Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA15CA-E3/73
- Part No.:
- SA15CA-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA15CA-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15VWM 24.4VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,560
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Product details
Overview
SA15CA-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 15 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 16.7–18.5 V breakdown voltage (VBR at 10 mA), and clamps to ≤24.4 V at 20.5 A peak pulse current - used in automotive sensor protection and industrial I/O interface surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the SA15CA-E3/73 datasheet, SA15CA-E3/73 pinout, SA15CA-E3/73 application, or SA15CA-E3/73 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, bidirectional clamping behavior, DO-15 mechanical data, AEC-Q101 qualification status, and direct alternative part comparisons for ESD and lightning transient protection design.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates symmetrically in both directions, with identical VBR, VC, and leakage specs for positive and negative polarity transients. Its glass-passivated junction enables fast response (<1 ns), low incremental surge resistance, and stable clamping under repetitive 0.01% duty cycle pulses.
Designed for unclamped inductive switching events and lightning-induced surges, it meets JEDEC JESD22-B106 solderability standards and supports lead temperature up to 275 °C for 10 s. The device is rated for -55 °C to +175 °C operating junction temperature and qualifies per AEC-Q101 for automotive under-hood applications.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 15 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin below breakdown. |
| VBR (min/max) | 16.7 V / 18.5 V at 10 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold range; ensures reliable turn-on during overvoltage events. |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤24.4 V at 20.5 A - Clamped voltage under 10/1000 μs surge; limits stress on downstream ICs like microcontrollers or CAN transceivers. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling capability; supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) surge testing when properly laid out. |
| ID @ VWM | ≤1.0 μA - Reverse leakage at stand-off voltage; negligible power loss and signal integrity impact in high-impedance circuits. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables use in engine control units and industrial motor drives with elevated ambient temps. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Validated for automotive reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD; suitable for ASIL-B system interfaces. |
Pinout & Package
DO-15 (DO-204AC) molded epoxy package with matte tin-plated leads; bidirectional symmetry means no polarity marking - both terminals are functionally identical for transient suppression across AC or differential lines.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Both terminals conduct equally during positive or negative overvoltage events; no cathode band marking required. |
| Lead 1 / Lead 2 | PCB interconnect interface | Leads meet J-STD-002 solderability and JESD22-B102 wetting requirements; 0.375" (9.5 mm) lead length standard. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Enables <1 ns response time and stable VBR over lifetime; resists moisture ingress and electrochemical degradation. |
| 500 W peak pulse rating (10/1000 μs) | Supports robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 combination wave surges without thermal runaway. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive environments including thermal shock, high-temp reverse bias, and mechanical vibration. |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Self-extinguishing epoxy prevents flame propagation in enclosed enclosures and battery management systems. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.46) | Minimizes let-through energy to protected ICs; critical for safeguarding 3.3 V or 5 V logic interfaces. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) in engine control modules from load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed between sensor line and ground, absorbing ±100 V transients within nanoseconds. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 12-bit ADC front-ends and op-amp buffers by limiting voltage to ≤24.4 V during 20.5 A surges. | Use Scenario: Shielding 24 V digital input channels in programmable logic controllers from inductive kickback of solenoid valves and contactors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff protection device mounted at connector entry point, shunting surge energy before reaching optocoupler isolation stage. Use Value: Maintains functional safety integrity by ensuring input logic remains within 0–30 V common-mode window despite 1 kV/μs edge transients. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Appliance Motor Control |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding RS-485 transceiver pins in base station backhaul equipment exposed to lightning-induced surges on long cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Differential-mode TVS pair (one per line) referenced to local ground, providing symmetrical clamping on A/B bus lines. Use Value: Enables compliance with ITU-T K.20/21 immunity requirements by holding bus differential voltage within ±15 V during 10/1000 μs surges. | Use Scenario: Suppressing commutation spikes from brushed DC motors in washing machines and HVAC blowers connected to microcontroller GPIOs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (≈100 pF) bidirectional clamp across motor terminals or H-bridge supply rails. Use Value: Eliminates false triggering of overvoltage fault detection while sustaining 500 W peak dissipation without derating at 75 °C board temperature. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ15CA | Same VWM (15 V), lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (smaller footprint, lower thermal mass) | Better suited for space-constrained PCBs but requires tighter layout for thermal relief; not AEC-Q101 qualified | Select SMAJ15CA only if board area is critical and automotive qualification is unnecessary. |
| 1.5KE15CA | Same VWM (15 V), higher PPPM (1500 W), DO-201 package (larger, higher thermal inertia) | Higher surge margin for utility-grade equipment; slower response due to larger junction capacitance (~150 pF vs. ~100 pF) | Choose 1.5KE15CA where multi-kA lightning strike immunity is required and layout allows DO-201 mounting. |
Compared with SMAJ15CA and 1.5KE15CA, SA15CA-E3/73 offers balanced surge capability (500 W), AEC-Q101 qualification, and DO-15 manufacturability - making it optimal for cost-sensitive automotive and industrial designs requiring proven reliability and standard through-hole assembly.
Availability
SA15CA-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, telecom line protection, and consumer appliance motor control requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA15CA-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, efficiency, and automotive-grade validation.
The SAxxCA series is engineered specifically for bidirectional transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where repeatable clamping performance and AEC-Q101 compliance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA15CA-E3/73 under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The SA15CA-E3/73 clamps to a maximum of 24.4 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 20.5 A using the standardized 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 9 in Vishay document 88378 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events.
Is SA15CA-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SA15CA-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly listed in Vishay's documentation as meeting automotive reliability requirements. Its -55 °C to +175 °C operating range, glass-passivated junction, and DO-15 mechanical robustness make SA15CA-E3/73 appropriate for engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces.
Does SA15CA-E3/73 have polarity markings?
No, SA15CA-E3/73 is a bidirectional TVS diode and carries no polarity marking on the DO-15 package. Both terminals are electrically identical, enabling straightforward placement across AC-coupled lines, differential buses, or ungrounded signal paths without orientation concerns.
What is the maximum reverse leakage current for SA15CA-E3/73 at rated VWM?
At 25 °C and its 15 V stand-off voltage (VWM), SA15CA-E3/73 exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1.0 μA. This ultra-low leakage preserves signal integrity in high-impedance sensor circuits and minimizes standby power loss in battery-operated systems.
Can SA15CA-E3/73 be used in place of a unidirectional TVS like SA15A-E3/73?
No - SA15CA-E3/73 is bidirectional and lacks an anode/cathode distinction, whereas SA15A-E3/73 is unidirectional with a defined cathode band. Substituting SA15CA-E3/73 for SA15A-E3/73 in DC-biased circuits may cause unintended conduction; always verify polarity requirements and clamping symmetry before replacement.
SA15CA-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:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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)
SA15CA-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA15CA-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA15CA-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 SA15CA-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA15CA-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 SA15CA-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA15CA-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA15CA-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA15CA-E3/73?
SA15CA-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA15CA-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 SA15CA-E3/73?
For technical support, including SA15CA-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA15CA-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA15CA-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA15CA-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 SA15CA-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA15CA-E3/73?
All SA15CA-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA15CA-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 SA15CA-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA15CA-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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