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:
-
SA170CA-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 170VWM 275VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- 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
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 170 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 @ IPPM | 275 V - clamped voltage at 1.8 A peak pulse current, defining worst-case voltage seen by protected circuit |
| PPPM | 500 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-Q101 | Qualified - 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/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional avalanche junction | No designated anode/cathode; terminals interchangeable - suppresses transients regardless of polarity |
| Lead 1 | Current path terminal | Connects to protected line (e.g., CAN_H or RS-485 A); no DC bias dependency |
| Lead 2 | Current path terminal | Connects to reference plane (e.g., ground or common return); forms low-impedance shunt during surge |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures 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 qualification | Validates reliability for automotive applications including body control modules and ADAS sensor interfaces |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a) |
| DO-15 mechanical robustness | Withstands 275 °C solder dip (10 s) and meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance |
Applications
| Automotive CAN Bus Protection | Industrial 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 Protection | Smart 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 Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ170CA | Same 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 environments | Select SMAJ170CA only when board area is critical and peak surge duty cycle remains <0.005 % |
| P6SMB170CA | Same 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 temperature | Choose 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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