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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA18CA-E3/54
- Part No.:
- SA18CA-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA18CA-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 29.2VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:9,936
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Product details
Overview
SA18CA-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 18 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 20.0–22.1 V breakdown voltage (VBR), and clamps to ≤29.2 V at 17.1 A peak pulse current - used in automotive sensor line protection and industrial I/O interface surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the SA18CA-E3/54 datasheet, SA18CA-E3/54 pinout, SA18CA-E3/54 application, or SA18CA-E3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-15 mechanical compatibility, and verified 175 °C junction temperature rating for under-hood and motor-control environments.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates symmetrically in both polarities with identical VBR, VC, and IPPM specifications. Its glass-passivated junction enables fast response (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance, critical for protecting MOSFET gates and analog front-ends against ESD and inductive switching spikes.
The device complies with AEC-Q101 stress testing for automotive use and supports repetitive surge events at 0.01 % duty cycle. Its 3.0 W steady-state power dissipation and -55 °C to +175 °C operating range allow integration into thermally demanding control modules without derating penalties.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 18 V - Maximum continuous reverse voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin for 12 V automotive or 15 V industrial rails. |
| VBR (min/max) | 20.0 V / 22.1 V at 1.0 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold ensures predictable turn-on during transients without premature conduction. |
| VC @ IPPM | 29.2 V at 17.1 A - Clamped voltage level limits stress on downstream ICs such as CAN transceivers or ADC inputs. |
| PPPM | 500 W (10/1000 μs) - Sustains high-energy surges from load dump or relay bounce without failure. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Enables placement near heat sources (e.g., power MOSFETs, motor drivers) without thermal shutdown risk. |
| Package | DO-15 (DO-204AC) - Industry-standard axial leaded package compatible with legacy through-hole assembly and automated taping (E3/54 reel format). |
Pinout & Package
SA18CA-E3/54 uses a two-terminal DO-15 (DO-204AC) package with no polarity marking - consistent with bidirectional TVS construction. Leads are matte tin-plated and solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Both terminals behave identically; connects across protected line and return (e.g., RS-485 A/B, CAN H/L, or DC supply rail). |
| Leads (axial) | PCB mechanical and thermal interface | 0.375" (9.5 mm) lead length supports standard DO-15 mounting; handles 3.0 W steady-state dissipation at TL = 75 °C. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Enables <1 ns response time and stable leakage performance over temperature and lifetime. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces. |
| 500 W peak pulse power | Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/3a and IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 surges without degradation. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.4) | Minimizes overvoltage exposure to protected circuitry while maintaining robust surge handling. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial RS-485 Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting wheel speed or crankshaft position sensor outputs from inductive kickback and battery dump transients in 12 V vehicle systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed across sensor output and ground, absorbing energy before it reaches the microcontroller's analog input or comparator stage. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to precision signal conditioning ICs by limiting transient voltage to ≤29.2 V during 17.1 A surges. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding differential data lines in factory automation PLCs exposed to ground loop surges and EFT noise on long cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Line-to-line and line-to-ground TVS pair (two SA18CA-E3/54 devices) shunting common-mode and differential transients on RS-485 bus nodes. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping transients within 10/1000 μs waveform envelope while preserving bus timing margins due to sub-nanosecond response. |
| Motor Drive Gate Protection | Power Supply Rail Clamp |
Use Scenario: Shielding high-side gate drivers in BLDC inverters from Miller-induced voltage spikes during fast IGBT/MOSFET switching. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Connected between gate and source of power FETs to clamp dv/dt-induced overshoot and prevent false turn-on. Use Value: Limits gate-source voltage excursion to ≤29.2 V, ensuring reliable operation below the FET's absolute maximum VGS rating (typically ±20 V). | Use Scenario: Suppressing load-dump transients on 12 V auxiliary power rails feeding infotainment or telematics modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed across input capacitor terminals to clamp voltage rise above 29.2 V during ISO 16750-2 load-dump events. Use Value: Extends system uptime by preventing brownout resets or regulator shutdown during 12 V rail excursions up to 35 V for 400 ms. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ18CA | Same VWM (18 V), lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (surface-mount) | Requires PCB rework for SMT layout; unsuitable for through-hole legacy designs or high-vibration environments needing axial lead retention. | Select when board space is constrained and automated SMT assembly is available. |
| 1.5KE18CA | Same VWM (18 V), higher PPPM (1500 W), DO-201 package (larger, higher thermal mass) | Physically incompatible with DO-15 footprints; requires larger pad spacing and higher mounting torque. | Select when surge energy exceeds 500 W or extended thermal cycling life is required. |
Compared with SMAJ18CA and 1.5KE18CA, SA18CA-E3/54 provides optimal balance of automotive-grade reliability, DO-15 mechanical robustness, and precise 500 W surge handling - making it the preferred choice for cost-sensitive, vibration-prone, through-hole automotive and industrial control applications where footprint and qualification alignment are critical.
