Send an Inquiry

To receive a quote for your project, please fill in the following information, and we’ll get back to you promptly.

Submit Inventory List

Please fill in the following information, and we’ll get back to you promptly.

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

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA160A-E3/54

Name: SA160A-E3/54
Brand: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
SKU: SA160A-E3/54
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

Compare

Part No.:: SA160A-E3/54

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Category:: TVS Diodes

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

Datasheet:: SA160A-E3/54.pdf

Description:: TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO204AC

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

Payment:

Shipping:

Inventory:8,144

Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.

Product details

Overview

SA160A-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features 160 V stand-off voltage (V_WM), 178–197 V breakdown voltage (V_BR), 259 A peak pulse current (I_PPM), 196 V clamping voltage (V_C) at I_PPM, and 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs). It is used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines against inductive switching transients in industrial and automotive systems.

For engineers reviewing the SA160A-E3/54 datasheet, SA160A-E3/54 pinout, SA160A-E3/54 application, or SA160A-E3/54 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 160 V stand-off rating, unidirectional polarity, DO-15 mechanical compatibility, AEC-Q101 qualification status, and 175 °C maximum junction temperature - all critical for robust transient suppression in high-reliability power rail and interface protection designs.

Technical Context

The SA160A-E3/54 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, enabling fast response (<1 ns) to ESD and surge events. Its unidirectional configuration provides forward conduction path during overvoltage while maintaining low leakage (<1.0 µA at V_WM) under normal operation.

It delivers 500 W peak pulse power per 10/1000 µs waveform with 0.01% duty cycle, and supports 70 A non-repetitive forward surge current (I_FSM). Thermal performance is rated for -55 °C to +175 °C operating junction temperature, with steady-state power dissipation of 3.0 W on infinite heatsink at T_L = 75 °C.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_WM	160 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin for 12 V–48 V DC bus protection.
V_BR (min/max)	178–197 V at 1.0 mA - Confirmed avalanche breakdown range; ensures predictable turn-on threshold across production lot.
V_C @ I_PPM	196 V at 259 A - Clamped voltage during full-rated surge; determines maximum stress imposed on downstream circuitry.
I_PPM	259 A - Peak surge current capability under 10/1000 µs waveform; validates protection level against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges.
P_PPM	500 W - Peak pulse power handling; enables single-device protection for moderate-energy transients without derating.
T_J max.	+175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; supports operation in under-hood automotive or high-ambient industrial environments.
Leakage (I_D)	<1.0 µA at V_WM - Ultra-low reverse leakage preserves system efficiency and avoids false triggering in high-impedance sensing paths.

Pinout & Package

Package: DO-15 (DO-204AC), axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case with matte tin-plated leads. Compliant with UL 94 V-0 flammability rating and J-STD-002/JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. Cathode indicated by color band on body.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Anode	Forward current entry / surge return path	Connected to protected line's low-side or ground reference; completes clamping loop during transient.
Cathode	Avalanche conduction terminal / high-voltage node	Connected to protected line (e.g., 160 V rail); initiates clamping when voltage exceeds V_BR.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Glass-passivated junction	Enables stable, repeatable avalanche behavior and long-term reliability under repetitive surge stress.
500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs)	Supports protection against high-energy transients without external series impedance or parallel staging.
AEC-Q101 qualified	Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and surge endurance testing.
Low incremental clamping resistance	Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients, improving protection margin for 3.3 V/5 V logic interfaces.
Solder dip rated 275 °C / 10 s	Ensures robustness during wave soldering and rework without parametric shift or bond degradation.

Applications

Automotive Power Rail Protection	Industrial Sensor Interface Protection
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V battery-fed ECUs and body control modules from load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between power rail and chassis ground to clamp positive-going transients above 160 V. Use Value: Limits peak voltage to ≤196 V during 259 A surges, preventing damage to MCU power supplies and CAN transceivers.	Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA, 0–10 V) of pressure/temperature sensors in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Connected anode-to-ground, cathode-to-signal line to suppress ESD and inductive kickback from nearby solenoids or motors. Use Value: Sub-µA leakage avoids loading high-impedance sensor outputs; 196 V clamping prevents op-amp input saturation or latch-up.
Telecom Line Card Surge Protection	Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Protection
Use Scenario: Front-end protection for PoE-powered Ethernet switches and DSLAM line cards exposed to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Installed on DC input rails upstream of DC/DC converters to absorb energy from IEC 61000-4-5 combination wave surges. Use Value: 500 W rating allows single-device compliance with Level 4 (4 kV/2 kA) surge immunity without cascaded TVS stages.	Use Scenario: Suppressing back-EMF from brushed DC motors in washing machines, HVAC blowers, and power tools. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted across motor terminals with cathode tied to positive supply to clamp inductive spikes during PWM commutation. Use Value: Withstands 70 A non-repetitive forward surge (I_FSM) and maintains <1 µA leakage at 160 V, ensuring no standby power loss.

