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

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA16-E3/73

Name: SA16-E3/73
Brand: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
SKU: SA16-E3/73
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: SA16-E3/73

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Category:: TVS Diodes

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

Datasheet:: SA16-E3/73.pdf

Description:: TVS DIODE 16VWM 28.8VC DO204AC

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Product details

Overview

SA16-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, designed for overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features 16 V stand-off voltage (V_WM), 17.8–19.7 V breakdown voltage (V_BR), 26.0 V clamping voltage (V_C) at 19.2 A peak pulse current, and 500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - used to safeguard MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines in industrial power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the SA16-E3/73 datasheet, SA16-E3/73 pinout, SA16-E3/73 application, or SA16-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include its unidirectional polarity, 1.0 mA test current, 1.0 µA max reverse leakage at V_WM, AEC-Q101 qualification status, and compatibility with J-STD-002 solderability standards.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a clamping device that enters avalanche conduction when transient voltage exceeds its breakdown threshold, limiting downstream voltage to ≤26.0 V during 10/1000 µs surges up to 19.2 A. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable V_BR tolerance (±5%) and low incremental surge resistance.

Designed for single-polarity DC circuits, SA16-E3/73 exhibits 3.5 V max forward voltage at 100 A surge and supports operating junction temperatures from –55 °C to +175 °C. It is rated for 70 A non-repetitive forward surge (IFSM) and dissipates 3.0 W under steady-state conditions on an infinite heatsink at 75 °C lead temperature.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_WM	16 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins
V_BR (min/max)	17.8 V / 19.7 V at 1.0 mA - precise avalanche onset range defining turn-on consistency
V_C @ I_PPM	26.0 V at 19.2 A - clamped voltage during worst-case 10/1000 µs transient, limiting stress on protected ICs
P_PPM	500 W - peak surge power handling capability per standard 10/1000 µs waveform
I_FSM	70 A - withstands 10 ms half-sine surge without failure, critical for inductive load switching events
T_J max	+175 °C - enables reliable operation in high-temperature environments such as automotive engine bays or industrial motor drives
Leakage @ V_WM	≤1.0 µA - negligible standby current draw, preserving low-power system integrity

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. Polarity marked with cathode band on unidirectional devices.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Anode	Forward current entry / transient return path	Connected to ground or low-impedance return in unidirectional clamp configuration
Cathode	Avalanche conduction node / protected line interface	Connected to line being protected (e.g., 12 V rail or sensor input); color band identifies this terminal

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Glass passivated chip junction	Ensures stable V_BR performance across temperature and lifetime, minimizing parameter drift in harsh environments
500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs)	Provides robust protection against common ESD and inductive switching transients without derating in typical PCB layouts
AEC-Q101 qualified	Validated for automotive applications including engine control units and body electronics requiring high reliability
Low incremental surge resistance	Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast transients, improving clamping precision for sensitive 3.3 V or 5 V logic interfaces
Solder dip rated 275 °C for 10 s	Supports standard wave and reflow soldering processes without degradation of junction integrity or marking legibility

Applications

Automotive Power Rail Protection	Industrial Sensor Interface Protection
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V supply rails in engine control modules from load dump and alternator ripple transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamping TVS placed between rail and chassis ground to shunt surge energy away from MCU and analog front-end ICs. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤26.0 V during 19.2 A transients, preventing latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V microcontrollers and CAN transceivers.	Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog output lines of pressure or temperature sensors in factory automation systems exposed to relay coil switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff protection element on 4–20 mA or 0–10 V signal paths, absorbing coupled inductive spikes before they reach ADC inputs. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping transients within 1 ns response time while adding <1 pF parasitic capacitance, avoiding bandwidth degradation.
Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage	Telecom Line Card Surge Protection
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage suppression in AC/DC adapters for smart home hubs and IoT gateways. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage TVS on regulated 5 V or 12 V outputs, guarding against internal regulator fault-induced overvoltage events. Use Value: Withstands repetitive 500 W pulses at 0.01% duty cycle, enabling long-term reliability without thermal runaway in compact enclosed enclosures.	Use Scenario: Primary protection for Ethernet PHY interfaces and RS-485 transceivers in telecom base station line cards subjected to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line transient suppressor on differential pair inputs, working in coordination with GDTs and series impedance for multi-stage protection. Use Value: Delivers consistent 26.0 V clamping independent of polarity due to unidirectional architecture, simplifying layout versus bi-directional alternatives in DC-biased lines.

Automotive Power Rail Protection

Industrial Sensor Interface Protection

Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V supply rails in engine control modules from load dump and alternator ripple transients.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamping TVS placed between rail and chassis ground to shunt surge energy away from MCU and analog front-end ICs.

Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤26.0 V during 19.2 A transients, preventing latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V microcontrollers and CAN transceivers.

Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog output lines of pressure or temperature sensors in factory automation systems exposed to relay coil switching noise.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff protection element on 4–20 mA or 0–10 V signal paths, absorbing coupled inductive spikes before they reach ADC inputs.

Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping transients within 1 ns response time while adding <1 pF parasitic capacitance, avoiding bandwidth degradation.

Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage

Telecom Line Card Surge Protection

Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage suppression in AC/DC adapters for smart home hubs and IoT gateways.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage TVS on regulated 5 V or 12 V outputs, guarding against internal regulator fault-induced overvoltage events.

Use Value: Withstands repetitive 500 W pulses at 0.01% duty cycle, enabling long-term reliability without thermal runaway in compact enclosed enclosures.

Use Scenario: Primary protection for Ethernet PHY interfaces and RS-485 transceivers in telecom base station line cards subjected to lightning-induced surges.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line transient suppressor on differential pair inputs, working in coordination with GDTs and series impedance for multi-stage protection.

Use Value: Delivers consistent 26.0 V clamping independent of polarity due to unidirectional architecture, simplifying layout versus bi-directional alternatives in DC-biased lines.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
SMAJ16A-E3/5T	Same V_WM (16 V), identical DO-214AC package, but lower P_PPM (400 W) and higher V_C (28.5 V)	Less effective clamping margin for 3.3 V logic; suitable only where space constraints favor SMD over axial DO-15	Select SMAJ16A-E3/5T only when board real estate is limited and 2.5 V higher clamping voltage is acceptable.
1.5KE16A	Higher P_PPM (1500 W), larger DO-201AD package, same V_WM/V_BR range, but slower response due to higher junction capacitance	Better for high-energy lightning surges; unsuitable for high-speed data lines due to ~100 pF capacitance	Choose 1.5KE16A when protecting AC mains inputs or high-power motor drives where energy absorption outweighs speed requirements.

Compared with SMAJ16A-E3/5T and 1.5KE16A, SA16-E3/73 delivers optimal balance of clamping precision (26.0 V), compact axial form factor, and AEC-Q101 qualification - making it preferred for space-constrained, automotive-grade DC rail protection where low V_C and proven reliability are mandatory.

Availability

SA16-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, industrial sensor interface protection, and consumer power adapter input stage applications requiring stable component supply, RoHS compliance, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for SA16-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, ruggedness, and automotive-grade qualification.

The SAxxA family was developed specifically for robust, cost-effective transient suppression in DC power systems - targeting design-in across automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where AEC-Q101 validation and tight V_BR tolerance are essential.

FAQ

What is the breakdown voltage range of SA16-E3/73?

The SA16-E3/73 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage (V_BR) range of 17.8 V to 19.7 V at 1.0 mA test current, measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35. This tight ±5% tolerance ensures predictable clamping behavior across production lots and temperature extremes, directly supporting design margin calculations for protected 12 V and 15 V systems.

Is SA16-E3/73 RoHS compliant and halogen-free?

Yes, SA16-E3/73 carries the "E3" suffix indicating full RoHS compliance per Directive 2011/65/EU and halogen-free status per JEDEC JS709A. The matte tin-plated leads meet J-STD-002 solderability requirements, and the molding compound satisfies UL 94 V-0 flammability rating - confirming suitability for environmentally regulated industrial and consumer products.

Does SA16-E3/73 have AEC-Q101 qualification?

Yes, SA16-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed in Vishay's official documentation (Document Number: 88378, Revision: 18-Sep-12). This qualification covers stress tests including HTGB, HTRB, TCT, and mechanical shock, validating its use in automotive powertrain and body electronics where extended temperature cycling and long-term reliability are mandatory.

What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA16-E3/73 during a transient event?

The SA16-E3/73 clamps to a maximum of 26.0 V when subjected to its rated 19.2 A peak pulse current (I_PPM) under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured across the device terminals and represents the upper limit of voltage imposed on protected circuitry - critical for ensuring compatibility with 3.3 V, 5 V, and 12 V ICs downstream.

Can SA16-E3/73 be used in bi-directional protection circuits?

No, SA16-E3/73 is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "A" suffix (not "CA"). It conducts only in reverse bias above V_BR and blocks forward current up to 3.5 V at 100 A. For bi-directional protection - such as AC signal lines or floating buses - SA16CA variants must be selected instead, as SA16-E3/73 lacks symmetrical clamping capability.

SA16-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:: 1

Bidirectional Channels:: -

Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):: 16V

Voltage - Breakdown (Min):: 17.8V

Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:: 28.8V

Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):: 17.4A

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)

SA16-E3/73 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for SA16-E3/73 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA16-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 SA16-E3/73 reliable?

The price and inventory of SA16-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 SA16-E3/73 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for SA16-E3/73?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA16-E3/73 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for SA16-E3/73?

SA16-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your SA16-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 SA16-E3/73?

For technical support, including SA16-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA16-E3/73 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that SA16-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All SA16-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 SA16-E3/73 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA16-E3/73?

All SA16-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA16-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 SA16-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for SA16-E3/73:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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