Availability
SA18CA-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial communication buses, motor drive gate circuits, and 12 V power rail protection requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 compliance.
Supply support for SA18CA-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, automotive qualification, and high-volume manufacturability.
The SAxxCA series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS platform, engineered specifically for bidirectional transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where repeatable clamping and AEC-Q101 validation are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA18CA-E3/54 at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA18CA-E3/54 clamps to a maximum of 29.2 V at its rated peak pulse current of 17.1 A (10/1000 μs waveform). This value is measured per JEDEC standards and guarantees that protected circuitry downstream - such as microcontrollers or transceivers - will not experience voltage stress beyond this threshold during surge events. The SA18CA-E3/54 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range (-55 °C to +175 °C).
Is SA18CA-E3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SA18CA-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive use. Its construction - including glass-passivated junction, DO-15 mechanical robustness, and 175 °C maximum junction temperature - meets requirements for engine bay, chassis, and body control modules. The SA18CA-E3/54 has been validated for ISO 7637-2 and ISO 16750-2 compliance when applied per Vishay's recommended layout guidelines.
Does SA18CA-E3/54 have polarity markings?
No, SA18CA-E3/54 does not have polarity markings because it is a bidirectional TVS diode. Both terminals are functionally identical, and the device clamps symmetrically in either direction. This eliminates orientation errors during manual or automated assembly and simplifies placement across differential lines like CAN H/L or RS-485 A/B. The SA18CA-E3/54 datasheet confirms "no marking on bidirectional types" in the Mechanical Data section.
What is the maximum steady-state power dissipation for SA18CA-E3/54?
The SA18CA-E3/54 has a maximum steady-state power dissipation (PD) of 3.0 W when mounted on an infinite heatsink at a lead temperature (TL) of 75 °C. This rating is defined in Figure 5 of the datasheet and supports continuous operation in high-ambient environments. Derating is required above 75 °C lead temperature, with zero power allowed at 175 °C junction temperature - a limit the SA18CA-E3/54 shares with its thermal design envelope.
How does SA18CA-E3/54 differ from unidirectional SA18A-E3/54?
The SA18CA-E3/54 is bidirectional with symmetrical clamping in both directions and no cathode band, whereas SA18A-E3/54 is unidirectional with a cathode marking and conducts only in reverse bias. Key differences include: SA18CA-E3/54 has identical VBR and VC specs for both polarities, while SA18A-E3/54 specifies forward voltage (VF = 3.5 V at 100 A) and higher IFSM (70 A). The SA18CA-E3/54 is selected for AC-coupled or differential line protection; SA18A-E3/54 suits DC rail or single-polarity signal paths.
SA18CA-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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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)
SA18CA-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA18CA-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA18CA-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 SA18CA-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA18CA-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 SA18CA-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA18CA-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA18CA-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA18CA-E3/54?
SA18CA-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA18CA-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 SA18CA-E3/54?
For technical support, including SA18CA-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA18CA-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA18CA-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA18CA-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 SA18CA-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA18CA-E3/54?
All SA18CA-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA18CA-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 SA18CA-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA18CA-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA18CA-E3/54 Tags
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