Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA12HE3/73
- Part No.:
- SA12HE3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA12HE3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 22VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,501
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Product details
Overview
SA12HE3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a uni-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on power and signal lines. It features a 12 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 13.3–14.7 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 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 use.
For engineers reviewing the SA12HE3/73 datasheet, SA12HE3/73 pinout, SA12HE3/73 application, or SA12HE3/73 equivalent, this device is selected for robust overvoltage protection in DC power rails, sensor interfaces, and MOSFET gate drivers where fast response (<1 ns), low clamping ratio, and high surge reliability are required.
Technical Context
The SA12HE3/73 employs a glass-passivated silicon junction optimized for transient suppression under repetitive 10/1000 μs surges up to 500 W. Its uni-directional polarity enables integration into DC-biased circuits without reverse conduction during normal operation.
It exhibits a 12 V reverse stand-off threshold with <1.0 μA leakage at rated VWM, clamps to ≤19.9 V at 25.1 A IPPM, and maintains stable performance across –55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature range - validated per AEC-Q101 stress test conditions including temperature cycling and HTRB.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 12 V - Maximum continuous reverse voltage before significant leakage; defines operating margin below clamping threshold |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 13.3–14.7 V at 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range; ensures reliable triggering above nominal rail |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 19.9 V at 25.1 A - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during full-rated surge; determines downstream component stress |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 500 W (10/1000 μs) - Sustains standardized lightning/surge energy without failure; derates linearly above 25 °C |
| IFSM (Surge Current) | 70 A (8.3 ms half-sine) - Withstands non-repetitive inrush or fault currents without bond-wire fusing |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - Enables placement near hot components (e.g., power MOSFETs, inductors) without thermal derating loss |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes - Validated for automotive electronics per stress tests including HTGB, TC, and AC/HAST; supports PPAP documentation |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial-leaded, molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads. RoHS-compliant and AEC-Q101 qualified (HE3 suffix). Polarity indicated by cathode band.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., GND or return path); conducts during forward surge events |
| Cathode | Avalanche clamping terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); initiates clamping when reverse voltage exceeds VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Enables stable, low-leakage avalanche behavior and long-term reliability under humidity and thermal cycling |
| 500 W peak pulse rating (10/1000 μs) | Matches IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity requirements for industrial and automotive ports |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates suitability for under-hood and ADAS modules without additional qualification effort |
| Low incremental clamping resistance | Ensures VC stays tightly bounded (19.9 V @ 25.1 A), minimizing voltage overshoot on sensitive ICs |
| Solderable per J-STD-002/JESD 22-B102 | Supports automated reflow and wave soldering at 275 °C for 10 s without degradation |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: 12 V battery-supplied ECUs exposed to load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping element placed between battery input and DC/DC converter input stage. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤19.9 V, protecting downstream regulators and microcontrollers rated for 24 V absolute max. |
Use Scenario: Analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) routed through long cables in factory automation cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Point-of-entry TVS on differential or single-ended signal lines before instrumentation amplifier inputs. Use Value: Clamps ESD (IEC 61000-4-2 ±15 kV) and inductive switching noise within 1 ns, preserving signal integrity below 10 mV offset shift. |
| MOSFET Gate Driver Protection | DC Motor Control Board |
|
Use Scenario: High-side N-channel MOSFET gate drive circuits subject to Miller-induced voltage spikes during switching. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Uni-directional clamp from gate to source, referenced to driver IC ground. Use Value: Prevents gate oxide breakdown by limiting VGS to ≤19.9 V during dV/dt-induced coupling, enabling 20 V-rated MOSFETs. |
Use Scenario: H-bridge motor control PCBs with flyback energy from brushed DC motors causing voltage reversal on supply rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping not applicable; SA12HE3/73 used on positive rail only, with separate grounding strategy. Use Value: Absorbs 500 W flyback pulses without degradation, maintaining rail stability during rapid direction changes and braking. |
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-E3/5A | Same DO-214AC package; 12 V VWM, but 200 W PPPM (vs. 500 W); 23.2 V VC @ 12.3 A | Limited to lower-energy surges (IEC 61000-4-5 Level 2); unsuitable for load dump or high-current inductive switching | Select SMAJ12A-E3/5A only if space-constrained layouts require SMD and surge threat level is ≤200 W |
| 1.5KE12A | DO-201AD package; same 12 V VWM and 500 W rating, but higher VF (3.5 V), larger footprint, and no AEC-Q101 qualification | Acceptable for industrial mains-powered equipment but requires requalification for automotive deployment | Choose 1.5KE12A for cost-sensitive non-automotive designs where leaded DO-201AD mounting is acceptable |
Compared with SMAJ12A-E3/5A and 1.5KE12A, the SA12HE3/73 uniquely combines 500 W surge capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, and DO-15 form factor - making it the only option among the three qualified for automotive power rail protection without layout or reliability compromise.
