Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA15C-E3/73
- Part No.:
- SA15C-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA15C-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15VWM 26.9VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,666
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Product details
Overview
SA15C-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bi-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features a 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), and clamps to ≤24.4 V at 20.5 A peak pulse current - used for protecting MOSFET gates, sensor interfaces, and industrial I/O lines.
For engineers reviewing the SA15C-E3/73 datasheet, SA15C-E3/73 pinout, SA15C-E3/73 application, or SA15C-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include bi-directional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-15 mechanical compatibility, low incremental surge resistance, and compliance with IEC 61000-4-2/4-4/4-5 ESD/EFT/surge immunity requirements.
Technical Context
This bi-directional TVS operates symmetrically in both polarities, with identical VBR, VC, and IPPM specifications in forward and reverse directions. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1.0 μA at VWM) and fast response time (<1.0 ns), enabling protection of high-speed analog and digital signal paths.
The device complies with AEC-Q101 stress testing for automotive-grade reliability and supports continuous power dissipation up to 3.0 W on an infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C. Its DO-204AC package meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating and JESD 22-B106 solderability standards (275 °C, 10 s).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 15 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe working range for protected circuitry. |
| VBR (min/max) | 16.7 V / 18.5 V at IT = 1 mA - precise breakdown threshold ensuring predictable turn-on during overvoltage events. |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤24.4 V at 20.5 A - clamping voltage under 10/1000 μs surge; limits stress on downstream components like microcontrollers or transceivers. |
| PPPM | 500 W - peak pulse power handling capability; sustains transient energy without failure per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV surge). |
| ID @ VWM | ≤1.0 μA - ultra-low reverse leakage at rated stand-off voltage; avoids signal distortion or bias shift in precision circuits. |
| TJ max. | 175 °C - maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive or high-ambient industrial environments. |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - industry-standard axial leaded package with 0.300" (7.6 mm) minimum lead length; compatible with legacy through-hole assembly. |
Pinout & Package
SA15C-E3/73 is a two-terminal bi-directional TVS diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package. No polarity marking is present on the body, as conduction occurs identically in both directions. Leads are matte tin-plated and solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (unmarked) | Bi-directional surge path | Either terminal serves as input/output for transient energy; no cathode band - symmetric clamping behavior in AC or bidirectional DC lines. |
| Leads (axial) | PCB interconnect & thermal path | 0.300" (7.6 mm) minimum lead length provides mechanical strain relief; leads conduct heat to PCB copper for steady-state power dissipation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bi-directional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating differential lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN, audio inputs) without polarity concerns. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces per stress test requirements. |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures long-term stability of VBR and leakage performance across temperature (-55 °C to +175 °C) and humidity exposure. |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 combination wave surges up to 4 kV (2 Ω source impedance) without degradation or parametric shift. |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Prevents flame propagation during fault conditions - required for industrial safety certifications (IEC 62368-1, UL 62368-1). |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial I/O Interface |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines of pressure/temperature sensors in engine compartments exposed to load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional voltage clamp placed between sensor output and microcontroller ADC input. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤24.4 V during 100 V/50 ms load dump events, preventing ADC saturation and latch-up in downstream MCU. |
Use Scenario: Shielding 24 V PLC digital input channels from inductive kickback when switching solenoids or relays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge suppression device mounted at connector entry point on DIN-rail mounted I/O module. Use Value: Absorbs 500 W surge energy within <1 ns, maintaining logic-level integrity and eliminating need for secondary RC snubbers. |
| RS-485 Transceiver Port | Consumer Audio Line Input |
|
Use Scenario: Safeguarding half-duplex RS-485 transceivers (e.g., MAX13487) against ESD and lightning-induced surges on field wiring. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional TVS connected across differential A/B bus lines, referenced to ground via low-inductance layout. Use Value: Clamps ±15 kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) to <30 V, preserving transceiver common-mode range and data integrity. |
Use Scenario: Protecting line-in jacks of smart speakers and AV receivers from user-handling ESD and cable-borne transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage protection on unbalanced analog audio path prior to op-amp input stage. Use Value: Adds <1 pF capacitance (per curve Fig. 6), avoiding high-frequency roll-off while suppressing >8 kV air-gap ESD pulses. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ15CA | Same VWM (15 V), higher PPPM (600 W), SMA package (smaller footprint, lower parasitic inductance). | Better suited for high-density PCBs and faster transients due to lower package inductance; not axial-leaded. | Select SMBJ15CA when board space is constrained and surface-mount assembly is available. |
| 1.5KE15CA | Same VWM (15 V), same DO-204AC package, but higher PPPM (1500 W) and larger junction area. | Higher surge margin for utility-grade equipment; larger thermal mass requires longer trace copper for heat dissipation. | Choose 1.5KE15CA where multi-kA surge immunity (IEC 61000-4-5 Level 5) is mandated and axial lead retention is required. |
Compared with SMBJ15CA and 1.5KE15CA, SA15C-E3/73 offers optimal balance of AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-15 legacy compatibility, and 500 W surge rating - making it ideal for cost-sensitive automotive and industrial replacements where proven mechanical fit and qualification status outweigh raw power headroom.
Availability
SA15C-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor modules, industrial PLC I/O cards, RS-485 communication ports, and consumer audio interface protection requiring stable component supply and RoHS-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for SA15C-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, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SAxxC series is engineered for robust transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial automation, and telecom infrastructure where bi-directional clamping, AEC-Q101 validation, and UL-certified packaging are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of SA15C-E3/73?
SA15C-E3/73 is a bi-directional TVS diode with no polarity marking on the DO-204AC package. Its symmetrical construction allows identical clamping behavior in both forward and reverse directions, making it suitable for AC-coupled or floating signal lines without orientation constraints during placement.
Does SA15C-E3/73 meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes, SA15C-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified, having passed stress tests including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and ESD per JESD22-A114. This certification confirms its suitability for under-hood and chassis-mounted automotive electronics where reliability under thermal and mechanical stress is critical.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA15C-E3/73 under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SA15C-E3/73 is 24.4 V at 20.5 A peak pulse current (IPPM) with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per standard test conditions and ensures downstream ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings during transient events.
Can SA15C-E3/73 be used in place of a uni-directional TVS like SA15A?
No - SA15C-E3/73 is bi-directional and lacks a cathode band, whereas SA15A is uni-directional with defined polarity. Substituting SA15C-E3/73 for SA15A in DC-biased circuits may cause unintended conduction; always verify circuit topology and biasing before replacement.
What is the lead finish and solderability specification for SA15C-E3/73?
SA15C-E3/73 features matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. It supports solder dip at 275 °C for up to 10 seconds per JESD 22-B106, ensuring reliable wetting and joint formation in wave and selective soldering processes.
SA15C-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:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 15V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 16.7V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 26.9V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 18.6A
- 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)
SA15C-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA15C-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA15C-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 SA15C-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA15C-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 SA15C-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA15C-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA15C-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA15C-E3/73?
SA15C-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA15C-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 SA15C-E3/73?
For technical support, including SA15C-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA15C-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA15C-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA15C-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 SA15C-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA15C-E3/73?
All SA15C-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA15C-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 SA15C-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA15C-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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