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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA170CA-E3/73

Part No.:
SA170CA-E3/73
Manufacturer:
Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
Category:
TVS Diodes
Package:
DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
Datasheet:
AetrixSA170CA-E3/73.pdf
Description:
TVS DIODE 170VWM 275VC DO204AC
Quantity:
Payment:
Payment
Shipping:
Shipping

Inventory:6,913

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Product details

Overview

SA170CA-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, rated for 170 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 209 V minimum breakdown voltage (VBR), 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 275 V maximum clamping voltage at 1.8 A IPPM, and AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive-grade reliability. It protects sensitive signal lines and power rails against inductive switching transients and ESD in industrial sensor interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the SA170CA-E3/73 datasheet, SA170CA-E3/73 pinout, SA170CA-E3/73 application, or SA170CA-E3/73 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, clamping behavior under surge conditions, thermal derating curves, DO-15 mechanical dimensions, and validated alternatives for overvoltage protection design-in.

Technical Context

The SA170CA-E3/73 operates as a bidirectional avalanche diode with symmetrical clamping in both polarities, enabling suppression of positive and negative transients without polarity sensitivity. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance and low leakage (<1.0 μA at 170 V), while its 175 °C max junction temperature supports operation in under-hood automotive environments.

It delivers 500 W peak pulse power per 10/1000 μs waveform at TA = 25 °C, with clamping voltage tightly bounded at 275 V (typ.) at 1.8 A peak pulse current - critical for safeguarding 170 V-rated bus systems. Thermal derating begins above 25 °C ambient, with steady-state power dissipation limited to 3.0 W on infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C.

Key Specifications

ParameterValue and Actual Design Meaning
VWM170 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates
VBR (min)189 V - guaranteed avalanche onset voltage at 1 mA test current, ensuring predictable turn-on
VC @ IPPM275 V - clamped voltage at 1.8 A peak pulse current, defining worst-case voltage seen by protected circuit
PPPM500 W - surge energy handling capacity per 10/1000 μs waveform, supporting IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 compliance
ID @ VWM<1.0 μA - ultra-low reverse leakage preserves signal integrity and minimizes standby power loss
TJ max.+175 °C - enables deployment in high-temperature automotive and industrial control enclosures
AEC-Q101Qualified - meets stress-test requirements for automotive electronic components including HTOL, TCT, and ESD

Pinout & Package

SA170CA-E3/73 uses the DO-15 (DO-204AC) axial-leaded package: molded epoxy body, matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002, UL 94 V-0 rated, with no polarity marking (bidirectional configuration).

Pin/TerminalCircuit RoleDesign Meaning
Anode/Cathode (symmetrical)Bidirectional avalanche junctionNo designated anode/cathode; terminals interchangeable - suppresses transients regardless of polarity
Lead 1Current path terminalConnects to protected line (e.g., CAN_H or RS-485 A); no DC bias dependency
Lead 2Current path terminalConnects to reference plane (e.g., ground or common return); forms low-impedance shunt during surge

Key Features

FeatureDesign Value
Glass-passivated junctionEnsures stable VBR over lifetime and resistance to humidity-induced parameter drift
500 W peak pulse rating (10/1000 μs)Supports robust protection against lightning-induced surges and inductive kickback in 24 V/48 V industrial buses
AEC-Q101 qualificationValidates reliability for automotive applications including body control modules and ADAS sensor interfaces
Low incremental surge resistanceMinimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a)
DO-15 mechanical robustnessWithstands 275 °C solder dip (10 s) and meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance

Applications

Automotive CAN Bus ProtectionIndustrial RS-485 Interface

Use Scenario: Protecting CAN_H/CAN_L lines in vehicle ECUs from load dump and ESD events per ISO 16750-2 and ISO 10605.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed across differential pair, referenced to chassis ground.

Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤275 V, preserving CAN transceiver integrity without affecting 1 Mbps signaling integrity.

Use Scenario: Safeguarding RS-485 transceivers in factory automation PLCs exposed to motor drive noise and ground loop surges.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Line-to-line and line-to-ground TVS on A/B bus lines, installed adjacent to connector entry point.

Use Value: Clamps 1 kV/42 Ω surge (IEC 61000-4-5) within 1 ns, preventing latch-up or permanent damage to MAX1487-level ICs.

Telecom Power Feed ProtectionSmart Meter AC Mains Input

Use Scenario: Shielding PoE-powered Ethernet switches from induced surges on 48 V DC feed lines.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-stage TVS after primary MOV, placed on DC input rail before DC/DC converter.

