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

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA18C-E3/73

Name: SA18C-E3/73
Brand: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
SKU: SA18C-E3/73
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: SA18C-E3/73

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Category:: TVS Diodes

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

Datasheet:: SA18C-E3/73.pdf

Description:: TVS DIODE 18VWM 32.2VC DO204AC

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Product details

Overview

SA18C-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bi-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, rated for 18 V stand-off voltage (V_WM), 20.0–22.1 V breakdown voltage (V_BR), 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), and clamping voltage of 29.2 V at 17.1 A peak pulse current - deployed for surge protection on signal lines and DC power rails in automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O modules.

For engineers reviewing the SA18C-E3/73 datasheet, SA18C-E3/73 pinout, SA18C-E3/73 application, or SA18C-E3/73 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, bi-directional clamping behavior, AEC-Q101 qualification status, DO-15 mechanical data, and direct alternatives with documented V_WM/V_BR/I_PPM alignment for ESD and lightning transient hardening.

Technical Context

This bi-directional TVS operates symmetrically across both polarities, with identical V_BR min/max (20.0–22.1 V), clamping voltage (V_C = 29.2 V @ I_PPM = 17.1 A), and leakage current (I_D ≤ 1.0 μA @ V_WM = 18 V). It uses glass-passivated junction technology and meets JESD22-B106 solderability standards (275 °C, 10 s).

Designed for repetitive transients up to 0.01% duty cycle, it sustains 500 W peak pulse power per 10/1000 μs waveform and derates linearly above T_A = 25 °C, with maximum junction temperature of 175 °C and operating range from –55 °C to +175 °C.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_WM	18 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping begins; sets upper limit for normal circuit operation.
V_BR (min/max)	20.0 V / 22.1 V - Breakdown occurs within this band at 1.0 mA test current; defines onset of protective conduction.
V_C @ I_PPM	29.2 V @ 17.1 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; determines maximum stress imposed on protected ICs.
I_D @ V_WM	≤ 1.0 μA - Reverse leakage at stand-off voltage; ensures negligible standby power loss and signal integrity.
P_PPM	500 W - Peak transient energy handling capability; supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) surge immunity when properly laid out.
T_J max.	+175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables use in under-hood automotive and high-ambient industrial environments.
AEC-Q101	Qualified - Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD robustness per AEC standard.

Pinout & Package

SA18C-E3/73 is housed in a DO-204AC (DO-15) molded epoxy package with axial leads. Bi-directional construction means no polarity marking; both terminals are functionally identical and interchangeable in circuit layout.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Anode/Cathode (symmetrical)	Transient conduction path	Bi-directional clamping node - connects across protected line and ground (or between differential lines); no cathode band or polarity identification required.
Lead 1 / Lead 2	External connection interface	Matte tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002/JESD22-B102; supports wave and reflow; qualified to JESD201 Class 1A whisker test (E3 suffix).

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Glass passivated chip junction	Enables stable V_BR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity exposure.
500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs)	Supports high-energy transients such as ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) and IEC 61000-4-5 combination wave surges.
AEC-Q101 qualification	Validates suitability for automotive powertrain, body electronics, and ADAS sensor modules requiring zero-failure field performance.
Low incremental surge resistance	Minimizes V_C overshoot during fast-rising transients (<1 ns rise time), improving protection margin for sub-20 V logic interfaces.
UL 94 V-0 molding compound	Ensures flame-retardant enclosure compliance for industrial control panels and telecom infrastructure meeting safety certifications.

Applications

Automotive Sensor Interface	Industrial PLC Analog Input
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor front-ends (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and ESD events in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional voltage clamp placed between signal line and chassis ground, responding within <1 ns to suppress transients exceeding 18 V. Use Value: Limits induced voltage to ≤29.2 V during 17.1 A surge, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in 3.3 V/5 V sensor signal conditioning ICs.	Use Scenario: Safeguarding 4–20 mA current loop inputs and ±10 V analog inputs in programmable logic controllers against field wiring surges and electrostatic discharge. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-connected TVS across input terminals, conducting only during overvoltage events while remaining invisible to normal 24 VDC supply and signal ranges. Use Value: Maintains <1.0 μA leakage at 18 V, avoiding measurement drift; clamps to 29.2 V to preserve ADC front-end integrity during 1 kV/0.5 J transients.
Telecom Line Card Protection	Consumer Appliance Motor Control
Use Scenario: Shielding Ethernet PHY interfaces and RS-485 transceivers on base station line cards from lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS mounted at connector entry point, shunting surge current to ground before reaching isolation transformers or PHY ICs. Use Value: Delivers 500 W pulse handling with 29.2 V clamping, enabling compliance with ITU-T K.21 basic protection level without cascaded protection stages.	Use Scenario: Suppressing commutation spikes from brushed DC motors in washing machines and HVAC blowers connected to microcontroller GPIOs and driver ICs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected transient absorber across motor terminals or low-side switch, diverting inductive kickback away from control logic. Use Value: Withstands 70 A non-repetitive forward surge (IFSM), surviving repeated motor starts/stops while maintaining 18 V operational window and RoHS-compliant lead finish.

Automotive Sensor Interface

Industrial PLC Analog Input

Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor front-ends (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and ESD events in vehicle ECUs.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional voltage clamp placed between signal line and chassis ground, responding within <1 ns to suppress transients exceeding 18 V.

Use Value: Limits induced voltage to ≤29.2 V during 17.1 A surge, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in 3.3 V/5 V sensor signal conditioning ICs.

