Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA16CA-E3/54

Overview

SA16CA-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for circuit protection against ESD and lightning-induced transients. It features 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 17.8–19.7 V breakdown voltage (V_BR), 16 V stand-off voltage (V_WM), clamping voltage of 26.0 V at 19.2 A, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use.

For engineers reviewing the SA16CA-E3/54 datasheet, SA16CA-E3/54 pinout, SA16CA-E3/54 application, or SA16CA-E3/54 equivalent, this device serves as a robust, RoHS-compliant transient suppressor for bidirectional signal line and power rail protection in harsh environments where fast response (<1 ns), low clamping ratio, and stable junction temperature up to +175 °C are critical.

Technical Context

The SA16CA-E3/54 operates as a bidirectional avalanche diode with symmetrical clamping in both polarities, enabling protection of AC-coupled or floating interfaces without polarity concerns. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable V_BR tolerance (±5 %) and low incremental surge resistance, while the DO-15 package supports manual or automated through-hole assembly with matte tin-plated leads compliant to J-STD-002.

It delivers 500 W peak pulse power under standard 10/1000 μs waveform with 0.01 % duty cycle, derating linearly above 25 °C ambient per Fig. 2, and maintains ≤1.0 μA reverse leakage at V_WM = 16 V - critical for low-power sensor and communication circuits where standby current integrity matters.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: DO-15 (DO-204AC), axial leaded, epoxy-molded case meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. Leads are matte tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002, with no polarity marking (bidirectional configuration).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMAJ16CA and 1.5KE16CA, the SA16CA-E3/54 offers optimal balance of 500 W surge capability, DO-15 through-hole compatibility, AEC-Q101 qualification, and low-leakage performance - making it preferred for cost-sensitive, high-volume automotive and industrial control designs requiring proven reliability and drop-in manufacturability.

Availability

SA16CA-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial CAN bus nodes, consumer USB port protection, and telecom DSL line protection requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for SA16CA-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, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.

The SAxxCA series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for robust, bidirectional transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and communications infrastructure where AEC-Q101 compliance and stable clamping performance are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the breakdown voltage range of the SA16CA-E3/54?

The SA16CA-E3/54 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage (V_BR) range of 17.8 V to 19.7 V at 1.0 mA test current, per the Vishay datasheet Document Number 88378. This tight tolerance ensures predictable clamping behavior across temperature and production lots, and directly supports its use in 16 V nominal systems where margin between V_WM and V_BR must be controlled. The SA16CA-E3/54 maintains this specification under standard test conditions (T_A = 25 °C).

Is the SA16CA-E3/54 suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, the SA16CA-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified, confirming its suitability for automotive applications including engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces. It passes rigorous stress tests such as temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias (HTRB), and ESD per JESD22-A114. The SA16CA-E3/54 also features a maximum junction temperature of +175 °C and RoHS-compliant E3 plating, aligning with automotive manufacturing and environmental requirements.

What is the clamping voltage of the SA16CA-E3/54 at its rated peak pulse current?

The SA16CA-E3/54 clamps to a maximum of 26.0 V at its peak pulse current (I_PPM) of 19.2 A, measured using the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This clamping voltage defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events and reflects the device's low dynamic impedance. The SA16CA-E3/54 achieves this performance while maintaining ≤1.0 μA leakage at 16 V, supporting low-power design goals.

Does the SA16CA-E3/54 have polarity markings?

No, the SA16CA-E3/54 does not have polarity markings because it is a bidirectional TVS diode. Unlike unidirectional types (e.g., SA16A), which feature a cathode band, the SA16CA-E3/54 uses a symmetrical junction structure - both leads function identically regardless of voltage polarity. This allows flexible placement across AC-coupled signals, differential buses, or floating grounds without orientation verification during assembly.

What package type does the SA16CA-E3/54 use, and what are its key mechanical attributes?

The SA16CA-E3/54 uses the DO-15 (DO-204AC) axial package: epoxy-molded, UL 94 V-0 rated, with 0.375" (9.5 mm) lead length and matte tin-plated leads compliant to J-STD-002. Its dimensions are 3.3–3.5 mm diameter and ≥25.4 mm body length. The SA16CA-E3/54's DO-15 form factor supports through-hole mounting, manual or wave soldering (up to 275 °C for 10 s), and mechanical robustness in vibration-prone environments like automotive chassis mounts.