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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA18CA-E3/73
- Part No.:
- SA18CA-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA18CA-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 29.2VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:4,233
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Product details
Overview
SA18CA-E3/73 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 at 10 mA), and clamps to ≤29.2 V at 17.1 A peak pulse current - used in automotive sensor interface protection and industrial I/O line surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the SA18CA-E3/73 datasheet, SA18CA-E3/73 pinout, SA18CA-E3/73 application, or SA18CA-E3/73 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, DO-15 terminal mapping, AEC-Q101 qualification status, bidirectional clamping behavior, and direct alternatives for ESD/lightning transient protection in 12 V/24 V systems.
Technical Context
The SA18CA-E3/73 implements a glass-passivated silicon junction optimized for fast response (<1 ns) to transient overvoltages, with symmetrical bidirectional conduction enabling protection of AC-coupled or floating signal paths without polarity concerns. Its low incremental surge resistance and tight VBR tolerance (±5 %) ensure consistent clamping across temperature and unit-to-unit variation.
Designed for repetitive surge events at 0.01 % duty cycle, it operates from −55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature and maintains stable leakage (<1.0 μA at 18 V) under steady-state bias - critical for low-power sensor nodes and always-on automotive modules where standby current must remain minimal.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 18 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; sets safe margin above 12 V nominal rail. |
| VBR (min/max) | 20.0 V / 22.1 V at 10 mA - defines precise voltage threshold where avalanche conduction initiates in both directions. |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤29.2 V at 17.1 A - clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; limits downstream IC stress to safe levels. |
| PPPM | 500 W - peak transient energy handling capacity; supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV/2 Ω) surges. |
| ID @ VWM | ≤1.0 μA - ultra-low reverse leakage ensures negligible impact on high-impedance sensor bias networks. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - extended thermal rating enables under-hood automotive placement without derating. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD robustness. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-15 (DO-204AC), axial-leaded, epoxy-molded, RoHS-compliant, matte tin-plated leads. No polarity marking - symmetric bidirectional construction.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (both ends) | Bidirectional avalanche junction terminals | Identical electrical behavior in either orientation; connects inline with protected line (e.g., CAN_H/CAN_L, RS-485 A/B). |
| Lead 1 / Lead 2 | Current path entry/exit points | No functional distinction; either lead may serve as input or return; PCB layout requires no orientation constraint. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Enables stable, low-noise avalanche characteristics and long-term reliability under repeated surge stress. |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands automotive load dump and ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a surges without degradation. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive electronics per stress test requirements including HTGB, TC, and AC/HAST. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.42) | Minimizes overvoltage overshoot during fast transients, protecting 3.3 V/5 V logic interfaces downstream. |
| DO-15 mechanical robustness | UL 94 V-0 molding compound withstands reflow and manual soldering up to 275 °C for 10 s. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial RS-485 Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines of pressure/temperature sensors in engine control units exposed to load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed directly at connector entry point to clamp ±200 V transients before reaching ADC front-end or signal conditioner. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to precision op-amps and SAR ADCs by limiting voltage excursion to ≤29.2 V during 17.1 A surge events. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding differential data lines in factory automation PLCs communicating over noisy 1200 m RS-485 buses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Line-end TVS on both A and B bus lines to suppress EFT bursts and lightning-induced common-mode surges. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping transients within 1 ns while adding <1 pF capacitance - no data rate degradation at 10 Mbps. |
| Consumer Appliance Motor Control | Telecom Power Input Stage |
Use Scenario: Suppressing inductive kickback from brushed DC motors in smart home appliances (e.g., washing machine drum drives). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS across motor terminals to absorb 500 W flyback energy during MOSFET turn-off. Use Value: Eliminates need for snubber RC networks, reducing BOM count and board space while meeting IEC 61000-4-4 Level 4 immunity. | Use Scenario: Protecting 24 V DC input rails of VoIP gateways against power-line surges entering via PoE injectors or wall adapters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp ahead of DC/DC converter input stage to prevent upstream regulator failure. Use Value: Sustains operation through 1 kV/2 Ω surges (IEC 61000-4-5) without shutdown, ensuring uninterrupted voice service during grid disturbances. |
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 assembly; less suitable for through-hole legacy designs or high-vibration environments. | Select when board space is constrained and automated assembly is preferred. |
| P6SMB18CA | Same VWM (18 V), identical PPPM (600 W), DO-214AA package (SMB) | Higher surge rating but larger footprint; better thermal dissipation in high-ambient settings (>85 °C). | Select when higher surge margin or improved thermal performance is required in new designs. |
Compared with SA18CA-E3/73, SMAJ18CA offers compact SMT integration at reduced surge capacity, while P6SMB18CA provides greater robustness in thermally demanding deployments - both require layout adaptation but deliver equivalent bidirectional clamping behavior at 18 V.
Availability
SA18CA-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial RS-485 networks, consumer motor drives, and telecom power inputs requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 compliance.
Supply support for SA18CA-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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability and automotive qualification.
The SAxxCA series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS portfolio, engineered specifically for robust, bidirectional transient suppression in harsh environments including automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SA18CA-E3/73 under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The SA18CA-E3/73 clamps to a maximum of 29.2 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 17.1 A using the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC test conditions and guarantees protection for downstream 3.3 V or 5 V ICs when properly decoupled. The SA18CA-E3/73 achieves this with low dynamic impedance, ensuring minimal voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients.
Is the SA18CA-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the SA18CA-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive use, including under-hood environments. Its −55 °C to +175 °C operating junction temperature range, glass-passivated junction, and validation across temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and ESD tests confirm suitability for ECUs, body control modules, and sensor interfaces. The SA18CA-E3/73 meets ISO 7637-2 and IEC 61000-4-5 immunity requirements when applied per Vishay's recommended layout guidelines.
Does the SA18CA-E3/73 have polarity markings?
No, the SA18CA-E3/73 has no polarity marking because it is a bidirectional TVS diode. Both leads are functionally identical, and the device conducts symmetrically in either direction - ideal for protecting AC-coupled lines like CAN, RS-485, or audio signals. This eliminates orientation errors during manual assembly and simplifies PCB design, as the SA18CA-E3/73 can be placed without regard to lead direction.
What is the reverse leakage current of the SA18CA-E3/73 at its stand-off voltage?
At its 18 V stand-off voltage (VWM) and 25 °C ambient, the SA18CA-E3/73 exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1.0 μA. This ultra-low leakage preserves signal integrity in high-impedance circuits such as sensor bias networks or precision reference paths. The SA18CA-E3/73 maintains leakage below 5 μA even at 125 °C, supporting reliable operation in thermally stressed industrial applications.
Can the SA18CA-E3/73 replace unidirectional TVS diodes like SA18A-E3/73?
No - the SA18CA-E3/73 is strictly bidirectional and cannot substitute for unidirectional types like SA18A-E3/73 in DC-biased applications requiring forward conduction blocking. While both share VWM = 18 V and similar clamping, the SA18CA-E3/73 conducts in both directions, making it unsuitable for protecting single-polarity rails where forward voltage drop matters. Use SA18CA-E3/73 only where symmetrical transient suppression is needed, such as differential buses or AC signal paths.
SA18CA-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:
- 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-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA18CA-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA18CA-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 SA18CA-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA18CA-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 SA18CA-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA18CA-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA18CA-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA18CA-E3/73?
SA18CA-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA18CA-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 SA18CA-E3/73?
For technical support, including SA18CA-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA18CA-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA18CA-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA18CA-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 SA18CA-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA18CA-E3/73?
All SA18CA-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA18CA-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 SA18CA-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA18CA-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA18CA-E3/73 Tags
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