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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA170C-E3/73

Part No.:
SA170C-E3/73
Manufacturer:
Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
Category:
TVS Diodes
Package:
DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
Datasheet:
AetrixSA170C-E3/73.pdf
Description:
TVS DIODE 170VWM 304VC DO204AC
Quantity:
Payment:
Payment
Shipping:
Shipping

Inventory:4,098

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Product details

Overview

SA170C-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bi-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode designed for high-energy surge protection in DC power lines and signal interfaces. It features a 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 operates across –55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature - deployed in automotive power rail and industrial sensor interface protection.

For engineers reviewing the SA170C-E3/73 datasheet, SA170C-E3/73 pinout, SA170C-E3/73 application, or SA170C-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include verified bi-directional clamping performance under 10/1000 μs transients, AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use, DO-204AC (DO-15) package compatibility, and low leakage (<1.0 μA at VWM) in high-impedance sensing circuits.

Technical Context

The SA170C-E3/73 employs a glass-passivated silicon junction optimized for fast response (<1.0 ns) to ESD and lightning-induced surges. Its bi-directional architecture enables symmetric clamping in AC-coupled or floating signal paths without polarity constraints, supporting both positive and negative transient suppression with identical VBR min/max (189 V / 209 V) and VC (275 V).

Thermal design leverages a 175 °C max junction rating and 3.0 W steady-state power dissipation on infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C. The device meets JESD 22-B106 solderability (275 °C, 10 s) and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance, confirming suitability for reflow and wave-soldered automotive PCB assemblies.

Key Specifications

Parameter Value and Actual Design Meaning
VWM 170 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe DC bias margin in 12–48 V automotive systems.
VBR (min/max) 189 V / 209 V at IT = 1.0 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold range ensures reliable turn-on during overvoltage events without premature conduction.
VC @ IPPM 275 V at 1.8 A (10/1000 μs) - Clamping voltage directly limits downstream IC stress; 275 V ceiling protects 300 V-rated MOSFETs and gate drivers.
PPPM 500 W - Peak surge energy handling capability per single 10/1000 μs waveform; sufficient for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2/5a in 24 V vehicle networks.
ID @ VWM <1.0 μA - Ultra-low reverse leakage preserves signal integrity in high-impedance sensor bias networks and battery-monitoring inputs.
TJ max +175 °C - Enables placement near hot components (e.g., power converters) without thermal derating in engine control units.
AEC-Q101 Qualified - Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD (HBM ≥ 8 kV), supporting ASIL-B system integration.

Pinout & Package

Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), 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. Bi-directional construction has no polarity marking.

Pin/Terminal Circuit Role Design Meaning
Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) Bi-directional surge current path Either terminal accepts transient current in either direction; no cathode band - eliminates orientation errors during automated placement.
Case (body) Non-electrical mechanical interface DO-15 body provides mechanical anchoring and thermal mass; no electrical connection - simplifies layout with no ground tie requirement.

Key Features

Feature Design Value
Glass-passivated junction Enables stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under humidity and thermal cycling - critical for under-hood automotive modules.
500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) Handles repetitive load-dump surges up to 4 pulses/minute without degradation - validated per ISO 7637-2 Clause 5.
AEC-Q101 qualification Confirms robustness against mechanical shock, vibration, and high-temperature storage - required for powertrain and chassis ECUs.
Low incremental surge resistance Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ESD contact discharge), reducing risk of latch-up in connected logic.
JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance Prevents tin whisker growth in high-reliability applications - essential for long-life industrial controllers and medical power supplies.

Applications

Automotive Power Rail Protection Industrial Sensor Interface

Use Scenario: Protecting 24 V supply lines in engine control units against ISO 7637-2 load dump (Pulse 5a) and jump-start transients.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping element placed upstream of DC/DC converters and microcontroller power inputs.

Use Value: Limits voltage excursion to ≤275 V during 100 V/350 ms load dump, preventing damage to 300 V-rated input capacitors and PMICs.

Use Scenario: Shielding analog outputs of pressure/temperature sensors in factory automation PLC I/O modules from inductive switching noise.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional shunt protector on 4–20 mA current loop or ±10 V analog output lines.

Use Value: Suppresses 500 W surges while maintaining <1.0 μA leakage, preserving 16-bit ADC accuracy and avoiding zero-point drift.

Telecom Line Interface Renewable Energy Inverter Control

Use Scenario: Safeguarding RS-485 transceivers in outdoor base station backhaul links exposed to lightning-induced common-mode surges.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level TVS on differential bus lines, coordinated with primary gas discharge tube (GDT) front-end.

