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

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA160C-E3/73

Name: SA160C-E3/73
Brand: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
SKU: SA160C-E3/73
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: SA160C-E3/73

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Category:: TVS Diodes

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

Datasheet:: SA160C-E3/73.pdf

Description:: TVS DIODE 160VWM 257VC DO204AC

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Product details

Overview

SA160C-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bi-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features 160 V stand-off voltage (V_WM), 209 V maximum breakdown voltage (V_BR), 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 259 V maximum clamping voltage at rated IPPM, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability - used to protect MOSFET gates, sensor interfaces, and industrial I/O lines against ESD and inductive switching surges.

For engineers reviewing the SA160C-E3/73 datasheet, SA160C-E3/73 pinout, SA160C-E3/73 application, or SA160C-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include bi-directional clamping capability, 160 V stand-off rating, DO-15 mechanical compatibility, AEC-Q101 qualification status, and 259 V clamping performance under 10/1000 μs surge conditions.

Technical Context

This device operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector with symmetrical avalanche behavior in both polarities. Its glass-passivated junction enables fast response (<1 ns), low incremental surge resistance, and stable clamping across temperature (±0.08 %/°C typical tempco). The bi-directional architecture eliminates polarity dependency in AC-coupled or floating signal paths.

Rated for 175 °C maximum junction temperature and 3.0 W steady-state power dissipation on infinite heatsink, it supports repetitive transient suppression in automotive power distribution modules and industrial PLC backplanes where thermal cycling and long-term reliability are critical.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_WM	160 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe working margin for 12–48 V DC systems with transient headroom.
V_BR (min/max)	178 V / 209 V at 1 mA - Ensures consistent avalanche initiation across production lot; guarantees clamping starts no later than 209 V under worst-case conditions.
V_C @ I_PPM	259 V - Clamping voltage during 500 W 10/1000 μs surge; limits downstream voltage stress to ≤259 V, protecting 200 V-rated MOSFETs and gate drivers.
I_PPM	1.9 A - Peak pulse current corresponding to 500 W into 259 V clamping; validates surge handling for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV/2 Ω) events.
P_PPM	500 W - Peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform; supports repeated surge events at 0.01 % duty cycle without degradation.
T_J_max	175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive environments and high-ambient industrial enclosures.
AEC-Q101	Qualified - Validated for automotive applications including engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces per stress test requirements.

Pinout & Package

Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial-leaded, molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating; matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. Bi-directional construction means no polarity marking on the body.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Anode/Cathode (symmetrical)	Bi-directional avalanche junction terminals	Either lead serves as input or return path; no cathode band marking required; enables placement in AC or floating circuits without orientation constraints.
Leads (both)	Connection interface to PCB traces or wire harnesses	Supports manual or automated through-hole assembly; withstands solder dip up to 275 °C for 10 s per JESD 22-B106.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Glass-passivated chip junction	Enables sub-nanosecond response time and stable leakage (<1 μA at V_WM) over 10+ year field life in humid environments.
500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs)	Provides robust protection against ISO 7637-2 Load Dump and IEC 61000-4-5 surge events without derating in standard PCB layouts.
AEC-Q101 qualification	Validates reliability for automotive powertrain and chassis modules, including HTOL, TC, and ESD testing per JEDEC standards.
Low incremental surge resistance	Minimizes V_C – V_BR differential (≤81 V), reducing energy dissipation in protected ICs and improving system-level surge margin.
RoHS-compliant E3 suffix	Meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance; suitable for lead-free reflow and long-term storage in high-reliability industrial supply chains.

Applications

Automotive Power Distribution	Industrial Sensor Interface Protection
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V power rails in vehicle body control modules from load dump and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt clamping element placed upstream of DC-DC converters and microcontroller power inputs. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤259 V during 100 V/50 ms load dump events, preventing latch-up or burnout in downstream PMICs.	Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog outputs of pressure/temperature sensors connected to PLC analog input cards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional transient clamp on 4–20 mA current loop or 0–10 V voltage output lines. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity during ESD contact discharge (±8 kV) by clamping within 1 ns, avoiding ADC saturation or calibration drift.
Telecom Line Card Surge Protection	Motor Drive Gate Driver Protection
Use Scenario: Shielding Ethernet PHY interfaces and PoE injectors from lightning-induced surges on twisted-pair cables. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS on RJ45 magnetics secondary side, before common-mode chokes. Use Value: Absorbs 500 W common-mode surges without failure, preserving isolation barrier integrity and meeting IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 compliance.	Use Scenario: Protecting high-side and low-side gate drivers in 3-phase inverter stages from Miller-induced voltage spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Clamp placed across gate-source terminals of SiC MOSFETs to suppress dv/dt-induced false turn-on. Use Value: Responds faster than driver propagation delay, limiting V_GS excursion to < ±20 V and preventing shoot-through in motor control FETs.

Automotive Power Distribution

Industrial Sensor Interface Protection

Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V power rails in vehicle body control modules from load dump and alternator transients.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt clamping element placed upstream of DC-DC converters and microcontroller power inputs.

Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤259 V during 100 V/50 ms load dump events, preventing latch-up or burnout in downstream PMICs.

Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog outputs of pressure/temperature sensors connected to PLC analog input cards.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional transient clamp on 4–20 mA current loop or 0–10 V voltage output lines.

Use Value: Maintains signal integrity during ESD contact discharge (±8 kV) by clamping within 1 ns, avoiding ADC saturation or calibration drift.

Telecom Line Card Surge Protection

Motor Drive Gate Driver Protection

Use Scenario: Shielding Ethernet PHY interfaces and PoE injectors from lightning-induced surges on twisted-pair cables.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS on RJ45 magnetics secondary side, before common-mode chokes.

Use Value: Absorbs 500 W common-mode surges without failure, preserving isolation barrier integrity and meeting IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 compliance.

Use Scenario: Protecting high-side and low-side gate drivers in 3-phase inverter stages from Miller-induced voltage spikes.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Clamp placed across gate-source terminals of SiC MOSFETs to suppress dv/dt-induced false turn-on.

Use Value: Responds faster than driver propagation delay, limiting V_GS excursion to < ±20 V and preventing shoot-through in motor control FETs.

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-E3/5A	Uni-directional; same V_WM (160 V), but requires correct polarity placement; slightly lower V_C (255 V).	Only suitable where circuit polarity is fixed and ground-referenced; not usable on AC or floating nodes.	Select when board layout enforces unidirectional signal flow and tighter clamping voltage is prioritized over placement flexibility.
1.5KE160CA	Higher P_PPM (1500 W), larger DO-201AD package; V_C = 259 V same, but higher I_PPM (5.8 A).	Better suited for primary-side surge protection in AC mains inputs or high-energy industrial bus lines.	Choose when system-level surge tests exceed IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 and PCB space allows larger DO-201AD footprint.

Compared with SMAJ160A-E3/5A and 1.5KE160CA, SA160C-E3/73 offers bi-directional symmetry in compact DO-15 form factor with AEC-Q101 validation - making it optimal for space-constrained automotive and industrial signal-line protection where polarity-agnostic placement and automotive qualification are mandatory.

Availability

SA160C-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC I/O modules, and telecom line card designs requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for SA160C-E3/73 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, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.

The SAxxxC series delivers standardized bi-directional TVS protection targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure - engineered for rapid transient response, high surge endurance, and qualification-ready performance out-of-box.

FAQ

What is the polarity configuration of SA160C-E3/73?

The SA160C-E3/73 is a bi-directional TVS diode with symmetrical avalanche characteristics in both directions. It has no cathode marking on the DO-15 package body, and either lead may be connected to the line or ground side of the protected circuit. This eliminates orientation concerns during assembly and supports use in AC-coupled or floating signal paths where polarity is undefined.

Does SA160C-E3/73 meet automotive qualification standards?

Yes, SA160C-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified per the Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 88378, Revision: 18-Sep-12). It has passed stress tests including high-temperature operating life (HTOL), temperature cycling (TC), and ESD (HBM/MM) required for automotive powertrain, chassis, and body electronics applications.

What is the clamping voltage of SA160C-E3/73 under surge conditions?

The SA160C-E3/73 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 259 V at its rated peak pulse current (I_PPM = 1.9 A), measured using the standard 10/1000 μs double-exponential waveform. This value ensures downstream components rated for ≤250 V withstand transient events without overstress.

Can SA160C-E3/73 replace SA160A-E3/73 in existing designs?

No - SA160C-E3/73 is bi-directional while SA160A-E3/73 is uni-directional. Substituting them requires verifying circuit polarity, grounding scheme, and transient directionality. The SA160C-E3/73 clamps in both directions; the SA160A-E3/73 only clamps reverse-biased, so direct replacement may fail to protect during positive-going transients on grounded lines.

What is the package type and lead finish of SA160C-E3/73?

The SA160C-E3/73 uses the DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package with molded epoxy housing rated UL 94 V-0. Its leads are matte tin-plated and qualified per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 for reliable solderability, and the E3 suffix confirms compliance with JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance requirements.

SA160C-E3/73 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

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

Series:: TransZorb®

Packaging:: Tape & Box (TB)

Product Status:: Obsolete

Type:: Zener

Unidirectional Channels:: -

Bidirectional Channels:: 1

Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):: 160V

Voltage - Breakdown (Min):: 178V

Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:: 257V

Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):: 1.7A

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)

SA160C-E3/73 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for SA160C-E3/73 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA160C-E3/73 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 SA160C-E3/73 reliable?

The price and inventory of SA160C-E3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA160C-E3/73 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for SA160C-E3/73?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA160C-E3/73 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for SA160C-E3/73?

SA160C-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your SA160C-E3/73 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 SA160C-E3/73?

For technical support, including SA160C-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA160C-E3/73 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that SA160C-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All SA160C-E3/73 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 SA160C-E3/73 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA160C-E3/73?

All SA160C-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA160C-E3/73, 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 SA160C-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for SA160C-E3/73:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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