Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA160CHE3/54
- Part No.:
- SA160CHE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA160CHE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 257VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,782
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Product details
Overview
SA160CHE3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bi-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, designed for robust overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features a 160 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 178–197 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 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 SA160CHE3/54 datasheet, SA160CHE3/54 pinout, SA160CHE3/54 application, or SA160CHE3/54 equivalent, this device is selected for high-energy transient suppression in automotive power lines, industrial sensor interfaces, and telecom signal conditioning where bidirectional surge immunity and RoHS-compliant, whisker-tested leads are required.
Technical Context
The SA160CHE3/54 operates as a bi-directional avalanche diode with symmetrical clamping behavior in both polarities, enabling protection against positive and negative transients without polarity dependency. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5 %) and low incremental surge resistance, critical for consistent clamping under repetitive surges.
Designed for 10/1000 μs waveform compliance, it delivers 500 W peak pulse power with derating above 25 °C per Fig. 2 and supports steady-state dissipation up to 3.0 W on an infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C. Junction temperature range spans −55 °C to +175 °C, supporting under-hood and industrial ambient conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe working margin for 12 V/24 V/48 V systems with transient headroom. |
| VBR (min/max) | 178 V / 197 V at 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold ensures predictable turn-on during fast-rising transients like ISO 7637-2 pulses. |
| VC @ IPPM | 259 V at 1.9 A - Clamping voltage limits downstream voltage stress during 10/1000 μs surges; enables design margin vs. 300 V-rated ICs. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power rating for single-event surge handling per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV), supporting automotive EMC compliance. |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - High junction temperature rating allows operation in engine control units, motor drives, and enclosed industrial enclosures. |
| Qualification | AEC-Q101 qualified - Validated for automotive applications including powertrain, body electronics, and ADAS sensor modules. |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Standard axial-leaded through-hole package with matte tin-plated leads compliant to J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102. |
Pinout & Package
SA160CHE3/54 is a two-terminal bi-directional TVS diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package. No polarity marking is present on the device body, reflecting its symmetrical conduction behavior in both directions.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (bidirectional) | Transient current path | Either lead serves as input/output terminal; no cathode band-enables flexible PCB layout without orientation constraints. |
| Leads (matte tin plated) | Interconnect interface | Solderable per J-STD-002; withstands 275 °C for 10 s (JESD 22-B106); HE3 suffix meets JESD 201 Class 2 whisker test for automotive reliability. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Ensures stable VBR over lifetime and temperature, minimizing drift in harsh environments such as automotive under-hood locations. |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity testing up to 4 kV open-circuit voltage with minimal derating in compact layouts. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates reliability for automotive applications including engine control, battery management, and infotainment power rails. |
| Bi-directional configuration | Eliminates need for dual uni-directional devices or polarity-aware placement-reduces BOM count and layout complexity. |
| RoHS-compliant HE3 suffix | Meets automotive material requirements: halogen-free per JEDEC JS709A and whisker-resistant per JESD 201 Class 2. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V supply rails in engine control units (ECUs) against load dump and inductive switching transients per ISO 7637-2. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping device placed at power entry point to limit voltage excursions to ≤259 V during 100 ms load dump events. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to microcontrollers, CAN transceivers, and voltage regulators exposed to >100 V surges. |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog inputs of PLC I/O modules from ESD and field-wiring induced surges in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end transient suppressor on 4–20 mA current loop or RS-485 bus lines, responding within <1 ns. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping transients before they reach precision ADCs or isolation amplifiers, reducing calibration drift. |
| Telecom Signal Line Protection | Consumer Device DC Input Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding Ethernet PHY power pins and auxiliary bias lines in PoE-powered switches and base stations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary overvoltage clamp parallel to primary DC-DC converter output, activated only during fault conditions. Use Value: Limits voltage overshoot during hot-swap events or short-circuit recovery, preserving PoE controller ICs and magnetics. |
Use Scenario: Protecting USB-C PD input stages and internal buck converters in portable medical monitors and smart home hubs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS placed between input capacitor and DC jack to absorb plug-in surges and ESD. Use Value: Enables compliance with IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 (8 kV contact) without adding series impedance or degrading efficiency. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ160CA | Same DO-214AC (SMA) package; 160 V VWM, 259 V VC @ 1.9 A, but rated for 400 W PPPM (vs. 500 W). | Lower peak power limits suitability for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) in high-current automotive modules. | Select when space-constrained SMT layout is mandatory and 400 W surge capacity suffices. |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5KE160CA | DO-201AD package; identical 160 V VWM and 259 V VC, but higher 1.5 kW PPPM rating and 100 A IFSM (uni-directional only variant). | Not AEC-Q101 qualified; lacks automotive traceability and whisker-test certification required for Tier 1 suppliers. | Prefer for industrial AC/DC front-ends where higher surge margin is needed and automotive qualification is not mandated. |
Compared with SMAJ160CA and 1.5KE160CA, SA160CHE3/54 uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-204AC through-hole compatibility, 500 W pulse rating, and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance-making it the preferred choice for automotive and high-reliability industrial through-hole designs requiring full compliance documentation.
Availability
SA160CHE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial PLCs, telecom power supplies, and consumer DC-input systems requiring stable component supply with full AEC-Q101 traceability and RoHS/halogen-free compliance.
Supply support for SA160CHE3/54 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-grade validation.
The SAxxxC series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS platform, engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where bidirectional clamping and AEC-Q101 compliance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA160CHE3/54 and how is it measured?
The SA160CHE3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 259 V at 1.9 A peak pulse current (IPPM), tested with a 10/1000 μs waveform per IEC 61000-4-5. This value represents the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during a standardized surge event and is confirmed in the Vishay datasheet Document Number 88378, page 2.
Is SA160CHE3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SA160CHE3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified and carries the HE3 suffix indicating compliance with JESD 201 Class 2 whisker testing and RoHS requirements. It is explicitly intended for automotive power line and signal protection, including engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensor modules per Vishay's application guidance.
What does the "HE3" suffix mean in SA160CHE3/54?
The "HE3" suffix denotes that SA160CHE3/54 is RoHS-compliant and AEC-Q101 qualified, with matte tin-plated leads meeting JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance requirements. It distinguishes this automotive-grade variant from commercial-grade "E3" versions lacking AEC-Q101 validation.
Can SA160CHE3/54 replace a uni-directional TVS like SA160A?
No-SA160CHE3/54 is bi-directional and lacks polarity marking, while SA160A is uni-directional with a cathode band. Substitution requires verifying circuit symmetry: SA160CHE3/54 may be used only where bidirectional protection is needed or where the original design already accommodates non-polarized placement.
What is the thermal derating behavior of SA160CHE3/54 above 25 °C?
SA160CHE3/54 follows the pulse derating curve in Figure 2 of datasheet 88378: peak pulse power decreases linearly from 100 % at 25 °C to ~50 % at 125 °C ambient. For continuous operation, steady-state power dissipation drops from 3.0 W at TL = 75 °C per Figure 5, requiring appropriate lead length and PCB copper area for thermal management.
SA160CHE3/54 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:
- 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:
- -
- 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)
SA160CHE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA160CHE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA160CHE3/54 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 SA160CHE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA160CHE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA160CHE3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA160CHE3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA160CHE3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA160CHE3/54?
SA160CHE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA160CHE3/54 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 SA160CHE3/54?
For technical support, including SA160CHE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA160CHE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA160CHE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA160CHE3/54 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 SA160CHE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA160CHE3/54?
All SA160CHE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA160CHE3/54, 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 SA160CHE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA160CHE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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