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Home > Products > Circuit Protection > Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS) > TVS Diodes

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA18A-E3/54

Name: SA18A-E3/54
Brand: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
SKU: SA18A-E3/54
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: SA18A-E3/54

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Category:: TVS Diodes

Package:: DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial

Datasheet:: SA18A-E3/54.pdf

Description:: TVS DIODE 18VWM 29.2VC DO204AC

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Product details

Overview

SA18A-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features 18 V stand-off voltage (V_WM), 20.0–22.1 V breakdown voltage (V_BR at 1.0 mA), 29.2 V clamping voltage (V_C) at 17.1 A peak pulse current, and 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs). It is used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines in industrial power supplies and automotive control modules.

For engineers reviewing the SA18A-E3/54 datasheet, SA18A-E3/54 pinout, SA18A-E3/54 application, or SA18A-E3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, DO-15 mechanical compatibility, 175 °C max junction temperature, AEC-Q101 qualification status, and clamping performance under 10/1000 µs surge conditions.

Technical Context

The SA18A-E3/54 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, enabling fast response (<1 ns) to transient events and low incremental surge resistance. Its unidirectional configuration provides reverse-biased clamping only, with cathode marked by color band and forward voltage ≤3.5 V at 100 A.

It is rated for 500 W peak pulse power per 10/1000 µs waveform at 0.01 % duty cycle, derated linearly above 25 °C ambient, and supports steady-state power dissipation of 3.0 W on infinite heatsink at lead temperature (T_L) = 75 °C. The device meets JESD 22-B106 solderability (275 °C, 10 s) and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_WM	18 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins
V_BR (min/max)	20.0 V / 22.1 V at 1.0 mA - Ensures reliable avalanche initiation within tight tolerance band
V_C @ I_PPM	29.2 V at 17.1 A - Limits downstream voltage stress during 10/1000 µs transients
P_PPM	500 W - Withstands high-energy surges common in inductive load switching
T_J max	175 °C - Enables operation in under-hood automotive and industrial environments
I_F_SM	70 A - Supports robust surge immunity without bond wire fusing
Package	DO-15 (DO-204AC) - Industry-standard through-hole package with 0.258" body length and matte tin leads

Pinout & Package

DO-15 (DO-204AC) molded epoxy package with axial leads; cathode indicated by color band on one end. Matte tin-plated leads comply with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Anode	Forward conduction terminal	Connected to lower-potential side in unidirectional protection; carries full surge current during clamping
Cathode	Avalanche clamping terminal	Marked with color band; referenced to system ground or protected rail; defines V_WM and V_BR thresholds

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Glass passivated chip junction	Enables stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics and long-term reliability under thermal cycling
500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs)	Protects against high-energy transients from relay coil collapse or motor commutation
AEC-Q101 qualified (E3 suffix variant)	Validated for automotive electronic control units requiring zero-failure field performance
Low incremental clamping resistance	Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ESD, lightning-induced surges)
UL 94 V-0 compliant molding compound	Meets flammability safety requirements for enclosed industrial and transportation equipment

Applications

Automotive Power Distribution	Industrial PLC Input Protection
Use Scenario: Protecting microcontroller I/O and gate drivers in 12 V battery-fed engine control modules exposed to load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between protected node and chassis ground to clamp reverse transients while blocking normal forward bias. Use Value: Clamps 29.2 V at 17.1 A ensures MCU supply rails remain below absolute maximum ratings during 100 V/100 ms load dump events.	Use Scenario: Shielding digital input optocouplers and level-shifting circuits in programmable logic controllers subjected to inductive kickback from solenoid valves. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS connected across input terminals to absorb energy before it reaches isolation barrier components. Use Value: 18 V V_WM allows safe operation under nominal 24 V DC input while clamping surges up to 500 W without degradation.
Consumer Appliance Motor Control	Telecom Power Supply Front-End
Use Scenario: Safeguarding H-bridge driver ICs and current-sense amplifiers in smart washing machine motor inverters experiencing back-EMF spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response TVS placed across half-bridge outputs to limit voltage reversal across MOSFETs during commutation. Use Value: Sub-1 ns response time and 29.2 V clamping prevent avalanche failure of 30 V-rated power FETs during repetitive 10/1000 µs surges.	Use Scenario: Protecting AC-DC rectifier output and PFC controller inputs in telecom base station power supplies exposed to lightning-induced surges on primary-side wiring. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-side unidirectional suppressor installed after bridge rectifier to clamp differential-mode transients before bulk capacitor. Use Value: 500 W rating and 175 °C T_J max support continuous operation in high-temperature, high-reliability telecom infrastructure environments.

Automotive Power Distribution

Industrial PLC Input Protection

Use Scenario: Protecting microcontroller I/O and gate drivers in 12 V battery-fed engine control modules exposed to load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between protected node and chassis ground to clamp reverse transients while blocking normal forward bias.