Use Value: Absorbs residual 500 W surge energy not handled by upstream protection, maintaining <100 ns response time.

Use Scenario: Overvoltage hardening of 230 V AC input stage in utility smart meters subjected to lightning-induced grid transients.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamp between live/neutral and earth, coordinated with GDT and varistor staging.

Use Value: Provides precise 275 V clamping ceiling to prevent overvoltage stress on rectifier and metering ICs during 6 kV ring wave tests.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative PartTechnical DifferenceApplication DifferenceSelection Advice
SMAJ170CASame VWM (170 V), same DO-214AC package, lower PPPM (400 W), higher ID (5 μA)Suitable for space-constrained PCBs but requires derating in high-repetition surge environmentsSelect SMAJ170CA only when board area is critical and peak surge duty cycle remains <0.005 %
P6SMB170CASame VWM (170 V), DO-214AA package, identical 500 W rating, tighter VBR tolerance (±5 % vs ±6.5 %)Better suited for precision clamping where consistent turn-on voltage is required across temperatureChoose P6SMB170CA when matching clamping performance across production lots is prioritized over cost

Compared with SA170CA-E3/73, SMAJ170CA trades peak power headroom for smaller footprint, while P6SMB170CA offers tighter VBR consistency at equivalent surge capability - both require layout review due to differing thermal mass and lead inductance.

Availability

SA170CA-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive CAN bus protection, industrial RS-485 interface hardening, and telecom power feed surge suppression requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 traceability.

Supply support for SA170CA-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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and automotive qualification.

The SAxxCA series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS portfolio, engineered specifically for bidirectional transient suppression in harsh environments where polarity-agnostic clamping and AEC-Q101 compliance are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of SA170CA-E3/73 at its rated peak pulse current?

The SA170CA-E3/73 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 275 V when subjected to its specified peak pulse current (IPPM) of 1.8 A under a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 9 in the official Vishay datasheet (Doc. #88378) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The SA170CA-E3/73 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.

Is SA170CA-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, SA170CA-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified, confirming its suitability for automotive applications including engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces. The qualification covers high-temperature operating life (HTOL), temperature cycling (TCT), and ESD testing per JESD22 standards. Its 175 °C maximum junction temperature and DO-15 mechanical robustness further support under-hood deployment. SA170CA-E3/73 meets these requirements without derating.

Does SA170CA-E3/73 have polarity markings on the package?

No, SA170CA-E3/73 has no polarity markings because it is a bidirectional TVS diode. The device functions identically regardless of orientation across the protected line - both terminals serve as symmetrical avalanche junctions. This eliminates installation errors in differential or AC-coupled circuits such as CAN, RS-485, or telecom feeds. The absence of band marking is explicitly noted in the Vishay datasheet for all CA-suffix variants.

What is the maximum reverse leakage current for SA170CA-E3/73 at its stand-off voltage?

The maximum reverse leakage current (ID) for SA170CA-E3/73 is 1.0 μA when biased at its rated stand-off voltage (VWM) of 170 V and tested at TA = 25 °C. This ultra-low leakage preserves signal integrity in high-impedance sensor interfaces and minimizes standby power loss in battery-backed systems. Leakage remains below 5 μA up to TJ = 125 °C per derating curves in the SA170CA-E3/73 datasheet.

Can SA170CA-E3/73 be used in place of unidirectional TVS diodes like SA170A-E3/73?

No, SA170CA-E3/73 cannot directly replace unidirectional types such as SA170A-E3/73 in DC-biased circuits requiring forward conduction, because SA170CA-E3/73 blocks in both directions and lacks a defined cathode. While both share identical VWM and VBR ranges, SA170CA-E3/73 is intended for AC or differential applications (e.g., CAN, RS-485), whereas SA170A-E3/73 serves DC power rail protection. Substitution requires schematic and layout validation.

SA170CA-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:
Active
Type:
Zener
Unidirectional Channels:
-
Bidirectional Channels:
1
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)

SA170CA-E3/73 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for SA170CA-E3/73 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA170CA-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 SA170CA-E3/73 reliable?

The price and inventory of SA170CA-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 SA170CA-E3/73 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for SA170CA-E3/73?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA170CA-E3/73 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for SA170CA-E3/73?

SA170CA-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your SA170CA-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 SA170CA-E3/73?

For technical support, including SA170CA-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA170CA-E3/73 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that SA170CA-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All SA170CA-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 SA170CA-E3/73 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA170CA-E3/73?

All SA170CA-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA170CA-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 SA170CA-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for SA170CA-E3/73:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

SA170CA-E3/73 Tags

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