Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA160CAHE3/54
- Part No.:
- SA160CAHE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA160CAHE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,140
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Product details
Overview
SA160CAHE3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features 160 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 209 V maximum breakdown voltage (VBR), 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), 1.9 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use.
For engineers reviewing the SA160CAHE3/54 datasheet, SA160CAHE3/54 pinout, SA160CAHE3/54 application, or SA160CAHE3/54 equivalent, this device serves as a robust overvoltage protection component in automotive ECUs, industrial sensor interfaces, and telecom line cards where bidirectional surge immunity and high-temperature operation up to 175 °C are required.
Technical Context
The SA160CAHE3/54 operates as a bidirectional avalanche diode with symmetrical clamping behavior in both polarities, enabling protection of AC-coupled or floating signal paths without polarity concerns. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage (<1.0 µA at VWM), while its 10/1000 µs waveform rating reflects standardized surge immunity testing per R.E.A. definitions.
Designed for repetitive transient suppression, it supports 0.01% duty cycle operation and derates linearly above 25 °C ambient - maintaining 3.0 W steady-state power dissipation at 75 °C lead temperature. The device exhibits a +196 mV/°C temperature coefficient of VBR, consistent with high-voltage TVS diodes in the SAxxCA family.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe working range for protected circuitry. |
| VBR (min/max) | 178 V / 209 V at 1.0 mA - Ensures reliable avalanche conduction onset across manufacturing lot and temperature variation. |
| VC @ IPPM | 259 V - Clamped voltage during 1.9 A 10/1000 µs surge; determines maximum stress imposed on downstream components. |
| IPPM | 1.9 A - Peak surge current capability under standard 10/1000 µs waveform; directly limits protected line impedance. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Surge energy handling capacity; enables compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV/2 Ω) when combined with series impedance. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Junction temperature limit supporting under-hood automotive deployment and high-ambient industrial environments. |
| Leakage @ VWM | <1.0 µA - Minimal standby power loss and negligible loading on high-impedance sensor or communication lines. |
Pinout & Package
DO-15 (DO-204AC) molded epoxy package with matte tin-plated leads; bidirectional construction means no polarity marking - terminals are functionally identical and interchangeable.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Either terminal conducts during positive or negative overvoltage events; no cathode band marking required. |
| Case (plastic body) | Isolation barrier | UL 94 V-0 rated epoxy provides electrical isolation and mechanical protection; no thermal or electrical connection to die. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive electronics per stress test requirements including HTOL, TC, and ESD - suitable for engine control, ADAS, and body modules. |
| Glass passivated junction | Enhances long-term reliability and stability of VBR under thermal cycling and humidity exposure. |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports robust protection against lightning-induced surges and inductive switching transients in industrial and telecom infrastructure. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., EFT bursts), improving clamping precision. |
| Solderable per J-STD-002/JESD 22-B102 | Compatible with standard reflow and wave soldering processes; HE3 suffix meets JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. |
Applications
| Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU) | Industrial Sensor Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN FD and LIN bus lines from load dump and alternator ripple in 12 V vehicle systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed across differential signal pair or supply rail to shunt surge energy to ground. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity during 100 V/50 ms load dump events while surviving repeated exposure up to 175 °C junction temperature. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding 4–20 mA current loop inputs in PLC analog input modules exposed to field wiring transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS across loop terminals to clamp induced surges before reaching precision op-amps and ADC front-ends. Use Value: Limits clamped voltage to ≤259 V during 1.9 A surges, preventing damage to 30 V-rated input protection circuitry. |
| Telecom Line Card Protection | Consumer Appliance Motor Drive |
Use Scenario: Shielding Ethernet PHY interface transformers and PoE injectors from lightning-induced common-mode surges on twisted-pair cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across transformer secondary windings to suppress differential and common-mode transients simultaneously. Use Value: Withstands 500 W pulses without degradation, meeting GR-1089-CORE Level 3 surge immunity requirements. | Use Scenario: Suppressing back-EMF spikes from brushed DC motors in washing machine control boards during commutation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted across motor terminals to clamp inductive kickback before it reaches H-bridge MOSFETs and gate drivers. Use Value: Fast response time and low clamping voltage reduce stress on 200 V-rated power switches, extending lifetime in high-cycle applications. |
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-E3/54 | Unidirectional; same VWM/VBR/PPPM, but requires polarity-aware layout and lacks bidirectional symmetry. | Suitable only for DC-biased lines where polarity is fixed; not usable on AC or floating nodes. | Select SMAJ160A-E3/54 only if circuit topology guarantees unidirectional surge direction and space constraints favor SMC package. |
| 1.5KE160CA | Same bidirectional function and VWM, but larger DO-201AD package (higher IPPM = 2.2 A, higher PPPM = 1500 W). | Better suited for high-energy surge zones (e.g., AC mains input), but incompatible with DO-15 footprint. | Choose 1.5KE160CA when system-level surge testing exceeds 500 W requirements and PCB layout allows larger package. |
Compared with SMAJ160A-E3/54 and 1.5KE160CA, the SA160CAHE3/54 uniquely balances AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-15 compactness, and true bidirectional symmetry - making it optimal for space-constrained automotive and industrial signal-line protection where polarity cannot be assumed.
