Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA160AHE3/54
- Part No.:
- SA160AHE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA160AHE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,863
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Product details
Overview
SA160AHE3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for circuit protection against ESD, lightning surges, and inductive switching transients. It features 160 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 178–197 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 259 V clamping voltage (VC) at 1.9 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 500 W peak pulse power (PPPM) with 10/1000 μs waveform.
For engineers reviewing the SA160AHE3/54 datasheet, SA160AHE3/54 pinout, SA160AHE3/54 application, or SA160AHE3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-15 mechanical compatibility, 175 °C max junction temperature, low incremental surge resistance, and verified clamping performance under repetitive 0.01% duty cycle pulses.
Technical Context
The SA160AHE3/54 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, enabling fast response time (<1 ns) and stable breakdown behavior across temperature. Its unidirectional polarity uses a cathode band marking and supports DC-biased protection paths in power rails and signal lines.
It delivers 500 W peak pulse power per 10/1000 μs waveform, derated linearly above 25 °C ambient, with steady-state power dissipation of 3.0 W on infinite heatsink at 75 °C lead temperature. The device sustains 70 A non-repetitive forward surge current (IFSM) and exhibits 1.0 μA maximum reverse leakage at 160 V.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR min/max | 178–197 V at 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche breakdown range ensuring predictable turn-on margin |
| VC @ IPPM | 259 V at 1.9 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs transient, limiting downstream stress |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak transient energy absorption capability under standard surge waveform |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Enables use in under-hood automotive and high-temperature industrial environments |
| IFSM | 70 A - Withstands short-duration inrush or fault currents without failure |
| Leakage ID | 1.0 μA at VWM - Minimal standby power loss and signal integrity impact in high-impedance circuits |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-15 (DO-204AC), axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case with matte tin-plated leads compliant to J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. AEC-Q101 qualified; HE3 suffix denotes whisker-tested grade per JESD 201 Class 2.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., ground or return path) in unidirectional protection configuration |
| Cathode | Avalanche clamping terminal | Marked with color band; connected to protected line (e.g., 160 V rail or signal input) to clamp overvoltage to ground |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures long-term reliability and stable VBR drift under thermal cycling and humidity exposure |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Provides robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV line-earth) in industrial power supplies |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates suitability for automotive powertrain and body electronics requiring zero defect field performance |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.45) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during transients, reducing stress on downstream MOSFETs and ICs |
| Solder dip rated 275 °C / 10 s | Supports wave and selective soldering processes without parametric shift or delamination |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial PLC Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V–24 V battery-fed ECUs and lighting modules from load dump and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between power rail and chassis ground to clamp spikes up to ±100 V. Use Value: SA160AHE3/54's 160 V VWM avoids false triggering during normal battery fluctuations while clamping 259 V surges within safe limits for 40 V-rated MOSFETs. | Use Scenario: Shielding digital input channels of programmable logic controllers from field-wiring induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff protection element on 24 V DC sensor inputs subjected to inductive kickback from solenoid valves. Use Value: SA160AHE3/54's 1.0 μA leakage preserves input bias accuracy, and its 1.9 A IPPM handles typical 1 A surge events without degradation. |
| Telecom Line Interface Protection | Motor Drive DC Bus Snubbing |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding RS-485 transceivers and Ethernet PHYs connected to outdoor cabling exposed to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping device on VCC or signal lines referenced to local ground plane. Use Value: SA160AHE3/54's 175 °C TJ max and DO-15 footprint allow integration into compact telecom modules without thermal derating penalties. | Use Scenario: Suppressing voltage spikes generated by IGBT turn-off in 100–200 V DC motor drives. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel clamping device across DC bus capacitors to absorb regenerative energy during rapid deceleration. Use Value: SA160AHE3/54's 500 W PPPM and 70 A IFSM enable repeated absorption of 100–300 mJ spikes without parameter shift or failure. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ160A-E3/52 | Same VWM (160 V), identical DO-214AC package, but lower PPPM (400 W) and higher VC (274 V at 1.7 A) | Less robust clamping margin; unsuitable for high-energy IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 testing | Select SMAJ160A-E3/52 only when board space constraints require SMD mounting and surge energy is limited to ≤400 W |
| 1.5KE160A | Higher PPPM (1500 W), larger DO-201AD package, same VWM and VBR range, but no AEC-Q101 qualification | Not validated for automotive use; requires additional qualification effort for automotive OEM programs | Choose 1.5KE160A where extreme surge energy handling is required and automotive qualification is not mandated |
Compared with SMAJ160A-E3/52 and 1.5KE160A, the SA160AHE3/54 uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-15 through-hole compatibility, and 500 W PPPM-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, high-reliability automotive and industrial control designs requiring proven qualification and legacy PCB compatibility.
Availability
SA160AHE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU protection, industrial PLC input conditioning, and telecom line interface safeguarding requiring stable component supply and full traceability.
Supply support for SA160AHE3/54 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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, qualification, and application-specific performance.
The SAxxA series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where AEC-Q101 compliance and repeatable clamping behavior are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SA160AHE3/54 under standard surge conditions?
The SA160AHE3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 259 V when subjected to a 10/1000 μs waveform at 1.9 A peak pulse current (IPPM). This value is measured per JEDEC standards and reflects the actual voltage seen by downstream components during transient events, ensuring protection of 300 V-rated capacitors and 200 V MOSFETs in 160 V systems.
Is the SA160AHE3/54 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the SA160AHE3/54 carries the HE3 suffix, indicating full AEC-Q101 qualification per Rev. 27-Sep-2021 documentation. It is tested for temperature cycling, humidity bias, mechanical shock, and surge endurance-making it suitable for engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS power domains where zero-defect reliability is required.
What does the "HE3" suffix mean in SA160AHE3/54?
The "HE3" suffix in SA160AHE3/54 denotes RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. It distinguishes this variant from commercial-grade E3 versions and confirms enhanced process controls, extended temperature validation, and automotive-grade traceability for the SA160AHE3/54.
Can SA160AHE3/54 be used in bidirectional protection circuits?
No, SA160AHE3/54 is strictly unidirectional, as indicated by the "A" (not "CA") suffix and presence of cathode band marking. For bidirectional operation, Vishay specifies SA160CA variants. Using SA160AHE3/54 in AC-coupled or symmetrical surge environments risks forward conduction failure and inadequate negative-going transient suppression.
What is the maximum operating temperature for SA160AHE3/54?
The SA160AHE3/54 has a maximum junction temperature (TJ) rating of +175 °C, verified per the 88378 datasheet. This allows reliable operation in under-hood automotive locations and sealed industrial enclosures where ambient temperatures exceed 125 °C, provided thermal design maintains junction-to-ambient resistance below calculated limits.
SA160AHE3/54 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:
- -
- 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)
SA160AHE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA160AHE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA160AHE3/54 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 SA160AHE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA160AHE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA160AHE3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA160AHE3/54?
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Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA160AHE3/54?
SA160AHE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA160AHE3/54 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 SA160AHE3/54?
For technical support, including SA160AHE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA160AHE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA160AHE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA160AHE3/54 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 SA160AHE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA160AHE3/54?
All SA160AHE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA160AHE3/54, 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 SA160AHE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA160AHE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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