Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA17-E3/73
- Part No.:
- SA17-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA17-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17VWM 30.5VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,859
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Product details
Overview
SA17-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, designed for circuit-level ESD and surge protection. It features a 17 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 18.9–20.9 V breakdown voltage (VBR) 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 - deployed on power rails and I/O lines of automotive body control modules.
For engineers reviewing the SA17-E3/73 datasheet, SA17-E3/73 pinout, SA17-E3/73 application, or SA17-E3/73 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, polarity marking guidance, clamping behavior under surge, thermal derating curves, and direct alternatives with documented parameter divergence - all aligned to Vishay's 88378 specification revision.
Technical Context
This unidirectional TVS operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: when reverse voltage exceeds VWM = 17 V, it avalanches at VBR = 18.9–20.9 V (tested at IT = 1 mA) and clamps transient energy to ≤27.6 V at IPPM = 18.1 A. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1.0 μA at VWM) and fast response (<1 ns).
Thermal performance is defined by TJmax = 175 °C, steady-state power dissipation PD = 3.0 W (at TL = 75 °C), and surge robustness up to IFSM = 70 A (10 ms half-sine). Polarity is marked by a cathode band; no marking applies to bi-directional variants - not applicable here.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 17 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates; sets protection threshold for 12 V automotive systems. |
| VBR (min/max) | 18.9 V / 20.9 V at IT = 1 mA - guaranteed avalanche onset range; ensures consistent triggering across temperature and unit variance. |
| VC @ IPPM | 27.6 V at 18.1 A (10/1000 μs) - clamped voltage during worst-case surge; determines protected IC's maximum stress level. |
| PPPM | 500 W - peak transient power handling capability; supports ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a and IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 surges. |
| IFSM | 70 A - non-repetitive forward surge rating; enables use in DC power line protection without fuse coordination issues. |
| TJmax | 175 °C - maximum junction temperature; allows operation in under-hood environments with minimal thermal margin loss. |
| Leakage ID | <1.0 μA at VWM - ultra-low reverse leakage preserves battery life in always-on automotive circuits. |
Pinout & Package
SA17-E3/73 uses the DO-204AC (DO-15) axial-leaded package: molded epoxy body, matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002, RoHS-compliant (E3 suffix), and qualified to JESD 201 Class 1A whisker test. Polarity is indicated by a single color band denoting the cathode terminal.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (unmarked end) | Forward current entry / low-impedance path during surge conduction | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); carries full surge current during clamping. |
| Cathode (banded end) | Reverse-biased reference node / clamping node | Connected to ground or lower-potential return; defines VWM and VBR reference point. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity exposure. |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands repetitive transients per ISO 7637-2 without degradation - suitable for engine control unit (ECU) power inputs. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive applications including temperature cycling, mechanical shock, and board-level reliability testing. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., load dump), improving protection margin for downstream MOSFETs. |
| Solderable per JESD 22-B102 | Supports standard wave and reflow processes without lead damage or delamination - compatible with high-volume automotive PCB assembly. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V supply lines in body control modules against load dump and alternator transients per ISO 7637-2. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt-type transient suppressor placed between VBAT and chassis ground, triggered within nanoseconds upon overvoltage. Use Value: Clamps peak voltage to ≤27.6 V, preventing damage to 36 V-rated power management ICs and enabling compliance with OEM surge immunity requirements. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) connected to PLC I/O modules exposed to field wiring surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional-capable protection element (though SA17-E3/73 is unidirectional, used in grounded-signal configurations) limiting induced transients on signal returns. Use Value: Sub-1 μA leakage avoids signal offset errors; 27.6 V clamping prevents latch-up in 24 V industrial ADC front-ends. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage | Telecom Line Card Surge Suppression |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary-side DC input protection in wall adapters subjected to lightning-induced surges on AC mains coupling through Y-capacitors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage clamp after primary-side MOV and secondary-side filter, absorbing residual energy before DC-DC converter input. Use Value: 500 W rating handles coupled 1 kV/500 A surges; DO-15 package fits compact adapter layouts without thermal derating penalties. |
