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

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA160CA-E3/54

Name: SA160CA-E3/54
Brand: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
SKU: SA160CA-E3/54
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: SA160CA-E3/54

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Category:: TVS Diodes

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

Datasheet:: SA160CA-E3/54.pdf

Description:: TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO204AC

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Product details

Overview

SA160CA-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional 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), 209 V maximum breakdown voltage (V_BR), 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), clamping voltage of 259 V at 1.9 A IPPM, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability.

For engineers reviewing the SA160CA-E3/54 datasheet, SA160CA-E3/54 pinout, SA160CA-E3/54 application, or SA160CA-E3/54 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, package dimensions, clamping behavior under surge, thermal derating curves, and validated alternatives for industrial and automotive transient suppression design.

Technical Context

The SA160CA-E3/54 operates as a bidirectional avalanche diode, symmetrically clamping voltage transients above ±209 V in either polarity. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage (<1.0 µA at V_WM), while its DO-15 package supports lead-free soldering per J-STD-002 and withstands 275 °C for 10 s.

It delivers 500 W peak pulse power with 10/1000 µs waveform at T_A = 25 °C, derating linearly above 25 °C per Fig. 2, and sustains steady-state power dissipation of 3.0 W on an infinite heatsink at T_L = 75 °C. Junction temperature range is –55 °C to +175 °C.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_WM	160 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping begins
V_BR (min/max)	178 V / 209 V at 1.0 mA - Ensures reliable turn-on within defined tolerance band
V_C @ I_PPM	259 V at 1.9 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs surge; defines protected circuit's max stress
P_PPM	500 W - Peak transient energy absorption capability without failure
I_D @ V_WM	<1.0 µA - Low leakage preserves signal integrity in high-impedance circuits
T_J Range	–55 °C to +175 °C - Enables operation in under-hood automotive and industrial environments
AEC-Q101	Qualified - Validated for automotive electronic systems per stress test requirements

Pinout & Package

SA160CA-E3/54 uses the DO-15 (DO-204AC) axial-leaded package: molded epoxy body, matte tin-plated leads, 0.130–0.138 inch diameter, 1.0 inch minimum lead length, compliant with UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. No polarity marking - bidirectional symmetry confirmed per datasheet Note (1).

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Anode/Cathode (symmetrical)	Bidirectional avalanche junction	No cathode band; terminals interchangeable - enables placement without orientation check
Lead 1	Current path input/output	Accepts surge current in either direction; rated for 275 °C solder dip (10 s)
Lead 2	Current path input/output	Completes bidirectional conduction path; meets JESD 22-B102 solderability

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Glass-passivated junction	Stable V_BR tolerance and low leakage across temperature and life cycle
500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs)	Robust protection against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a and IEC 61000-4-5 surges
AEC-Q101 qualification	Validated for automotive powertrain, body control, and ADAS modules
Low incremental surge resistance	Minimizes clamping voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., inductive switch-off)
DO-15 RoHS-compliant (E3 suffix)	Meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance; suitable for commercial and automotive PCB assembly

Applications

Automotive Power Line Protection	Industrial Sensor Interface Protection
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping device placed at connector entry point, shunting surge energy to ground before reaching downstream regulators and microcontrollers. Use Value: Withstands 500 W pulses and operates up to +175 °C, enabling direct placement in engine bay modules without derating penalties.	Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) connected to PLC I/O cards exposed to field wiring noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across differential signal pair or supply-to-ground to suppress EFT and lightning-induced common-mode spikes. Use Value: Symmetric clamping at ±259 V ensures equal protection for positive/negative transients, preserving signal fidelity in 4–20 mA or 0–10 V interfaces.
Telecom Line Card Surge Protection	Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Protection
Use Scenario: Shielding Ethernet PHY or DSL line drivers from induced surges on outdoor copper lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level protection after gas discharge tube (GDT), limiting residual clamping voltage to safe levels for silicon front-end ICs. Use Value: 1.9 A I_PPM and 259 V V_C ensure compliance with ITU-T K.21 basic protection level for telecom infrastructure.	Use Scenario: Suppressing back-EMF spikes from brushed DC motors in washing machines or HVAC blowers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted across motor terminals or H-bridge supply rails to clamp inductive kickback during PWM commutation. Use Value: 500 W rating handles repetitive 10/1000 µs surges typical of motor cycling; DO-15 form factor allows through-hole mounting on high-current traces.

Automotive Power Line Protection

Industrial Sensor Interface Protection

Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump and alternator transients.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping device placed at connector entry point, shunting surge energy to ground before reaching downstream regulators and microcontrollers.

Use Value: Withstands 500 W pulses and operates up to +175 °C, enabling direct placement in engine bay modules without derating penalties.

Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) connected to PLC I/O cards exposed to field wiring noise.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across differential signal pair or supply-to-ground to suppress EFT and lightning-induced common-mode spikes.

