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Home > Products > Circuit Protection > Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS) > TVS Diodes

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA15-E3/54

Name: SA15-E3/54
Brand: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
SKU: SA15-E3/54
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: SA15-E3/54

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Category:: TVS Diodes

Package:: DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial

Datasheet:: SA15-E3/54.pdf

Description:: TVS DIODE 15VWM 26.9VC DO204AC

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Inventory:5,667

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Product details

Overview

SA15-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, designed for primary overvoltage protection of DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 15 V stand-off voltage (V_WM), 16.7–18.5 V breakdown voltage (V_BR) at 1.0 mA, 24.4 V clamping voltage (V_C) at 20.5 A peak pulse current, 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use.

For engineers reviewing the SA15-E3/54 datasheet, SA15-E3/54 pinout, SA15-E3/54 application, or SA15-E3/54 equivalent, this device is selected for robust ESD and surge protection in automotive body control modules, industrial sensor interfaces, and DC power input stages where fast response (<1 ns), low clamping ratio, and high surge reliability are required.

Technical Context

The SA15-E3/54 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, enabling stable breakdown behavior and low incremental surge resistance. Its unidirectional polarity supports DC-biased circuits, and it complies with IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD) and IEC 61000-4-5 (surge) immunity requirements when applied with appropriate series impedance.

It delivers 500 W peak pulse power under 10/1000 μs waveform at T_A = 25 °C, derating linearly above 25 °C per Fig. 2, and sustains 70 A non-repetitive forward surge current (I_FSM) per 8.3 ms half-sine wave - critical for load-dump transient suppression in 12 V automotive systems.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_WM	15 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins; defines safe DC rail margin for 12 V systems.
V_BR (min/max)	16.7 V / 18.5 V at 1.0 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range; ensures predictable turn-on during transients without premature leakage.
V_C @ I_PPM	24.4 V at 20.5 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; limits downstream IC stress to safe levels below 25 V.
P_PPM	500 W - Peak pulse power handling capacity; enables protection against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a transients in automotive environments.
I_FSM	70 A - Single half-sine surge rating (8.3 ms); supports load-dump immunity per SAE J1113-11.
T_J max	175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; allows operation in under-hood automotive locations with minimal thermal derating.
Package	DO-204AC (DO-15) - Industry-standard axial leaded package with matte tin-plated leads, RoHS-compliant, UL 94 V-0 molding compound.

Pinout & Package

SA15-E3/54 is a two-terminal axial-leaded device in DO-204AC (DO-15) package. The cathode is marked by a color band on the body; anode is unmarked. Leads are matte tin-plated and solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Anode	Forward current entry / Reverse voltage reference node	Connected to system ground or low-side return path; establishes reference for clamping action during positive transients.
Cathode	Clamping output / Surge current sink	Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); conducts surge current to ground when V_IN exceeds V_BR, limiting voltage to ≤24.4 V.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Glass-passivated junction	Ensures stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics over temperature and lifetime; eliminates surface degradation under repeated surge stress.
500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs)	Supports high-energy transients such as ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) without failure, even after multiple events.
AEC-Q101 qualified	Validated for automotive applications including engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS sensors requiring zero-defect reliability.
Low clamping ratio (V_C/V_BR ≈ 1.4)	Minimizes overvoltage overshoot during clamping, reducing stress on downstream MOSFETs, MCUs, and CAN transceivers.
Matte tin-plated leads, JESD 201 Class 1A whisker tested	Enables reliable reflow and wave soldering in high-volume manufacturing without tin whisker risk.

Applications

Automotive Body Control Module (BCM)	Industrial Sensor Interface Protection
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN bus lines and power inputs in BCMs exposed to battery transients and ESD during assembly or service. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between 12 V supply and ground, clamping load-dump spikes before they reach MCU power pins or LIN transceivers. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤24.4 V during 70 A surges, preventing latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V logic and analog front-ends.	Use Scenario: Safeguarding 4–20 mA current-loop sensor outputs connected to PLC analog inputs in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS mounted across sensor output terminals to absorb induced lightning surges and switching noise from nearby contactors or VFDs. Use Value: Withstands 500 W pulses without degradation, maintaining loop integrity and avoiding false readings or ADC saturation during field transients.
DC Power Input Stage (12 V)	Automotive Infotainment USB Power Rail
Use Scenario: Front-end protection for 12 V DC-DC converters powering infotainment head units or telematics gateways. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge suppressor placed upstream of input filter capacitors and fuse, absorbing ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 (inductive switch-off) energy. Use Value: Clamps to 24.4 V within <1 ns, allowing downstream ceramic capacitors and TVS arrays to handle residual energy without overstress.	Use Scenario: Secondary-level protection on 5 V USB VBUS lines in vehicle docking stations subject to hot-plug ESD and cable discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS tied between USB VBUS and chassis ground, triggered only during overvoltage - not during normal 5 V operation. Use Value: Provides 30 kV HBM ESD immunity while adding negligible capacitance (<100 pF), preserving USB 2.0 signal integrity.

Automotive Body Control Module (BCM)

Industrial Sensor Interface Protection

Use Scenario: Protecting LIN bus lines and power inputs in BCMs exposed to battery transients and ESD during assembly or service.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between 12 V supply and ground, clamping load-dump spikes before they reach MCU power pins or LIN transceivers.

Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤24.4 V during 70 A surges, preventing latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V logic and analog front-ends.

Use Scenario: Safeguarding 4–20 mA current-loop sensor outputs connected to PLC analog inputs in factory automation.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS mounted across sensor output terminals to absorb induced lightning surges and switching noise from nearby contactors or VFDs.