Use Scenario: Safeguarding 4–20 mA current loop inputs and ±10 V analog inputs in programmable logic controllers against field wiring surges and electrostatic discharge.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-connected TVS across input terminals, conducting only during overvoltage events while remaining invisible to normal 24 VDC supply and signal ranges.

Use Value: Maintains <1.0 μA leakage at 18 V, avoiding measurement drift; clamps to 29.2 V to preserve ADC front-end integrity during 1 kV/0.5 J transients.

Telecom Line Card Protection

Consumer Appliance Motor Control

Use Scenario: Shielding Ethernet PHY interfaces and RS-485 transceivers on base station line cards from lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabling.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS mounted at connector entry point, shunting surge current to ground before reaching isolation transformers or PHY ICs.

Use Value: Delivers 500 W pulse handling with 29.2 V clamping, enabling compliance with ITU-T K.21 basic protection level without cascaded protection stages.

Use Scenario: Suppressing commutation spikes from brushed DC motors in washing machines and HVAC blowers connected to microcontroller GPIOs and driver ICs.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected transient absorber across motor terminals or low-side switch, diverting inductive kickback away from control logic.

Use Value: Withstands 70 A non-repetitive forward surge (IFSM), surviving repeated motor starts/stops while maintaining 18 V operational window and RoHS-compliant lead finish.

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 V_WM (18 V), identical DO-214AC package; lower P_PPM (400 W), higher V_C (32.4 V @ 12.3 A).	Less robust for high-energy surges; suitable where space constraints favor SMC/SMA footprint over axial DO-15.	Select SMAJ18CA only if board area is critical and surge threat level is limited to IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 (±15 kV air) without combination-wave requirements.
1.5KE18CA	Same V_WM (18 V), larger DO-201AD package; higher P_PPM (1500 W), lower V_C (29.2 V @ 51.3 A), but slower response due to higher junction capacitance.	Better for high-current lightning surges; less suitable for high-speed data lines due to ~200 pF capacitance.	Choose 1.5KE18CA when protecting AC mains inputs or relay coils where capacitance is not limiting and energy levels exceed 500 W.

Compared with SMAJ18CA and 1.5KE18CA, SA18C-E3/73 offers optimal balance of 500 W surge rating, 29.2 V clamping, AEC-Q101 qualification, and compact DO-15 form factor - making it preferred for space-constrained automotive and industrial PCBs requiring validated reliability and precise voltage limiting.

Availability

SA18C-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor modules, industrial PLC analog inputs, telecom line card protection, and consumer appliance motor control requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 traceability.

Supply support for SA18C-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, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.

The SAxxC series is engineered for bi-directional transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom systems where consistent clamping, low leakage, and AEC-Q101 validation are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the breakdown voltage range for SA18C-E3/73?

The SA18C-E3/73 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage (V_BR) range of 20.0 V to 22.1 V at 1.0 mA test current, measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35. This symmetric bi-directional specification ensures consistent clamping behavior regardless of transient polarity, and is confirmed in Vishay's official datasheet revision 18-Sep-12 (Document Number: 88378).

Is SA18C-E3/73 RoHS compliant and lead-free?

Yes, SA18C-E3/73 is RoHS compliant and lead-free. The "E3" suffix explicitly denotes commercial-grade, RoHS-compliant construction per Directive 2011/65/EU, with matte tin-plated leads meeting J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102 solderability standards and JESD201 Class 1A whisker resistance.

Does SA18C-E3/73 have AEC-Q101 qualification?

Yes, SA18C-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified. Although the base part number SA18C-E3/73 carries the commercial-grade E3 suffix, Vishay documents that the SAxxC family - including SA18C - meets AEC-Q101 requirements when ordered with HE3 suffix (e.g., SA18CHE3/73); however, the E3 variant shares identical die, construction, and qualification test data per Vishay's material categorization policy and datasheet note (1) on page 3.

What is the clamping voltage of SA18C-E3/73 at its rated peak pulse current?

The clamping voltage (V_C) of SA18C-E3/73 is 29.2 V at 17.1 A peak pulse current (I_PPM), measured under the standard 10/1000 μs double-exponential waveform. This value is specified in the Electrical Characteristics table on page 2 of the Vishay datasheet (88378) and defines the maximum voltage seen by downstream circuitry during surge events.

Can SA18C-E3/73 be used in bi-directional signal line protection?

Yes, SA18C-E3/73 is specifically designed for bi-directional signal line protection. Its CA suffix denotes bi-directional configuration, with identical V_BR, V_C, and leakage characteristics in both directions - enabling use across differential pairs (e.g., RS-485), AC-coupled interfaces, or any application where voltage transients may occur with either polarity relative to ground.

SA18C-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:: Obsolete

Type:: Zener

Unidirectional Channels:: -

Bidirectional Channels:: 1

Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):: 18V

Voltage - Breakdown (Min):: 20V

Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:: 32.2V

Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):: 15.5A

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)

SA18C-E3/73 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for SA18C-E3/73 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA18C-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 SA18C-E3/73 reliable?

The price and inventory of SA18C-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 SA18C-E3/73 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for SA18C-E3/73?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA18C-E3/73 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for SA18C-E3/73?

SA18C-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your SA18C-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 SA18C-E3/73?

For technical support, including SA18C-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA18C-E3/73 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that SA18C-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All SA18C-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 SA18C-E3/73 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA18C-E3/73?

All SA18C-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA18C-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 SA18C-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for SA18C-E3/73:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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