Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA17-E3/54

Overview

SA17-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, designed for primary overvoltage protection of DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 17 V stand-off voltage (V_WM), 18.9–20.9 V breakdown voltage (V_BR) at 1 mA, 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), clamping voltage of 27.6 V at 18.1 A, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability.

For engineers reviewing the SA17-E3/54 datasheet, SA17-E3/54 pinout, SA17-E3/54 application, or SA17-E3/54 equivalent, this device is selected for robust transient suppression in 12 V automotive subsystems, industrial sensor interfaces, and DC power input stages where fast response (<1 ns), low clamping ratio, and high surge current tolerance are required.

Technical Context

The SA17-E3/54 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, enabling precise breakdown behavior and stable clamping under repetitive transients. Its unidirectional polarity uses a cathode band marking and supports forward conduction only during reverse overvoltage events - not intended for rectification.

It delivers 500 W peak pulse power per 10/1000 µs waveform at T_A = 25 °C, derates linearly above 25 °C per Fig. 2, and sustains 70 A non-repetitive forward surge (10 ms half-sine). Maximum junction temperature is 175 °C, and it meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DO-204AC (DO-15) package: axial-leaded, molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002. Cathode identified by color band; anode is unmarked end.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMAJ17A-E3/52 and P6KE17A, the SA17-E3/54 uniquely combines 500 W capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, and through-hole DO-15 packaging - making it optimal for legacy automotive harness interfaces and service-replaceable protection modules requiring mechanical robustness and qualification traceability.

Availability

SA17-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power input protection, industrial sensor signal line protection, and DC power supply output clamping requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for SA17-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, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, precision, and automotive-grade qualification.

The SAxx series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure applications demanding AEC-Q101 validation and repeatable clamping performance.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of the SA17-E3/54 and how does it protect downstream components?

The SA17-E3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 27.6 V at 18.1 A peak pulse current (10/1000 µs). This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on the protected line during surge events. By limiting transient voltage to ≤27.6 V, the SA17-E3/54 prevents overstress of downstream ICs such as microcontrollers, CAN transceivers, and voltage regulators rated for 30 V absolute maximum. Its low dynamic impedance ensures rapid voltage stabilization under high di/dt conditions.

Is the SA17-E3/54 suitable for automotive applications, and what qualifications does it hold?

Yes, the SA17-E3/54 is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified per the Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 88378, Revision: 18-Sep-12). This qualification validates its reliability under automotive temperature cycling, humidity bias, mechanical shock, and accelerated life testing. The SA17-E3/54 is commonly deployed in engine control units, body control modules, and infotainment systems where sustained operation from –55 °C to +175 °C and immunity to load dump pulses are mandatory.

How does the SA17-E3/54 differ from bi-directional TVS diodes like SA17CA?

The SA17-E3/54 is unidirectional and functions only during reverse-biased overvoltage events - it blocks forward current beyond ~3.5 V but clamps in reverse above V_BR. In contrast, SA17CA is bi-directional and clamps symmetrically for both polarities, making it suitable for AC lines or data buses like RS-485. The SA17-E3/54's unidirectional design provides lower leakage (<1 µA at 17 V) and tighter V_BR tolerance, ideal for DC power rail protection where polarity is fixed.

What is the meaning of the "E3/54" suffix in SA17-E3/54?

The "E3" suffix indicates RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade construction with matte tin-plated leads meeting JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance. The "/54" denotes the preferred package code for DO-204AC (DO-15) in 13-inch paper tape and reel packaging, with a base quantity of 4000 units per reel. This ordering format aligns with Vishay's standard logistics coding and ensures compatibility with automated pick-and-place and through-hole insertion equipment.

Can the SA17-E3/54 be used in parallel to increase surge current handling?

No - paralleling SA17-E3/54 devices is not recommended due to mismatch in V_BR tolerance (18.9–20.9 V) and dynamic impedance, which causes uneven current sharing and potential thermal runaway. For higher surge ratings, select a single device with higher P_PPM (e.g., P6KE17A at 600 W) or implement staged protection with series impedance. The SA17-E3/54 is characterized and qualified as a standalone unit; its 500 W rating assumes proper PCB thermal relief and ambient derating per Fig. 2.