Automotive Power Rail Protection

Industrial Sensor Interface Protection

Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V battery-fed ECUs and body control modules from load dump and alternator ripple.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between power rail and chassis ground to clamp positive-going transients above 160 V.

Use Value: Limits peak voltage to ≤196 V during 259 A surges, preventing damage to MCU power supplies and CAN transceivers.

Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA, 0–10 V) of pressure/temperature sensors in factory automation.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Connected anode-to-ground, cathode-to-signal line to suppress ESD and inductive kickback from nearby solenoids or motors.

Use Value: Sub-µA leakage avoids loading high-impedance sensor outputs; 196 V clamping prevents op-amp input saturation or latch-up.

Telecom Line Card Surge Protection

Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Protection

Use Scenario: Front-end protection for PoE-powered Ethernet switches and DSLAM line cards exposed to lightning-induced surges.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Installed on DC input rails upstream of DC/DC converters to absorb energy from IEC 61000-4-5 combination wave surges.

Use Value: 500 W rating allows single-device compliance with Level 4 (4 kV/2 kA) surge immunity without cascaded TVS stages.

Use Scenario: Suppressing back-EMF from brushed DC motors in washing machines, HVAC blowers, and power tools.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted across motor terminals with cathode tied to positive supply to clamp inductive spikes during PWM commutation.

Use Value: Withstands 70 A non-repetitive forward surge (I_FSM) and maintains <1 µA leakage at 160 V, ensuring no standby power loss.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
SMAJ160A-E3/5T	Same V_WM (160 V), but SMA package (surface-mount); lower I_PPM (217 A) and P_PPM (400 W).	Requires PCB redesign for SMT layout; better suited for space-constrained consumer boards vs. through-hole industrial assemblies.	Select SMAJ160A-E3/5T only if board real estate is constrained and surge energy is ≤400 W.
1.5KE160A	Higher P_PPM (1500 W), DO-201 package; larger footprint and higher V_C (259 V) than SA160A-E3/54 (196 V).	Used where higher surge margin is required (e.g., outdoor telecom), but imposes greater voltage stress on protected ICs.	Choose 1.5KE160A only when system-level surge testing exceeds 500 W and clamping voltage margin permits ≥259 V.

Compared with SMAJ160A-E3/5T and 1.5KE160A, SA160A-E3/54 offers optimal balance of through-hole manufacturability, 500 W surge capacity, and tight 196 V clamping - making it preferred for cost-sensitive, high-volume industrial and automotive power rail protection where DO-15 fitment and AEC-Q101 compliance are mandatory.

Availability

SA160A-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU protection, industrial sensor interface hardening, and telecom line card surge immunity requiring stable component supply and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for SA160A-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, power efficiency, and automotive qualification.

The SAxxA series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for robust, standardized transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure applications demanding AEC-Q101 or high-surge immunity.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of SA160A-E3/54 at its rated peak pulse current?

The SA160A-E3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 196 V at its rated peak pulse current (I_PPM) of 259 A under 10/1000 µs waveform conditions. This value is measured per JEDEC test standards and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during full-rated surge events. The SA160A-E3/54 achieves this clamping performance while maintaining low incremental resistance, making it suitable for protecting 160 V nominal systems without overstressing downstream components.

Is SA160A-E3/54 qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, SA160A-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified, confirming its suitability for automotive electronic systems. This qualification includes stress testing for temperature cycling, highly accelerated life testing (HALT), and surge endurance under defined transient profiles. The SA160A-E3/54 meets the reliability requirements for under-hood and cabin-mounted ECUs, body control modules, and power distribution units - provided thermal design accounts for its 175 °C maximum junction temperature. SA160A-E3/54 is explicitly listed in Vishay's AEC-Q101 qualified product documentation.

