Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA18AHE3/54
- Part No.:
- SA18AHE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA18AHE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 29.2VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,194
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Product details
Overview
SA18AHE3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for circuit protection against ESD and surge transients. It features 18 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 20.0–22.1 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 29.2 V clamping voltage at 17.1 A, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use.
For engineers reviewing the SA18AHE3/54 datasheet, SA18AHE3/54 pinout, SA18AHE3/54 application, or SA18AHE3/54 equivalent, this device is selected for robust overvoltage protection in DC power rails, sensor interfaces, and automotive control modules where reliability under repetitive surge stress and high-temperature operation up to 175 °C are critical.
Technical Context
The SA18AHE3/54 operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, enabling fast response (<1 ns) to transient events and low incremental surge resistance. Its 500 W peak pulse power rating is specified for non-repetitive 10/1000 μs waveform at 0.01 % duty cycle, and it maintains stable clamping performance across -55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature range.
Designed for placement across protected lines and ground, the device conducts only during overvoltage conditions - blocking up to 18 V in normal operation while delivering precise clamping at ≤29.2 V under 17.1 A surge current. The matte tin-plated leads comply with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards, and the HE3 suffix confirms AEC-Q101 qualification and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 18 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins |
| VBR (min/max) | 20.0 V / 22.1 V at 1 mA - ensures predictable avalanche onset within tight tolerance band |
| VC @ IPPM | 29.2 V at 17.1 A - limits downstream voltage stress during worst-case surge event |
| PPPM | 500 W (10/1000 μs) - supports high-energy transient suppression without failure |
| ID @ VWM | 1.0 μA - negligible leakage current preserves signal integrity and power efficiency |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - enables deployment in under-hood automotive and industrial environments |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-15 (DO-204AC), axial leaded, molded epoxy case with UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. Cathode indicated by color band on body.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / surge return path | Connected to protected line side; carries surge current to ground when clamping |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased terminal / reference node | Marked with band; tied to system ground or low-impedance return path for effective clamping |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Enables stable, repeatable avalanche behavior and long-term reliability under thermal cycling |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV) on 2 Ω source impedance |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units and ADAS sensor interfaces |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.39) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during transient events, protecting downstream ICs like MCUs and CAN transceivers |
| Matte tin plating, JESD 201 Class 2 | Ensures solder joint integrity and mitigates tin whisker growth in high-reliability assemblies |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump and alternator ripple transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between power rail and chassis ground to clamp positive-going surges. Use Value: Clamps to ≤29.2 V during 17.1 A surge, preventing damage to 3.3 V/5 V logic and analog front-ends in microcontrollers. | Use Scenario: Shielding 4–20 mA current loop sensors from ESD and inductive switching noise in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Series-connected TVS on supply line to suppress transients before reaching precision op-amps and ADCs. Use Value: 1.0 μA leakage at 18 V avoids offset errors in high-impedance sensor signal paths. |
| Consumer USB Port ESD Protection | Telecom Line Card Surge Suppression |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding USB 2.0 data lines and VBUS against human-body-model (HBM) ESD events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on VBUS line to absorb ±15 kV contact discharge per IEC 61000-4-2. Use Value: Sub-1 ns response time and 29.2 V clamping prevent latch-up in USB controller ICs during fast transients. | Use Scenario: Front-end protection of DSL or POTS line interface circuits exposed to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS on tip/ring lines to limit surge energy entering hybrid transformers and SLICs. Use Value: 500 W peak pulse rating handles 10/1000 μs surges up to 4 kV per IEC 61000-4-5, reducing secondary protection burden. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ18A-E3/52 | Same VWM (18 V), same DO-214AC package, lower PPPM (400 W), higher VF (3.5 V), no AEC-Q101 qualification | Targeted at commercial-grade consumer electronics, not automotive systems | Select SMAJ18A-E3/52 only if AEC-Q101 compliance and 500 W surge handling are not required. |
| 1.5KE18A | Same VWM (18 V), larger DO-201AD package, identical 500 W rating, but no AEC-Q101 qualification and higher leakage (5 μA) | Suitable for industrial power supplies where board space allows larger package and automotive qualification is unnecessary | Choose 1.5KE18A when higher surge margin is needed and DO-15 footprint constraints do not apply. |
Compared with SMAJ18A-E3/52 and 1.5KE18A, SA18AHE3/54 uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-15 compactness, and guaranteed 500 W surge capability - making it the preferred choice for space-constrained automotive modules requiring certified reliability.
Availability
SA18AHE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive control units, industrial sensor nodes, and telecom line cards requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA18AHE3/54 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 and application-specific optimization.
The SAxxA series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - particularly targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where surge immunity and long-term stability are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA18AHE3/54 and how is it measured?
The SA18AHE3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 29.2 V at 17.1 A peak pulse current, tested using the standardized 10/1000 μs double-exponential waveform per IEC 61000-4-5. This value represents the upper limit of voltage seen by downstream circuitry during a worst-case surge event, ensuring compatibility with 3.3 V and 5 V logic families. The SA18AHE3/54 achieves this clamping performance due to its low incremental surge resistance and tightly controlled avalanche characteristics.
Is SA18AHE3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SA18AHE3/54 is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by Vishay's documentation and the HE3 suffix designation. It undergoes rigorous stress testing including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and ESD verification - making it approved for use in engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS sensor modules. Its -55 °C to +175 °C operating range and DO-15 mechanical robustness further support under-hood deployment.
What does the "HE3" suffix mean in SA18AHE3/54?
The "HE3" suffix in SA18AHE3/54 indicates RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. Unlike the base "E3" variant (commercial grade), HE3 denotes full automotive qualification, including enhanced process controls, extended reliability testing, and stricter lot traceability - critical for Tier 1 automotive suppliers and safety-critical subsystems.
How does SA18AHE3/54 compare to bidirectional TVS diodes like SA18CA?
SA18AHE3/54 is unidirectional and intended for DC line protection with polarity-sensitive placement (cathode to ground), whereas SA18CA is bidirectional and used for AC or differential signal lines. SA18AHE3/54 offers lower leakage (1.0 μA vs. up to 5 μA for SA18CA) and tighter VBR tolerance, but cannot protect against negative-going transients on grounded lines. Selection depends on circuit topology - SA18AHE3/54 is optimal for 12 V/24 V power rails; SA18CA suits RS-485 or audio lines.
What is the maximum surge current SA18AHE3/54 can handle?
The SA18AHE3/54 supports a maximum peak pulse current (IPPM) of 17.1 A under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform condition. This value is derived directly from its 500 W peak pulse power rating and 29.2 V clamping voltage (IPPM = PPPM / VC). Derating applies above 25 °C ambient per Vishay's Fig. 2, and repetitive surges must respect the 0.01 % duty cycle limit to avoid thermal runaway.
SA18AHE3/54 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:
- -
- 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)
SA18AHE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA18AHE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA18AHE3/54 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 SA18AHE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA18AHE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA18AHE3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA18AHE3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA18AHE3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA18AHE3/54?
SA18AHE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA18AHE3/54 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 SA18AHE3/54?
For technical support, including SA18AHE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA18AHE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA18AHE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA18AHE3/54 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 SA18AHE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA18AHE3/54?
All SA18AHE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA18AHE3/54, 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 SA18AHE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA18AHE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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