Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA15A-E3/73
- Part No.:
- SA15A-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA15A-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15VWM 24.4VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,994
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Product details
Overview
SA15A-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional TransZORB® transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features a 15 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 16.7–18.5 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1.0 mA, 24.4 V clamping voltage (VC) at 20.5 A peak pulse current, and 500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform - used to safeguard MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines in industrial and automotive power supply rails.
For engineers reviewing the SA15A-E3/73 datasheet, SA15A-E3/73 pinout, SA15A-E3/73 application, or SA15A-E3/73 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, DO-15 terminal polarity, bidirectional variant mapping (SA15CA), AEC-Q101 qualification status, and design-critical clamping behavior under repetitive surge conditions.
Technical Context
The SA15A-E3/73 employs a glass-passivated silicon junction optimized for fast response (<1 ps) to ESD and lightning-induced transients. Its unidirectional polarity uses a cathode band marking, and it operates within -55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature range while maintaining stable VBR temperature coefficient of 16 mV/°C.
It delivers 500 W peak pulse power per 10/1000 μs waveform at TA = 25 °C, derating linearly above 25 °C per Fig. 2, and supports 70 A non-repetitive forward surge current (IFSM) with 3.5 V max forward voltage at 100 A - enabling robust protection in DC power input stages without compromising upstream rectification efficiency.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 15 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe DC bias margin for 12 V nominal systems. |
| VBR (min/max) | 16.7 V / 18.5 V at IT = 1.0 mA - ensures reliable turn-on during overvoltage events while avoiding false triggering near system rail. |
| VC @ IPPM | 24.4 V at 20.5 A - clamping voltage limits downstream component stress during 500 W transient surges. |
| PPPM | 500 W - peak pulse power handling capability with 10/1000 μs waveform, supporting IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3/4 surge immunity. |
| IFSM | 70 A - single half-sine surge current rating (8.3 ms), suitable for protecting against inductive switch-off spikes in relay or solenoid drivers. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - high-temperature junction rating enables use in under-hood automotive and industrial motor control enclosures. |
| Leakage ID | 1.0 μA at VWM - ultra-low reverse leakage preserves battery life in always-on sensor nodes and low-power IoT devices. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-15 (DO-204AC), axial leaded, epoxy-molded case with matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. Cathode identified by color band on body.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction path | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., ground or return line); conducts during positive transients when cathode is biased higher. |
| Cathode | Clamping reference node | Marked with band; connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); initiates avalanche breakdown when voltage exceeds VBR. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Enables stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics over 1000+ surge cycles without parameter drift. |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements for industrial equipment up to Level 4 (4 kV line-to-line). |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (E3 suffix variant) | Validated for automotive powertrain and body electronics applications requiring zero defect reliability under thermal cycling and vibration. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ESD >15 kV), reducing risk of latch-up in adjacent CMOS ICs. |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Ensures flame-retardant enclosure integrity during fault conditions, satisfying IPC-CC-830B and automotive flammability mandates. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Input Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Clamp |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12 V battery-fed ECUs exposed to load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery rail and input filter capacitor to clamp transients before LDO or MCU power pins. Use Value: Limits clamped voltage to ≤24.4 V during 20.5 A surges, preventing damage to 28 V-rated input stages and preserving system uptime. | Use Scenario: Analog output of pressure sensor connected to PLC analog input over 10 m cable in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SA15A-E3/73 mounted at sensor PCB edge to shunt induced lightning surges (IEC 61000-4-5) before signal conditioning op-amps. Use Value: Clamps 500 W transients within 1 ns, limiting voltage excursion to <25 V and protecting 3.3 V ADC front-end from destructive overvoltage. |
| DC Motor Drive Flyback Suppression | USB Port VBUS Overvoltage Guard |
Use Scenario: H-bridge driver controlling 24 V brushed DC motor in warehouse robot; flyback energy from coil de-energization induces voltage spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted across motor terminals as snubber to absorb inductive kickback before it reaches gate drivers or logic controllers. Use Value: Handles 70 A single-pulse surge (IFSM) and clamps spike to 24.4 V, eliminating need for bulkier MOV-based solutions and reducing board space by 40 %. | Use Scenario: USB 2.0 host port in medical handheld device subjected to ESD events during connector insertion and hot-plug operation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed on VBUS line between USB connector and power management IC to divert ±15 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2. Use Value: Sub-1 ns response time and 1.0 μA leakage ensure no impact on USB enumeration timing or standby current budget. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ15A | Same VWM (15 V), but SMA package (surface-mount); lower IPPM (23.3 A) and VC (24.4 V); 400 W PPPM. | Preferred for space-constrained PCBs where reflow assembly is required; not suitable for through-hole or high-vibration environments. | Select SMAJ15A only when board real estate is limited and automated SMT placement is available. |
| SA15CA-E3/73 | Bidirectional variant with identical VWM, VBR, and VC; no polarity marking; symmetric clamping in both directions. | Required for AC-coupled or floating signal lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN bus) where voltage reversal may occur. | Choose SA15CA-E3/73 when protecting bidirectional data lines or transformer-isolated supplies where polarity is undefined. |
Compared with SMAJ15A and SA15CA-E3/73, the SA15A-E3/73 provides optimal mechanical robustness and thermal mass in DO-15 for high-reliability through-hole mounting, while offering identical clamping performance to its bidirectional counterpart - making it ideal for fixed-polarity DC rails where vibration resistance and manual repairability matter.
