Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA15AHE3/73
- Part No.:
- SA15AHE3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA15AHE3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15VWM 24.4VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,591
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Product details
Overview
SA15AHE3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for clamping voltage transients on power and signal lines. It features 15 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 16.7–18.5 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 24.4 V maximum clamping voltage at 20.5 A, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use.
For engineers reviewing the SA15AHE3/73 datasheet, SA15AHE3/73 pinout, SA15AHE3/73 application, or SA15AHE3/73 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 current tolerance are required.
Technical Context
The SA15AHE3/73 operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, enabling sub-nanosecond response to ESD and lightning-induced transients. Its 15 V stand-off supports 12 V nominal systems, while 24.4 V clamping at 20.5 A ensures safe voltage limiting during 10/1000 μs surges.
Thermal design relies on DO-15's lead-frame construction with 3.0 W steady-state dissipation at TL = 75 °C and 175 °C max junction temperature. The HE3 suffix confirms AEC-Q101 qualification and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance, making it suitable for automotive under-hood environments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 15 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins; sets system-level overvoltage trip threshold for 12 V DC rails. |
| VBR (min/max) | 16.7 V / 18.5 V at 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range; ensures predictable turn-on across temperature and unit variation. |
| VC @ IPPM | 24.4 V at 20.5 A - Clamped voltage during full-rated 10/1000 μs surge; defines worst-case stress on downstream ICs. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak transient energy handling capability per single 10/1000 μs pulse; meets IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 requirements. |
| IFSM | 70 A - Non-repetitive forward surge rating; supports inrush current immunity during hot-swap or load-dump events. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in engine control units and powertrain modules. |
| Qualification | AEC-Q101 qualified - Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, humidity, and mechanical shock. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-15 (DO-204AC), axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case with matte tin-plated leads. Cathode indicated by color band on one end.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / Reverse surge return path | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); conducts during positive transients when cathode is held at higher potential. |
| Cathode | Clamping reference / Surge sink node | Connected to ground or lower-potential rail; provides low-impedance path to shunt surge current away from sensitive circuitry. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Enables stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics over lifetime and temperature; eliminates surface degradation under repeated surge stress. |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports high-energy transients common in automotive load-dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and industrial motor switching. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates suitability for automotive powertrain, body electronics, and ADAS modules requiring zero-failure field performance. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.46) | Minimizes overvoltage margin between breakdown and clamping-critical for protecting 16 V-tolerant microcontrollers and CAN transceivers. |
| JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance | Prevents tin whisker growth under thermal cycling, ensuring long-term solder joint integrity in harsh under-hood environments. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs against load-dump transients up to 60 V and ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamping element placed between battery input and DC/DC converter input stage. Use Value: Limits peak voltage to ≤24.4 V during 20.5 A surge, preventing damage to upstream regulators and MCU power supplies. | 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: Line-side transient suppressor on 4–20 mA or 0–10 V sensor output traces. Use Value: Responds in <1 ns to ±8 kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2), clamping induced voltage before op-amp input stages saturate or latch. |
| MOSFET Gate Driver Protection | Telecom DC Power Input Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding high-side N-channel MOSFET gate drive signals from inductive kickback in motor control H-bridges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Clamp diode connected between gate and source, referenced to driver IC ground. Use Value: Absorbs negative-going spikes up to −24.4 V, preventing gate oxide rupture and maintaining safe VGS swing during fast switching. | Use Scenario: Front-end surge suppression on −48 V telecom rectifier outputs exposed to lightning-induced surges on building feed lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary unidirectional TVS on DC input bus prior to POL converters and backplane supervisors. Use Value: Handles 500 W pulses without degradation, sustaining 15 V standby bias while clamping 10/1000 μs surges to ≤24.4 V. |
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-E3/5A | Same VWM (15 V), same DO-214AC package, but lower PPPM (400 W) and higher VC (24.4 V → 25.1 V at 22.5 A). | Lower surge rating limits use in high-energy automotive load-dump scenarios; better suited for consumer-grade 12 V systems. | Select SMAJ15A-E3/5A only if PCB layout constraints require SMD mounting and 400 W rating suffices. |
| 1.5KE15A | Higher PPPM (1500 W), larger DO-201AD package, same VWM (15 V), slightly higher VC (25.1 V at 59.5 A). | Designed for higher-energy industrial mains-connected equipment; not AEC-Q101 qualified. | Choose 1.5KE15A for non-automotive applications needing >500 W surge capacity and board space allows axial DO-201AD footprint. |
Compared with SA15AHE3/73, SMAJ15A-E3/5A offers surface-mount convenience but sacrifices 20 % peak power and automotive qualification; 1.5KE15A delivers triple the surge capacity but lacks AEC-Q101 validation and requires larger board area.
Availability
SA15AHE3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial sensor signal conditioning, and telecom DC power input protection requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 compliance.
Supply support for SA15AHE3/73 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 and automotive-grade performance.
The SAxxA series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where robustness against repetitive surge events is mandatory.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SA15AHE3/73 under rated surge conditions?
The SA15AHE3/73 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 24.4 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 20.5 A using the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC test conditions and guarantees consistent overvoltage limiting across production lots and temperature ranges from −55 °C to +175 °C.
Is the SA15AHE3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the SA15AHE3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified and carries the HE3 suffix, confirming compliance with automotive reliability standards including temperature cycling, mechanical shock, and whisker resistance (JESD 201 Class 2). It is routinely deployed in engine control modules, body control units, and ADAS power supplies where sustained operation at 175 °C junction temperature is required.
How does the SA15AHE3/73 differ from bidirectional TVS diodes like SA15CA?
The SA15AHE3/73 is unidirectional and functions only during reverse-biased transients, with a defined cathode marking. In contrast, SA15CA is bidirectional and symmetrical-lacking polarity markings-and clamps both positive and negative excursions. SA15AHE3/73 offers lower leakage and tighter VBR tolerance in DC-coupled applications such as power rail protection, whereas SA15CA suits AC-coupled or differential signal lines.
What is the meaning of the "HE3" suffix in SA15AHE3/73?
The "HE3" suffix in SA15AHE3/73 indicates RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. It distinguishes this automotive-grade variant from commercial "E3" versions (e.g., SA15A-E3/73), which meet RoHS but lack extended reliability testing and high-temperature validation required for automotive deployment.
Can the SA15AHE3/73 be used in parallel for higher surge current handling?
No-parallel connection of SA15AHE3/73 devices is not recommended due to mismatch in VBR tolerances (16.7–18.5 V), which causes uneven current sharing and potential thermal runaway. For higher surge ratings, select a single higher-power device such as 1.5KE15A or use a TVS array with matched characteristics; always verify layout symmetry and thermal coupling if forced to parallel.
SA15AHE3/73 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:
- 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:
- -
- 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)
SA15AHE3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA15AHE3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA15AHE3/73 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 SA15AHE3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA15AHE3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA15AHE3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA15AHE3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA15AHE3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA15AHE3/73?
SA15AHE3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA15AHE3/73 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 SA15AHE3/73?
For technical support, including SA15AHE3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA15AHE3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA15AHE3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA15AHE3/73 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 SA15AHE3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA15AHE3/73?
All SA15AHE3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA15AHE3/73, 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 SA15AHE3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA15AHE3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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