Use Scenario: Protecting Ethernet PHY interface power pins (e.g., +3.3 V bias) on telecom line cards from ESD and induced surges on adjacent copper traces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized TVS placed directly at connector feedthrough, minimizing trace inductance to preserve clamping speed. Use Value: 17 V VWM matches 3.3 V rail with sufficient margin; 27.6 V VC stays below absolute maximum ratings of Gigabit PHYs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ17A-E3/5A (Vishay) | Same VWM (17 V), identical DO-214AC (SMA) package, but lower PPPM = 400 W and higher VC = 27.7 V at 14.3 A. | Suitable for space-constrained PCBs where surface-mount is mandatory; less robust for high-energy automotive pulses. | Select SMAJ17A-E3/5A only if board layout requires SMD and surge energy remains below 400 W limits. |
| 1.5KE18A (ON Semiconductor) | Same VWM/VBR range, DO-201AD package, PPPM = 1500 W, but larger footprint and no AEC-Q101 qualification. | Used in industrial power supplies requiring higher surge margin; lacks automotive qualification and tighter VBR tolerance. | Choose 1.5KE18A for non-automotive 1500 W surge needs; avoid where AEC-Q101 or tight parametric control is required. |
Compared with SMAJ17A-E3/5A and 1.5KE18A, SA17-E3/73 offers optimal balance of automotive qualification, 500 W surge capacity, and axial-leaded DO-15 compatibility - making it preferred for cost-sensitive, through-hole automotive modules where thermal mass and mounting stability matter.
Availability
SA17-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, consumer power adapters, and telecom line card designs requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and AEC-Q101-compliant surge protection.
Supply support for SA17-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, rectifiers, TVS devices, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific validation.
The SAxx series was engineered specifically for automotive and industrial transient suppression - delivering standardized VWM steps, AEC-Q101 qualification, and consistent clamping performance across temperature and surge repetition rates.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA17-E3/73 under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The SA17-E3/73 clamps to a maximum of 27.6 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 18.1 A using the 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 transient events. The SA17-E3/73 maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range.
Is SA17-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SA17-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive use, including under-hood environments with operating junction temperatures up to 175 °C. Its glass-passivated junction, low leakage, and validated surge performance per ISO 7637-2 make it appropriate for ECUs, body control modules, and infotainment power rails. The SA17-E3/73 meets automotive reliability and qualification requirements as documented in Vishay's official specification.
What does the "E3/73" suffix indicate in SA17-E3/73?
The "E3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade construction with matte tin-plated leads meeting J-STD-002 solderability and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance. The "/73" refers to Vishay's internal packaging code for DO-204AC (DO-15) in 7-inch tape-and-reel format with 2500 units per reel. This distinguishes SA17-E3/73 from other variants like SA17-E3/54 (4000 units/reel) and confirms its physical form factor and compliance status.
How does SA17-E3/73 differ from bi-directional SA17CA variants?
SA17-E3/73 is unidirectional with a cathode band marking and conducts only in reverse avalanche mode; SA17CA is bi-directional, has no polarity marking, and clamps symmetrically in both directions. Their VWM and VBR values are identical, but SA17-E3/73 cannot protect AC-coupled or floating signal lines without external biasing. The SA17-E3/73 is intended for DC power rail or grounded-signal protection where polarity is fixed.
What is the thermal derating behavior of SA17-E3/73 above 25 °C ambient?
SA17-E3/73 follows Vishay's standard derating curve: its peak pulse power remains at 500 W up to TJ = 25 °C, then linearly decreases to zero at TJ = 175 °C. For steady-state dissipation, PD = 3.0 W is rated at lead temperature TL = 75 °C and drops to ~1.5 W at TL = 125 °C per Figure 5 in document 88378. The SA17-E3/73 must be mounted with adequate copper area or heatsinking to maintain safe junction temperatures under repeated surges.
SA17-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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 17V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 18.9V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 30.5V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 16.4A
- 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)
SA17-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA17-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA17-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 SA17-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA17-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 SA17-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA17-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA17-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA17-E3/73?
SA17-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA17-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 SA17-E3/73?
For technical support, including SA17-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA17-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA17-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA17-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 SA17-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA17-E3/73?
All SA17-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA17-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 SA17-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA17-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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