Use Value: Withstands 500 W pulses without degradation, maintaining loop integrity and avoiding false readings or ADC saturation during field transients.

DC Power Input Stage (12 V)

Automotive Infotainment USB Power Rail

Use Scenario: Front-end protection for 12 V DC-DC converters powering infotainment head units or telematics gateways.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge suppressor placed upstream of input filter capacitors and fuse, absorbing ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 (inductive switch-off) energy.

Use Value: Clamps to 24.4 V within <1 ns, allowing downstream ceramic capacitors and TVS arrays to handle residual energy without overstress.

Use Scenario: Secondary-level protection on 5 V USB VBUS lines in vehicle docking stations subject to hot-plug ESD and cable discharge events.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS tied between USB VBUS and chassis ground, triggered only during overvoltage - not during normal 5 V operation.

Use Value: Provides 30 kV HBM ESD immunity while adding negligible capacitance (<100 pF), preserving USB 2.0 signal integrity.

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-E3/5T	Same V_WM (15 V), identical DO-214AC (SMA) package; slightly higher V_C (24.4 V → 25.1 V), lower I_PPM (20.5 A → 19.2 A).	Surface-mount alternative; requires PCB rework for SMT vs. through-hole DO-15 footprint.	Select for space-constrained designs needing automated assembly; verify thermal relief and pad layout for 500 W pulse dissipation.
1.5KE15A	Same V_WM/V_BR specs, but larger DO-201AD package; higher thermal mass, same 500 W rating; no AEC-Q101 qualification.	General-purpose industrial use only; not validated for automotive temperature cycling or vibration.	Choose for cost-sensitive non-automotive applications where extended thermal stability outweighs qualification requirements.

Compared with SMAJ15A-E3/5T and 1.5KE15A, SA15-E3/54 offers AEC-Q101 qualification and DO-15 through-hole compatibility - making it optimal for legacy automotive harness interfaces and mechanically robust mounting where vibration resistance is critical.

Availability

SA15-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial sensor protection, and DC power input stages requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for SA15-E3/54 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, automotive qualification, and high-power handling.

The SAxxA series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for robust transient suppression in harsh environments - including automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure - where fast response, stable clamping, and long-term surge endurance are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA15-E3/54 under rated surge conditions?

The SA15-E3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 24.4 V at 20.5 A peak pulse current (I_PPM) using the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 7 in the Vishay datasheet 88378 and reflects the actual voltage seen by protected circuitry during worst-case transient events. Maintaining V_C below 25 V ensures compatibility with 24 V-rated interface ICs and prevents overvoltage stress on downstream components in the SA15-E3/54 protection chain.

Is SA15-E3/54 suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, SA15-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive use per Vishay documentation. It meets requirements for temperature cycling (-55 °C to +175 °C), mechanical shock, and surge endurance needed in body control modules, infotainment systems, and sensor nodes. The E3 suffix confirms RoHS compliance and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance - essential for automotive manufacturing. SA15-E3/54 is designed to withstand load-dump and ISO 7637-2 transients common in 12 V vehicle electrical systems.

What does the "E3/54" suffix mean in SA15-E3/54?

The "E3" suffix indicates RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade construction with matte tin-plated leads meeting JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing. The "/54" denotes the preferred package code for DO-204AC (DO-15) in 13-inch paper tape and reel packaging, with a base quantity of 4000 units per reel. This ordering format is standardized across Vishay's SAxxA series and ensures consistent sourcing, traceability, and assembly compatibility for SA15-E3/54 in high-volume production.

How does SA15-E3/54 differ from bi-directional variants like SA15CA?

SA15-E3/54 is unidirectional, meaning it conducts only during reverse-bias overvoltage events and blocks forward current - ideal for DC power rail protection. In contrast, SA15CA is bi-directional and clamps voltage in both polarities, suited for AC lines or data buses like RS-485. SA15-E3/54 has a cathode band marking; SA15CA has no polarity marking. Their V_BR and V_C values differ slightly due to internal structure - SA15-E3/54 uses asymmetric junction design optimized for DC clamping efficiency, while SA15CA balances symmetry for bidirectional performance.

Can SA15-E3/54 be used in parallel for higher surge current handling?

No - SA15-E3/54 is not recommended for parallel connection due to mismatch in V_BR tolerance (16.7–18.5 V) and dynamic impedance, which causes uneven current sharing and potential thermal runaway. For higher surge capability, select a single higher-rated device (e.g., SA20A or SA24A) or implement staged protection with upstream fusing and downstream TVS arrays. The SA15-E3/54 datasheet does not specify parallel derating curves or matching guidelines, and Vishay advises against paralleling unless explicitly validated per application note AN8001.

SA15-E3/54 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Package/Case:: DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial

Series:: TransZorb®

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

Product Status:: Obsolete

Type:: Zener

Unidirectional Channels:: 1

Bidirectional Channels:: -

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)

SA15-E3/54 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for SA15-E3/54 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA15-E3/54 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 SA15-E3/54 reliable?

The price and inventory of SA15-E3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA15-E3/54 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for SA15-E3/54?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA15-E3/54 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for SA15-E3/54?

SA15-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your SA15-E3/54 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 SA15-E3/54?

For technical support, including SA15-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA15-E3/54 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that SA15-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All SA15-E3/54 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 SA15-E3/54 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA15-E3/54?

All SA15-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA15-E3/54, 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 SA15-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for SA15-E3/54:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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