Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA170CHE3/73
- Part No.:
- SA170CHE3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA170CHE3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 170VWM 304VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,273
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Product details
Overview
SA170CHE3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bi-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, rated for 170 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 209 V minimum breakdown voltage (VBR), and 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs). It provides robust clamping for automotive and industrial electronics against inductive switching transients and ESD events.
For engineers reviewing the SA170CHE3/73 datasheet, SA170CHE3/73 pinout, SA170CHE3/73 application, or SA170CHE3/73 equivalent, this AEC-Q101 qualified TVS offers verified bi-directional clamping performance, low incremental surge resistance, and RoHS-compliant matte tin-plated leads suitable for J-STD-002 soldering - critical for high-reliability power rail and signal line protection.
Technical Context
The SA170CHE3/73 operates as a bi-directional avalanche diode with symmetrical clamping in both polarities, enabling transient suppression on AC-coupled or floating lines without polarity concerns. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5 %) and low leakage (<1.0 μA at 170 V).
Designed for repetitive surge handling under 0.01 % duty cycle, it delivers 275 A peak pulse current (IPPM) with a maximum clamping voltage of 208 V at that current, maintaining <1 ns response time and thermal stability up to TJ = 175 °C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 170 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR (min) | 189 V - Minimum breakdown voltage at 1.0 mA test current; defines reliable conduction onset |
| VC @ IPPM | 208 V - Clamped voltage at 275 A peak pulse; determines protected circuit's maximum overvoltage stress |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling per 10/1000 μs waveform; sets surge energy absorption capability |
| IPPM | 275 A - Peak pulse current capacity; defines survivability against high-energy transients like ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a |
| TJ max | 175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive environments |
| Leakage @ VWM | <1.0 μA - Ultra-low reverse leakage preserves signal integrity and minimizes standby power loss |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability rating; bi-directional configuration with no polarity marking.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bi-directional avalanche junction terminals | No functional distinction - either lead serves as input/output for transient suppression in AC or floating systems |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units and body electronics requiring extended temperature and reliability compliance |
| Glass passivated chip junction | Ensures stable electrical parameters over lifetime and resistance to humidity-induced degradation |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports protection against severe load dump and inductive kick events per ISO 16750-2 and SAE J1113-11 |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ESD ±15 kV contact discharge) |
| Matte tin plated leads | Guarantees solderability per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102; HE3 suffix meets JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump transients (ISO 16750-2 Pulse 5a) and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional clamping device placed across power input rails to shunt surge energy to ground before downstream regulators or MCUs are stressed. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤208 V during 275 A surges, preventing latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V logic supplies and CAN transceivers. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) connected to microcontrollers in factory automation PLCs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Signal-line TVS mounted at connector entry point to absorb ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and cable discharge events before reaching ADC inputs. Use Value: Clamps transients to ≤208 V with sub-nanosecond response, preserving 12-bit+ measurement accuracy and avoiding false triggers in high-impedance sensor paths. |
| Telecom Line Surge Protection | Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Protection |
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485/RS-232 data lines in base station backhaul equipment exposed to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional TVS placed differential-mode across twisted-pair lines to suppress common-mode and differential-mode transients simultaneously. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by limiting differential overvoltage to ≤208 V while exhibiting <1 pF inter-electrode capacitance - critical for >1 Mbps data rates. | Use Scenario: Suppressing inductive kickback from brushed DC motors in smart home appliances (e.g., washing machine drum drives). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted across motor terminals to clamp flyback voltage spikes generated during PWM commutation or sudden shutdown. Use Value: Absorbs 500 W pulses without degradation, extending MOSFET lifespan and eliminating need for snubber RC networks in cost-sensitive designs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ170CA | Same VWM (170 V), lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (smaller footprint, lower thermal mass) | Preferred for space-constrained PCBs where 400 W surge margin suffices; not AEC-Q101 qualified | Select SMAJ170CA only if board area is critical and automotive qualification is unnecessary |
| 1.5KE170CA | Same VWM (170 V), higher PPPM (1500 W), DO-201AD package (larger, higher thermal inertia) | Suitable for high-energy industrial surge environments (e.g., motor drives); requires larger pad layout and higher mounting torque | Choose 1.5KE170CA when system-level surge testing exceeds IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) |
Compared with SMAJ170CA and 1.5KE170CA, SA170CHE3/73 uniquely balances 500 W surge capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, and DO-15 manufacturability - making it optimal for automotive-grade production where reliability, supply continuity, and through-hole assembly compatibility are prioritized.
Availability
SA170CHE3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, telecom infrastructure, and consumer appliance motor drive circuits requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA170CHE3/73 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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and automotive-grade validation.
The SAxxxC series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS platform, engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive power distribution, industrial control, and communications infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA170CHE3/73 at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA170CHE3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 208 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 275 A (10/1000 μs waveform). This value is measured per standard test conditions in the Vishay datasheet (Document Number 88378) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events. The SA170CHE3/73 maintains this clamping performance consistently across its qualified operating temperature range.
Is SA170CHE3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SA170CHE3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly designed for automotive use, including engine control modules, body electronics, and infotainment power supplies. Its 175 °C maximum junction temperature, glass-passivated junction, and robust surge ratings meet ISO 16750-2 load dump requirements. The HE3 suffix confirms compliance with JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance - a mandatory requirement for under-hood automotive components. SA170CHE3/73 is validated for these conditions per Vishay's qualification report.
How does the bi-directional configuration of SA170CHE3/73 affect its circuit placement?
The bi-directional nature of SA170CHE3/73 means it functions identically regardless of voltage polarity - eliminating the need for orientation during placement and enabling use on AC-coupled lines, floating grounds, or differential signal pairs. Unlike uni-directional TVS diodes, SA170CHE3/73 has no cathode marking and must be installed without regard to lead direction. This simplifies layout and reduces assembly errors in systems such as RS-485 buses or transformer-isolated power rails where polarity reversal may occur.
What is the maximum reverse leakage current for SA170CHE3/73 at its stand-off voltage?
At its rated stand-off voltage of 170 V and ambient temperature of 25 °C, SA170CHE3/73 exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1.0 μA. This ultra-low leakage ensures minimal impact on high-impedance sensor circuits and battery-powered systems where standby current budget is critical. Leakage remains within specification up to 125 °C per Vishay's derating curves, confirming suitability for thermally demanding applications. SA170CHE3/73 achieves this performance via precision-controlled avalanche junction processing.
Does SA170CHE3/73 require heatsinking for continuous power dissipation?
No, SA170CHE3/73 is not intended for continuous power dissipation; its 3.0 W steady-state rating (PD) applies only with infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C and is not relevant for typical TVS operation. The device is designed for transient suppression - conducting only during short-duration surges (≤1000 μs). Its thermal design relies on junction-to-lead conduction, and standard DO-15 PCB pad layouts provide sufficient thermal relief. Continuous DC power dissipation would exceed safe operating limits and cause failure; SA170CHE3/73 must be used strictly as a clamping device, not a voltage regulator.
SA170CHE3/73 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:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AC (DO-15)
SA170CHE3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA170CHE3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA170CHE3/73 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 SA170CHE3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA170CHE3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA170CHE3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA170CHE3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA170CHE3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA170CHE3/73?
SA170CHE3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA170CHE3/73 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 SA170CHE3/73?
For technical support, including SA170CHE3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA170CHE3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA170CHE3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA170CHE3/73 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 SA170CHE3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA170CHE3/73?
All SA170CHE3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA170CHE3/73, 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 SA170CHE3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA170CHE3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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