Use Value: Responds in <1 ns to clamp residual transients to 275 V after GDT crowbarring, protecting 3.3 V transceiver I/O pins.

Use Scenario: Protecting gate drive signals of SiC MOSFETs in solar string inverters subjected to grid-switching transients and PV array arcing.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized clamping on isolated gate driver secondary side (e.g., transformer-coupled output).

Use Value: Withstands 175 °C ambient operation near heatsinks and clamps gate-source voltage to safe levels (<20 V) during dV/dt spikes.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part Technical Difference Application Difference Selection Advice
SMBJ170CA Same VWM (170 V), same DO-214AA package; lower PPPM (600 W vs. 500 W), higher VC (277 V vs. 275 V), non-AEC-Q101 rated. Preferred for commercial telecom equipment where AEC-Q101 is not mandated and higher surge margin is needed. Select SMBJ170CA only when board space allows larger SMB package and automotive qualification is unnecessary.
1.5KE170CA Same VWM (170 V), axial DO-201AD package; higher PPPM (1500 W), slower response (>5 ns), no AEC-Q101 qualification. Suitable for bulk power supply input stages where physical size and cost outweigh speed and automotive compliance. Choose 1.5KE170CA for high-energy AC line protection where leaded mounting and thermal mass are advantageous.

Compared with SMBJ170CA and 1.5KE170CA, the SA170C-E3/73 uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-15 compactness, and precise 275 V clamping - making it the only option qualified for space-constrained, high-reliability automotive power domains.

Availability

SA170C-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, industrial sensor interface hardening, and telecom line surge suppression requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for SA170C-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 high-reliability diodes, MOSFETs, and optoelectronics for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.

The SAxxxC series delivers AEC-Q101-qualified bi-directional TVS diodes optimized for robust, low-leakage transient suppression in harsh-environment power and signal lines - targeting engine control, battery management, and industrial I/O.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of the SA170C-E3/73 under a 10/1000 μs surge?

The SA170C-E3/73 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 275 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 1.8 A with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 7 in Vishay document 88378 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during standardized surge events - critical for ensuring downstream 300 V-rated components remain within safe operating area.

Is the SA170C-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, the SA170C-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified per Vishay documentation, confirming compliance with stress tests including high-temperature reverse bias, temperature cycling, and mechanical shock. Its DO-204AC package, 175 °C max junction temperature, and 1.0 μA leakage at 170 V make SA170C-E3/73 appropriate for engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS power domains where reliability under thermal and vibration stress is mandatory.

Does the SA170C-E3/73 have polarity markings?

No, the SA170C-E3/73 is a bi-directional TVS diode and carries no polarity marking on its DO-204AC (DO-15) package. As stated in the Vishay datasheet, "no marking on bi-directional types." This symmetry allows unrestricted orientation during PCB assembly and supports AC-coupled or floating signal line protection without concern for anode/cathode alignment.

What is the maximum steady-state power dissipation for the SA170C-E3/73?

The SA170C-E3/73 has a maximum steady-state power dissipation (PD) of 3.0 W when mounted on an infinite heatsink at a lead temperature (TL) of 75 °C, as specified in the "Maximum Ratings" table of Vishay document 88378. This rating governs continuous power handling in thermally constrained environments and must be derated linearly above 75 °C per the curve in Figure 5.

How does the SA170C-E3/73 differ from the uni-directional SA170A-E3/73?

The SA170C-E3/73 is bi-directional with symmetric clamping in both polarities and no cathode band, whereas the SA170A-E3/73 is uni-directional with a marked cathode end and forward voltage drop (~3.5 V at 100 A). SA170C-E3/73 supports AC or floating node protection; SA170A-E3/73 is limited to DC rails with defined polarity - making SA170C-E3/73 the correct choice for RS-485 buses or transformer-isolated interfaces.

SA170C-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:
-
Bidirectional Channels:
1
Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
170V
Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
189V
Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
304V
Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
1.6A
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)

SA170C-E3/73 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for SA170C-E3/73 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA170C-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 SA170C-E3/73 reliable?

The price and inventory of SA170C-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 SA170C-E3/73 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for SA170C-E3/73?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA170C-E3/73 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for SA170C-E3/73?

SA170C-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your SA170C-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 SA170C-E3/73?

For technical support, including SA170C-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA170C-E3/73 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that SA170C-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All SA170C-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 SA170C-E3/73 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA170C-E3/73?

All SA170C-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA170C-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 SA170C-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for SA170C-E3/73:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

SA170C-E3/73 Tags

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