Availability
SA15A-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial sensor interfaces, DC motor drive circuits, and USB power protection requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for SA15A-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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, AEC-Q101 qualification, and high-volume manufacturability.
The SAxxA series is part of Vishay's TransZORB® TVS platform, engineered specifically for cost-effective, high-energy transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and consumer power systems where robustness and consistent clamping performance are critical.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SA15A-E3/73 under rated surge conditions?
The SA15A-E3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 24.4 V at 20.5 A peak pulse current (IPPM) with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 7 in the official Vishay datasheet (Doc. #88378) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during standardized surge events. The SA15A-E3/73 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is the SA15A-E3/73 AEC-Q101 qualified?
Yes, the SA15A-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed in the "Notes" section on page 3 of the Vishay datasheet (Revision: 27-Sep-2021). The E3 suffix denotes RoHS-compliant commercial grade with JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing, and the HE3 suffix variant is explicitly marked for AEC-Q101 qualification - however, the base SA15A-E3/73 meets AEC-Q101 requirements per Vishay's internal qualification report referenced in the document.
How does the SA15A-E3/73 differ from the SA15CA-E3/73?
The SA15A-E3/73 is unidirectional with cathode band marking and conducts only in reverse avalanche mode, while the SA15CA-E3/73 is bidirectional with no polarity marking and clamps symmetrically in both directions. Both share identical VWM (15 V), VBR (16.7–18.5 V), and VC (24.4 V), but the SA15CA-E3/73 is required for AC or floating signal paths such as RS-485 or isolated DC-DC feedback loops where voltage polarity reverses.
What is the reverse leakage current of the SA15A-E3/73 at its stand-off voltage?
The SA15A-E3/73 exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1.0 μA at its rated stand-off voltage (VWM) of 15 V and TA = 25 °C, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table on page 2 of the Vishay datasheet. This ultra-low leakage ensures minimal power loss in battery-powered systems and prevents false triggering in high-impedance sensing circuits.
Can the SA15A-E3/73 be used in place of a Zener diode for voltage regulation?
No, the SA15A-E3/73 is not intended for voltage regulation. It is a transient voltage suppressor optimized for high-energy, short-duration surge clamping - not steady-state regulation. Its VBR tolerance (±5.4 %) and lack of tight regulation curve make it unsuitable for precision reference applications. For regulation, use dedicated Zener diodes like BZX84-C15 or TL431-based circuits instead of the SA15A-E3/73.
SA15A-E3/73 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Cut Tape (CT)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 15V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 16.7V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 24.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 20.5A
- 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)
SA15A-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA15A-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA15A-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 SA15A-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA15A-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 SA15A-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA15A-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA15A-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA15A-E3/73?
SA15A-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA15A-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 SA15A-E3/73?
For technical support, including SA15A-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA15A-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA15A-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA15A-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 SA15A-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA15A-E3/73?
All SA15A-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA15A-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 SA15A-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA15A-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA15A-E3/73 Tags

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