Use Value: Clamps 29.2 V at 17.1 A ensures MCU supply rails remain below absolute maximum ratings during 100 V/100 ms load dump events.

Use Scenario: Shielding digital input optocouplers and level-shifting circuits in programmable logic controllers subjected to inductive kickback from solenoid valves.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS connected across input terminals to absorb energy before it reaches isolation barrier components.

Use Value: 18 V V_WM allows safe operation under nominal 24 V DC input while clamping surges up to 500 W without degradation.

Consumer Appliance Motor Control

Telecom Power Supply Front-End

Use Scenario: Safeguarding H-bridge driver ICs and current-sense amplifiers in smart washing machine motor inverters experiencing back-EMF spikes.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response TVS placed across half-bridge outputs to limit voltage reversal across MOSFETs during commutation.

Use Value: Sub-1 ns response time and 29.2 V clamping prevent avalanche failure of 30 V-rated power FETs during repetitive 10/1000 µs surges.

Use Scenario: Protecting AC-DC rectifier output and PFC controller inputs in telecom base station power supplies exposed to lightning-induced surges on primary-side wiring.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-side unidirectional suppressor installed after bridge rectifier to clamp differential-mode transients before bulk capacitor.

Use Value: 500 W rating and 175 °C T_J max support continuous operation in high-temperature, high-reliability telecom infrastructure environments.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
SMAJ18A	Same V_WM (18 V), but SMC (DO-214AB) surface-mount package; 400 W P_PPM	Requires PCB rework for SMT layout; better suited for space-constrained designs	Select SMAJ18A when board real estate is limited and thermal management supports SMT mounting.
P6SMB18A	Same V_WM (18 V), SMB (DO-214AA) package; 600 W P_PPM; higher I_PPM (32.5 A)	Higher surge capacity but larger footprint than DO-15; not AEC-Q101 qualified	Choose P6SMB18A for non-automotive applications needing greater single-pulse margin without qualification requirements.

Compared with SMAJ18A and P6SMB18A, the SA18A-E3/54 offers AEC-Q101 qualification and DO-15 through-hole compatibility-critical for legacy automotive harness interfaces and high-vibration mechanical mounting-while maintaining precise 18 V standoff and proven 500 W clamping performance in industrial-grade environments.

Availability

SA18A-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, industrial PLC input protection, and consumer appliance motor control requiring stable component supply with traceable sourcing and lifecycle continuity.

Supply support for SA18A-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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, power handling, and automotive qualification.

The SAxxA series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for robust transient suppression in harsh electrical environments including automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the polarity configuration of the SA18A-E3/54?

The SA18A-E3/54 is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor diode. Its cathode is marked with a color band on the DO-15 package body, and it conducts only in reverse bias during overvoltage events. This configuration makes SA18A-E3/54 suitable for DC line protection where polarity is fixed and forward conduction must be blocked during normal operation.

Does the SA18A-E3/54 meet automotive qualification standards?

Yes, the SA18A-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by Vishay's documentation for the E3 suffix variant. This qualification validates its reliability for use in automotive electronic control units, including engine management, body control modules, and ADAS subsystems where failure modes must be rigorously controlled.

What is the clamping voltage of the SA18A-E3/54 under standard test conditions?

The SA18A-E3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 29.2 V at 17.1 A peak pulse current (I_PPM) using the 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events, ensuring downstream components remain within safe operating limits.

Can the SA18A-E3/54 be used in bidirectional applications?

No, the SA18A-E3/54 is strictly unidirectional. For bidirectional transient suppression, Vishay offers the SA18CA variant (with CA suffix), which provides symmetrical clamping in both polarities. Using SA18A-E3/54 in AC or floating-bus applications would result in unintended forward conduction and potential failure.

What is the maximum junction temperature rating for the SA18A-E3/54?

The SA18A-E3/54 has a maximum junction temperature (T_J) rating of +175 °C, allowing reliable operation in high-temperature environments such as under-hood automotive locations or enclosed industrial enclosures. This rating is supported by its glass-passivated junction and UL 94 V-0 molding compound.

SA18A-E3/54 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Package/Case:: DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial

Series:: TransZorb®

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

Product Status:: Active

Type:: Zener

Unidirectional Channels:: 1

Bidirectional Channels:: -

Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):: 18V

Voltage - Breakdown (Min):: 20V

Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:: 29.2V

Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):: 17.1A

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)

SA18A-E3/54 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for SA18A-E3/54 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA18A-E3/54 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 SA18A-E3/54 reliable?

The price and inventory of SA18A-E3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA18A-E3/54 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for SA18A-E3/54?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA18A-E3/54 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for SA18A-E3/54?

SA18A-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your SA18A-E3/54 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 SA18A-E3/54?

For technical support, including SA18A-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA18A-E3/54 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that SA18A-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All SA18A-E3/54 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 SA18A-E3/54 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA18A-E3/54?

All SA18A-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA18A-E3/54, 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 SA18A-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for SA18A-E3/54:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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