Availability
SA12HE3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial PLC analog I/O cards, and DC motor driver boards requiring stable component supply with full AEC-Q101 traceability and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA12HE3/73 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, automotive qualification, and power efficiency.
The SAxxA series was developed specifically for robust transient suppression in harsh-environment DC systems - targeting automotive, industrial, and transportation applications where failure modes must be mitigated before field deployment.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SA12HE3/73 at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA12HE3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 19.9 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 25.1 A, measured under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is critical for ensuring downstream ICs - such as 24 V-rated microcontrollers or gate drivers - remain within their absolute maximum voltage ratings during surge events. The SA12HE3/73 achieves this with low incremental clamping resistance, verified across production lots and temperature ranges.
Is the SA12HE3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the SA12HE3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive use, including under-hood environments. Its construction - glass-passivated junction, DO-204AC package with matte tin leads, and operation up to +175 °C - meets stress test requirements for temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and humidity testing. The SA12HE3/73 is commonly deployed in body control modules and infotainment power supplies where ISO 7637-2 compliance is mandatory.
How does the SA12HE3/73 differ from bi-directional TVS diodes like SA12CA?
The SA12HE3/73 is a uni-directional TVS diode, meaning it blocks reverse current until breakdown and conducts forward current like a rectifier - ideal for DC-biased lines such as 12 V power rails. In contrast, SA12CA is bi-directional and symmetrical, suited for AC or floating signal lines. The SA12HE3/73 offers lower leakage (<1.0 μA at 12 V) and higher surge current handling in DC configurations, while SA12CA would conduct in both directions and exhibit higher leakage in the same bias condition.
What is the maximum operating temperature for the SA12HE3/73?
The SA12HE3/73 has a maximum junction temperature (TJ max.) of +175 °C, allowing reliable operation in high-thermal-stress locations such as near power inductors, motor drivers, or engine compartments. This rating is validated per AEC-Q101 test conditions and remains effective with proper PCB copper pour and lead length management. Derating begins above 25 °C ambient, following the published pulse derating curve in the SA5.0A–SA170CA datasheet (Document Number: 88378).
Can the SA12HE3/73 be used in place of the older SA12A variant?
Yes, the SA12HE3/73 supersedes the SA12A with identical electrical specifications (VWM = 12 V, VBR = 13.3–14.7 V, VC = 19.9 V) but adds AEC-Q101 qualification and RoHS-compliant HE3 processing (JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance). The "HE3" suffix confirms enhanced reliability for automotive use, while maintaining DO-204AC mechanical compatibility and soldering profile. No PCB or schematic changes are needed when upgrading from SA12A to SA12HE3/73.
SA12HE3/73 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:
- -
- 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)
SA12HE3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA12HE3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA12HE3/73 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 SA12HE3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA12HE3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA12HE3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA12HE3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA12HE3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA12HE3/73?
SA12HE3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA12HE3/73 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 SA12HE3/73?
For technical support, including SA12HE3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA12HE3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA12HE3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA12HE3/73 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 SA12HE3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA12HE3/73?
All SA12HE3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA12HE3/73, 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 SA12HE3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA12HE3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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