Availability
SA160CAHE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU design, industrial sensor interface development, and telecom line card prototyping requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.
Supply support for SA160CAHE3/54 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, automotive qualification, and application-specific performance.
The SAxxCA family was developed specifically for bidirectional transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where failure modes must be mitigated without polarity assumptions or complex biasing.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA160CAHE3/54 at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA160CAHE3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 259 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 1.9 A under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 9 in the Vishay datasheet 88378 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The SA160CAHE3/54 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is SA160CAHE3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the SA160CAHE3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by the HE3 suffix and Note (1) in the Vishay datasheet 88378. It is rated for operation from –55 °C to +175 °C and tested for reliability under automotive stress conditions including high-temperature operating life and thermal cycling. The SA160CAHE3/54 is commonly deployed in engine control units, body electronics, and infotainment systems requiring bidirectional surge protection.
Does SA160CAHE3/54 have polarity markings on its DO-15 package?
No, the SA160CAHE3/54 does not feature polarity markings such as a cathode band because it is a bidirectional TVS diode. Both terminals are functionally identical and symmetric - either can serve as anode or cathode depending on transient polarity. This eliminates orientation errors during placement and simplifies layout for AC-coupled or floating circuits. The SA160CAHE3/54's bidirectional nature is explicitly defined in the "DEVICES FOR BIDIRECTION APPLICATIONS" section of the datasheet.
What is the maximum steady-state power dissipation of SA160CAHE3/54?
The SA160CAHE3/54 has a maximum steady-state power dissipation (PD) of 3.0 W when mounted on an infinite heatsink at a lead temperature (TL) of 75 °C, as specified in the "MAXIMUM RATINGS" table of datasheet 88378. This rating decreases linearly above 25 °C ambient per the derating curve in Figure 2. The SA160CAHE3/54 is intended for transient suppression, not continuous power dissipation - normal operation involves near-zero DC power draw due to sub-µA leakage at VWM.
How does SA160CAHE3/54 differ from SA160AHE3/54?
The SA160CAHE3/54 is bidirectional, whereas SA160AHE3/54 is unidirectional - indicated by the "CA" vs. "A" suffix per Vishay's naming convention. The SA160CAHE3/54 clamps surges of either polarity symmetrically and has no cathode marking; the SA160AHE3/54 clamps only in reverse bias and requires correct orientation. Their VWM, VBR, and PPPM ratings are identical, but the SA160CAHE3/54 is required for AC, differential, or floating node protection where polarity is undefined.
SA160CAHE3/54 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:
- -
- 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)
SA160CAHE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA160CAHE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA160CAHE3/54 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 SA160CAHE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA160CAHE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA160CAHE3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA160CAHE3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA160CAHE3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA160CAHE3/54?
SA160CAHE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA160CAHE3/54 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 SA160CAHE3/54?
For technical support, including SA160CAHE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA160CAHE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA160CAHE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA160CAHE3/54 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 SA160CAHE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA160CAHE3/54?
All SA160CAHE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA160CAHE3/54, 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 SA160CAHE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA160CAHE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA160CAHE3/54 Tags

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