Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA18CAHE3/54
- Part No.:
- SA18CAHE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA18CAHE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 29.2VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,895
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Product details
Overview
SA18CAHE3/54 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 at 10 mA), 29.2 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 17.1 A, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use.
For engineers reviewing the SA18CAHE3/54 datasheet, SA18CAHE3/54 pinout, SA18CAHE3/54 application, or SA18CAHE3/54 equivalent, this device serves as a robust, RoHS-compliant, bidirectional surge protector for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial I/O protection, and telecom line conditioning where fast response (<1 ns), low clamping ratio, and high surge reliability are required.
Technical Context
The SA18CAHE3/54 operates as a symmetrical avalanche diode with identical electrical characteristics in both directions, enabling protection of AC-coupled or differential signal paths without polarity concerns. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown behavior and low leakage (<1.0 μA at 18 V), while its 175 °C max junction temperature supports operation in under-hood automotive environments.
It delivers 500 W peak pulse power per the 10/1000 μs waveform standard, with clamping performance validated up to 17.1 A peak pulse current. The device exhibits a +20 mV/°C breakdown voltage temperature coefficient and maintains <3.0 W steady-state power dissipation at 75 °C lead temperature - critical for thermal design in compact PCB layouts.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 18 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins; defines safe operating margin for 12 V nominal systems. |
| VBR (min/max) | 20.0 V / 22.1 V at 10 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range; ensures predictable turn-on during transients above system rail. |
| VC @ IPPM | 29.2 V at 17.1 A - Clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during full-rated surge; enables downstream IC survival with ≥4 V headroom vs. 24 V rail. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak transient energy absorption capability per 10/1000 μs waveform; meets ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/3a and IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 requirements. |
| IPPM | 17.1 A - Maximum non-repetitive surge current it can safely divert without degradation; determines minimum series impedance needed for coordination. |
| TJ max | 175 °C - Maximum junction temperature rating; supports placement near heat sources in automotive ECUs and industrial controllers. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Validated for automotive-grade reliability including HTOL, TC, UHAST, and ESD testing; suitable for ASIL-B supporting subsystems. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-15 (DO-204AC), axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case with matte tin-plated leads. No polarity marking - consistent with bidirectional function.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient current path | Identical terminals; either end connects to protected line - no orientation dependency simplifies layout and assembly. |
| Leads (both) | Thermal & mechanical interface | Supports soldering per J-STD-002/JESD 22-B102; 275 °C max dip-soldering for 10 s; compliant with JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables protection of AC signals, differential buses (e.g., RS-485), or ungrounded lines without polarity constraints. |
| 500 W peak pulse power | Withstands high-energy transients such as load dump spikes or lightning-induced surges in 12 V/24 V systems. |
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over time and temperature, low leakage (<1 μA), and long-term reliability in harsh environments. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates suitability for automotive applications including engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces. |
| DO-15 mechanical robustness | UL 94 V-0 rated epoxy housing withstands mechanical stress, humidity, and thermal cycling in industrial enclosures. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus nodes and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from ESD and load-dump transients in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed at connector entry point to clamp ±25 kV ESD and 100 V/50 ms load dump events before they reach MCU or signal conditioner. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity under ISO 10605 and ISO 7637-2 compliance with VC ≤ 29.2 V - preventing latch-up or damage to 3.3 V/5 V interface ICs. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding digital input channels on programmable logic controllers exposed to inductive switching noise from solenoids and contactors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end transient suppressor on 24 V DC input lines, coordinated with upstream fuse and series resistor to limit let-through energy. Use Value: Fast <1 ns response and low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.46) ensure downstream optocoupler or Schmitt trigger remains functional after repeated 1 kV surge events. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Appliance Motor Control |
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485 transceivers and Ethernet PHYs in outdoor base stations from induced lightning surges on long cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary protection element on differential pair, used with common-mode choke and secondary TVS for multi-stage coordination. Use Value: Symmetrical VBR and matched clamping in both directions preserve differential signaling integrity while absorbing up to 500 W per line. | Use Scenario: Guarding microcontroller GPIOs and gate drivers in washing machine motor inverters against back-EMF spikes from brushless DC motors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized TVS across half-bridge driver supply rails and feedback sensing lines to suppress 60 V–100 V switching transients. Use Value: AEC-Q101 qualification and 175 °C TJ rating allow mounting directly on motor control board near heat-generating MOSFETs without derating. |
