clamps symmetrically in both directions with no defined anode/cathode. Their VBR and VC values also differ-SA12HE3/54 specifies 13.3–14.7 V VBR, while SA12CA lists 13.3–15.3 V.
What is the maximum junction temperature rating for SA12HE3/54?
The SA12HE3/54 has a maximum junction temperature (TJ max.) of +175 °C, enabling operation in high-ambient environments such as engine compartments or enclosed industrial enclosures. This rating is maintained under full power dissipation conditions and is validated per AEC-Q101 thermal test requirements. Derating curves in Figure 2 of the datasheet define safe operating limits above 25 °C ambient.
SA12HE3/54 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:
- -
- 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)
SA12HE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA12HE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA12HE3/54 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 SA12HE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA12HE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA12HE3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA12HE3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA12HE3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA12HE3/54?
SA12HE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA12HE3/54 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 SA12HE3/54?
For technical support, including SA12HE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA12HE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA12HE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA12HE3/54 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 SA12HE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA12HE3/54?
All SA12HE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA12HE3/54, 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 SA12HE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA12HE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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