Use Value: Symmetric clamping at ±259 V ensures equal protection for positive/negative transients, preserving signal fidelity in 4–20 mA or 0–10 V interfaces.

Telecom Line Card Surge Protection

Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Protection

Use Scenario: Shielding Ethernet PHY or DSL line drivers from induced surges on outdoor copper lines.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level protection after gas discharge tube (GDT), limiting residual clamping voltage to safe levels for silicon front-end ICs.

Use Value: 1.9 A I_PPM and 259 V V_C ensure compliance with ITU-T K.21 basic protection level for telecom infrastructure.

Use Scenario: Suppressing back-EMF spikes from brushed DC motors in washing machines or HVAC blowers.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted across motor terminals or H-bridge supply rails to clamp inductive kickback during PWM commutation.

Use Value: 500 W rating handles repetitive 10/1000 µs surges typical of motor cycling; DO-15 form factor allows through-hole mounting on high-current traces.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
SMAJ160CA	Same V_WM/V_BR, but SMA package (surface-mount); lower I_PPM (1.7 A) and V_C (259 V same), 400 W P_PPM	Requires PCB rework for SMT layout; unsuitable for high-vibration through-hole mounting	Select when board space is constrained and automated assembly is prioritized over mechanical robustness.
1.5KE160CA	Higher P_PPM (1500 W), larger DO-201 package, higher V_C (259 V same), same V_WM/V_BR	Used where higher single-pulse energy handling is required (e.g., primary AC line protection)	Choose when system-level surge tests exceed IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 and require margin beyond 500 W.

Compared with SMAJ160CA and 1.5KE160CA, the SA160CA-E3/54 offers optimal balance of 500 W surge capacity, DO-15 mechanical stability, and AEC-Q101 qualification - making it preferred for cost-sensitive, vibration-prone automotive and industrial through-hole designs where 1500 W is unnecessary.

Availability

SA160CA-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU protection, industrial sensor interface hardening, and telecom line card surge suppression requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant manufacturing.

Supply support for SA160CA-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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific performance.

The SAxxCA series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS portfolio, engineered specifically for bidirectional transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications demanding AEC-Q101 validation and repeatable clamping behavior.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of SA160CA-E3/54 at its rated peak pulse current?

The SA160CA-E3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 259 V at its specified peak pulse current (I_PPM) of 1.9 A, measured using the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during a surge event and is confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table on page 2 of Vishay document 88378. The SA160CA-E3/54 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.

Is SA160CA-E3/54 suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, SA160CA-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified, as explicitly stated in the "Notes" section (Note 1) on page 3 of the Vishay datasheet (document 88378). This qualification validates its reliability under automotive stress conditions including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock. The SA160CA-E3/54 is routinely deployed in engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS modules where bidirectional transient suppression at 160 V stand-off is required.

Does SA160CA-E3/54 have polarity markings on its DO-15 package?

No, SA160CA-E3/54 does not have polarity markings. As a bidirectional TVS diode, it features symmetrical avalanche characteristics in both directions, and the datasheet specifies "no marking on bidirectional types" in the Mechanical Data section. This eliminates orientation constraints during manual or automated through-hole assembly - either lead may be assigned to anode or cathode in the circuit layout.

What is the maximum reverse leakage current for SA160CA-E3/54 at its stand-off voltage?

The maximum reverse leakage current (I_D) for SA160CA-E3/54 is 1.0 µA at its rated stand-off voltage (V_WM) of 160 V and T_A = 25 °C, per the Electrical Characteristics table on page 2 of Vishay document 88378. This low leakage ensures minimal power loss and signal distortion in high-impedance protection configurations, such as across sensor supply rails or communication lines.

Can SA160CA-E3/54 be used in place of unidirectional SA160A-E3/54?

No - SA160CA-E3/54 is strictly bidirectional and cannot replace unidirectional SA160A-E3/54 in circuits requiring forward conduction or DC blocking in one direction only. While both share identical V_WM, V_BR, and V_C ratings, the unidirectional variant includes a cathode band and conducts forward current up to 70 A (IFSM), whereas SA160CA-E3/54 has no forward conduction path and zero IFSM rating. Substitution would compromise circuit functionality in rectifier or DC-coupled protection roles.

SA160CA-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:: -

Bidirectional Channels:: 1

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)

SA160CA-E3/54 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for SA160CA-E3/54 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA160CA-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 SA160CA-E3/54 reliable?

The price and inventory of SA160CA-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 SA160CA-E3/54 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for SA160CA-E3/54?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA160CA-E3/54 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for SA160CA-E3/54?

SA160CA-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your SA160CA-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 SA160CA-E3/54?

For technical support, including SA160CA-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA160CA-E3/54 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that SA160CA-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All SA160CA-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 SA160CA-E3/54 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA160CA-E3/54?

All SA160CA-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA160CA-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 SA160CA-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for SA160CA-E3/54:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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