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) and PPPM (400 W), but SMC (DO-214AB) surface-mount package; lower IPPM (13.9 A) and higher VC (29.2 V → 32.4 V). | Designed for automated SMT assembly; less suited for through-hole legacy designs or high-vibration environments requiring axial lead retention. | Select SMAJ18CA only when board space is constrained and reflow compatibility is mandatory. |
| 1.5KE18CA | Higher PPPM (1500 W), larger DO-204AL (Axial) package; same VWM/VBR range but higher VC (30.0 V) and slower response due to junction capacitance. | Targeted at higher-energy industrial surge zones (e.g., mains input); not optimized for fast digital signal lines due to higher capacitance (~200 pF). | Choose 1.5KE18CA only when protecting AC mains or high-inductance loads where energy handling outweighs speed requirements. |
Compared with SMAJ18CA and 1.5KE18CA, SA18CAHE3/54 offers optimal balance of automotive qualification, axial mechanical stability, and precise clamping (29.2 V) - making it preferred for safety-critical, vibration-prone, or mixed-technology PCBs where through-hole reliability and AEC-Q101 traceability are mandatory.
Availability
SA18CAHE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, and telecom line conditioning requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and AEC-Q101 compliance.
Supply support for SA18CAHE3/54 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, efficiency, and automotive-grade validation.
The SAxxCA series is engineered specifically for bidirectional transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where symmetrical clamping, fast response, and AEC-Q101 qualification are essential.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of SA18CAHE3/54?
The SA18CAHE3/54 is a bidirectional TVS diode with symmetrical terminals - neither end is marked as anode or cathode. This allows installation in either orientation on PCBs, simplifying layout and eliminating risk of reverse insertion during manual or automated assembly. Its electrical behavior is identical in both directions, making it ideal for protecting AC-coupled or differential signal paths.
Does SA18CAHE3/54 meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes, SA18CAHE3/54 carries the HE3 suffix, indicating full AEC-Q101 qualification per the Vishay SAxxCA family specification. It has passed stress tests including high-temperature operating life (HTOL), temperature cycling (TC), unbiased highly accelerated stress test (UHAST), and human-body-model ESD (≥8 kV contact). This makes SA18CAHE3/54 suitable for automotive applications such as body control modules, ADAS sensors, and infotainment power rails.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA18CAHE3/54 under surge conditions?
The SA18CAHE3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 29.2 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 17.1 A, measured using the standardized 10/1000 μs waveform. This value represents the highest voltage the protected circuit will experience during a full-rated transient event - critical for ensuring downstream components like 3.3 V or 5 V logic ICs remain within safe operating limits.
How does SA18CAHE3/54 differ from unidirectional SA18AHE3/54?
The SA18CAHE3/54 is bidirectional with identical VBR, VC, and surge capability in both directions, whereas SA18AHE3/54 is unidirectional and features a cathode band marking. Unidirectional versions exhibit forward conduction below ~1.5 V and are used only on DC-biased lines; SA18CAHE3/54 supports AC, floating, or differential signals without biasing constraints - confirmed by its "CA" suffix per Vishay's naming convention.
What packaging and reel format is supplied for SA18CAHE3/54?
SA18CAHE3/54 is supplied in 13-inch diameter paper tape and reel format, with a base quantity of 4000 units per reel (package code "54"). The device uses DO-15 (DO-204AC) axial package with matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards, and meets JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance requirements.
SA18CAHE3/54 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:
- -
- 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)
SA18CAHE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA18CAHE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA18CAHE3/54 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 SA18CAHE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA18CAHE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA18CAHE3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA18CAHE3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA18CAHE3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA18CAHE3/54?
SA18CAHE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA18CAHE3/54 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 SA18CAHE3/54?
For technical support, including SA18CAHE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA18CAHE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA18CAHE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA18CAHE3/54 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 SA18CAHE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA18CAHE3/54?
All SA18CAHE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA18CAHE3/54, 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 SA18CAHE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA18CAHE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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