What is the reverse leakage current specification for SA160A-E3/54 at its stand-off voltage?

The SA160A-E3/54 exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (I_D) of 1.0 µA at its rated stand-off voltage (V_WM) of 160 V and ambient temperature of 25 °C. This ultra-low leakage ensures minimal power loss in always-on circuits and avoids interference with high-impedance sensor inputs or precision reference nodes. Leakage remains within specification across the full operating temperature range (-55 °C to +175 °C), supporting reliable performance in wide-temperature industrial deployments. The SA160A-E3/54 achieves this via tightly controlled silicon processing and glass passivation.

Does SA160A-E3/54 have polarity marking, and how is it identified?

Yes, SA160A-E3/54 is a unidirectional TVS diode and features a visible cathode band - a distinct colored stripe (typically black or dark gray) located near one end of the DO-15 epoxy body. This band identifies the cathode terminal, which must be connected toward the higher-potential side of the protected circuit (e.g., to the 160 V rail), while the anode connects to ground or low-side reference. The SA160A-E3/54 datasheet confirms this marking convention and specifies that bidirectional variants (e.g., SA160CA) omit the band entirely - so the presence of the band on SA160A-E3/54 definitively indicates unidirectional functionality.

What is the maximum junction temperature rating for SA160A-E3/54, and how does it impact thermal design?

The SA160A-E3/54 has a maximum junction temperature (T_J) rating of +175 °C, allowing operation in high-ambient environments such as engine compartments or enclosed industrial enclosures. This rating requires proper thermal management: at lead temperature (T_L) of 75 °C, its steady-state power dissipation is limited to 3.0 W. Designers must ensure adequate copper area, lead length (≥9.5 mm recommended), and airflow to avoid exceeding T_J under sustained surge or elevated ambient conditions. The SA160A-E3/54's thermal performance is validated per JEDEC JESD51-2 and documented in Fig. 5 of its official datasheet.

SA160A-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:: Active

Type:: Zener

Unidirectional Channels:: 1

Bidirectional Channels:: -

Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):: 160V

Voltage - Breakdown (Min):: 178V

Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:: 259V

Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):: 1.9A

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)

SA160A-E3/54 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for SA160A-E3/54 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA160A-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 SA160A-E3/54 reliable?

The price and inventory of SA160A-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 SA160A-E3/54 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for SA160A-E3/54?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA160A-E3/54 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for SA160A-E3/54?

SA160A-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your SA160A-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 SA160A-E3/54?

For technical support, including SA160A-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA160A-E3/54 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that SA160A-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All SA160A-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 SA160A-E3/54 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA160A-E3/54?

All SA160A-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA160A-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 SA160A-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for SA160A-E3/54:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

Tech Hub

2026-09-11 Comparator Circuit: Voltage Thresholds, Op-Amp Differences, LM393 and Practical Design

Comparator circuit design covering voltage thresholds, input limits, open-collector outputs, LM393 wiring, op-amp differences, hysteresis, timing, window detection and practical fault diagnosis.

2026-09-10 Schmitt Trigger Explained: Hysteresis, Circuits, Inverters and Applications

Schmitt triggers use separate rising and falling thresholds to stabilize slow or noisy signals. This guide covers hysteresis, 74HC14 and 74HCT14 selection, comparator calculations, RC oscillators and p…

2026-09-09 Counterfeit Electronic Components: How to Detect, Authenticate, and Test Suspect Parts

Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …

2026-09-08 Obsolete Electronic Components: How to Source and Evaluate Replacements

A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.

2026-09-07 TTL vs CMOS Logic Levels: 74HC and 74HCT Compatibility Explained

TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.

2026-09-04 Logic Level Shifter: How to Connect 3.3V and 5V Logic Safely

A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.

2026-09-03 74HC595 vs TPIC6B595: Output Drive, Pinout, Current, and Load Selection

The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…

2026-09-02 74HC595 Pinout, Timing, Output Current, and Applications

The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…

2026-09-01 Latch vs Flip-Flop: Timing, Differences and Design Choices

A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…

2026-08-30 D Latch Circuit: Truth Table, Timing, ICs and Applications

A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …