Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA170A-E3/54
- Part No.:
- SA170A-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA170A-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 170VWM 275VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,435
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Product details
Overview
SA170A-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features 170 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 189–209 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 275 V clamping voltage at 1.8 A peak pulse current, 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability.
For engineers reviewing the SA170A-E3/54 datasheet, SA170A-E3/54 pinout, SA170A-E3/54 application, or SA170A-E3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 10/1000 µs surge, unidirectional polarity with cathode band marking, thermal derating above 25 °C, and compatibility with J-STD-002 solderability standards.
Technical Context
The SA170A-E3/54 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, delivering fast response (<1 ns) to transient overvoltages. Its unidirectional configuration enables integration into DC power rails and signal lines where reverse conduction must be blocked, while maintaining low incremental surge resistance and stable clamping across temperature.
It is rated for 175 °C maximum junction temperature and supports 70 A non-repetitive forward surge current (10 ms half-sine). The device complies with AEC-Q101 stress testing for automotive applications and meets UL 94 V-0 flammability requirements via its molded epoxy case.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 170 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR (min/max) | 189 V / 209 V at 1.0 mA - Ensures reliable avalanche initiation within defined tolerance band |
| VC @ IPPM | 275 V at 1.8 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs surge, limiting downstream component stress |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling capability under standardized transient waveform |
| IFSM | 70 A - Withstands 10 ms half-sine surge without degradation, critical for load-dump events |
| TJ max. | 175 °C - Enables operation in under-hood automotive environments and industrial enclosures |
| Leakage ID | 1.0 µA @ VWM - Minimal standby power loss and signal integrity impact in high-impedance circuits |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-15 (DO-204AC), axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case with matte tin-plated leads. Cathode identified by color band on body end.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / Surge return path | Connected to ground or low-side reference in unidirectional clamp configuration |
| Cathode | Clamping node / High-side connection | Marked with band; ties to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail or CAN_H); conducts avalanche current to anode during overvoltage |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures long-term stability and low leakage drift under thermal cycling and humidity exposure |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Provides robust protection against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1, 2a, 3a/b, and IEC 61000-4-5 surges |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive electronics including engine control units, body controllers, and ADAS sensors |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Meets flame-retardancy requirements for enclosed industrial and transportation systems |
| Solderable per J-STD-002 & JESD 22-B102 | Guarantees reliable wetting and joint integrity during reflow or wave soldering processes |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V supply inputs in engine control modules from load dump and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between power rail and chassis ground to clamp surges above 170 V. Use Value: Limits clamped voltage to 275 V, preventing damage to downstream PMICs and microcontrollers rated for ≤30 V absolute maximum. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA current loop) in factory automation sensors exposed to ESD and inductive switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Connected in parallel with sensor output to shunt transients before reaching ADC input or isolation amplifier. Use Value: Sub-1 ns response and 1.0 µA leakage preserve signal accuracy and minimize offset error in precision measurement circuits. |
| Telecom Line Card Surge Protection | Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage |
Use Scenario: Front-end protection on AC/DC converter inputs in telecom base station line cards subjected to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage unidirectional suppressor on rectified DC bus prior to bulk capacitor and controller IC. Use Value: 500 W rating and 70 A IFSM withstand repeated 10 ms surges without parameter shift or failure. | Use Scenario: Secondary-side DC output protection in USB-C PD adapters to prevent overvoltage damage during fault conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed across +VOUT and GND to clamp regulator output faults or feedback loop failures. Use Value: 170 V VWM allows use with 12–48 V output rails; DO-15 package enables manual or automated through-hole assembly. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ170A-E3/57 | Same VWM (170 V), lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (surface-mount) | Requires PCB redesign for SMT placement; lacks AEC-Q101 qualification | Select when board space is constrained and automotive qualification is not required |
| 1.5KE170A | Higher PPPM (1500 W), DO-201 package, same VWM, no AEC-Q101 | Larger footprint and higher clamping voltage (275 V → 291 V); suited for industrial mains-level protection | Choose for higher-energy surge immunity where DO-15 size and automotive compliance are secondary |
Compared with SMAJ170A-E3/57 and 1.5KE170A, the SA170A-E3/54 uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-15 through-hole reliability, and precise 275 V clamping-making it optimal for automotive and high-reliability industrial designs where qualification and mechanical robustness are mandatory.
Availability
SA170A-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial sensor interfaces, telecom line cards, and consumer power adapter designs requiring stable component supply and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for SA170A-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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and application-specific performance.
The SAxxA series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS portfolio, engineered for robust transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and communications systems where consistent clamping and qualification compliance are critical.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SA170A-E3/54 under standard test conditions?
The SA170A-E3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 275 V at 1.8 A peak pulse current (IPPM) using the 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and ensures predictable voltage limiting during transient events. The SA170A-E3/54 maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range and is validated in production testing per Vishay's quality protocols.
Is the SA170A-E3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the SA170A-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive use. Its construction-including glass-passivated junction, UL 94 V-0 epoxy, and 175 °C maximum junction temperature-meets stress-test requirements for engine bay and chassis-mounted electronics. The SA170A-E3/54 is commonly deployed in powertrain control modules and body electronics where load dump and jump-start surges occur.
How does the SA170A-E3/54 differ from bidirectional variants like SA170CA?
The SA170A-E3/54 is unidirectional, with a cathode band marking and forward conduction capability up to 70 A, whereas SA170CA is bidirectional and lacks polarity marking. The SA170A-E3/54 blocks reverse current and clamps only positive transients relative to ground, making it ideal for DC power rail protection. SA170CA is used in AC-coupled or differential signal lines where symmetrical clamping is required.
What is the lead finish and solderability specification for SA170A-E3/54?
The SA170A-E3/54 features matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 (solderability) and JESD 22-B102 (dip solderability). It withstands solder dip at 275 °C for up to 10 seconds per JESD 22-B106. The E3 suffix confirms compliance with JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing, ensuring long-term interconnect reliability in vibration-prone environments.
Can SA170A-E3/54 be used in parallel for higher surge current handling?
No-parallel connection of SA170A-E3/54 devices is not recommended due to mismatch in VBR (189–209 V) causing uneven current sharing and potential thermal runaway. For higher surge ratings, select a single higher-rated device such as 1.5KE170A (1500 W) or verify derating curves in the SA170A-E3/54 datasheet for repetitive pulse conditions. The SA170A-E3/54 is characterized for individual use in standardized surge waveforms.
SA170A-E3/54 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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 170V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 189V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 275V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 1.8A
- 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)
SA170A-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA170A-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA170A-E3/54 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 SA170A-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA170A-E3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA170A-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA170A-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA170A-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA170A-E3/54?
SA170A-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA170A-E3/54 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 SA170A-E3/54?
For technical support, including SA170A-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA170A-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA170A-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA170A-E3/54 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 SA170A-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA170A-E3/54?
All SA170A-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA170A-E3/54, 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 SA170A-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA170A-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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