Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA18CHE3/54
- Part No.:
- SA18CHE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA18CHE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 32.2VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,245
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Product details
Overview
SA18CHE3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bi-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features a 18 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 20.0–22.1 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 10 mA, 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), 29.2 V maximum clamping voltage at 17.1 A IPPM, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use.
For engineers reviewing the SA18CHE3/54 datasheet, SA18CHE3/54 pinout, SA18CHE3/54 application, or SA18CHE3/54 equivalent, this device is selected for robust ESD and surge protection in automotive sensor interfaces, industrial I/O lines, and DC power rail conditioning where bidirectional clamping and high-reliability qualification are required.
Technical Context
The SA18CHE3/54 operates as a bi-directional avalanche diode, symmetrically clamping transient overvoltages in both polarities without polarity marking. Its glass-passivated junction enables fast response (<1 ns), low incremental surge resistance, and stable clamping performance across -55 °C to +175 °C operating temperature range.
It delivers 500 W peak pulse power per 10/1000 µs waveform with 0.01 % duty cycle, and maintains 3.0 W steady-state power dissipation on infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C. The device exhibits a ±5 % VBR tolerance and 20 %/°C temperature coefficient of breakdown voltage.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 18 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin below breakdown. |
| VBR (min/max) | 20.0 V / 22.1 V at 10 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold range; ensures predictable turn-on during transients. |
| VC @ IPPM | 29.2 V at 17.1 A - Clamped voltage under full-rated surge; determines protected circuit's maximum stress level. |
| PPPM | 500 W (10/1000 µs) - Peak transient energy absorption capability; supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3/4 surge immunity. |
| IR @ VWM | 1.0 µA - Reverse leakage at rated stand-off; ensures minimal standby power loss and signal integrity. |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive or high-ambient industrial environments. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and mechanical shock testing. |
Pinout & Package
SA18CHE3/54 uses the DO-204AC (DO-15) axial-leaded package: molded epoxy body, matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002, UL 94 V-0 rated compound, and no polarity marking (bi-directional).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bi-directional avalanche junction terminals | No functional distinction between leads; either terminal may connect to line or ground - enables flexible PCB layout without orientation constraints. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Enables stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics and long-term reliability under repetitive surge stress. |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports EN 61000-4-5 4 kV surge testing on 2 Ω source impedance without degradation. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates suitability for automotive powertrain, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces per industry stress requirements. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.42) | Minimizes overvoltage exposure to downstream ICs - critical for protecting 3.3 V or 5 V logic interfaces. |
| DO-204AC package with JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance | Ensures lead integrity during reflow and long-term storage; compatible with standard through-hole assembly processes. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface Protection | Industrial PLC Digital Input Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor front-ends (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional transient clamp placed across signal line and ground, responding within <1 ns to suppress spikes up to ±30 V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 5 V tolerant MCU GPIOs and precision ADC inputs while maintaining signal fidelity during normal operation. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V digital input channels in programmable logic controllers against field-wiring induced surges and relay coil flyback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-clamp TVS connected between input terminal and common rail, absorbing 500 W transients without crowbarring the input stage. Use Value: Eliminates need for external series current limiting or optocoupler isolation in cost-sensitive I/O modules while meeting IEC 61000-4-4/5 immunity requirements. |
| DC Power Rail Conditioning | Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Protection |
Use Scenario: Clamping inrush and switching transients on 12–24 V DC power distribution networks feeding microcontrollers and communication ICs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS providing low-impedance shunt path during >20 V excursions, with 29.2 V clamping limiting downstream voltage stress. Use Value: Enables use of lower-voltage-rated (e.g., 33 V) input capacitors and regulators, reducing BOM cost and board space versus higher-V rating alternatives. |
Use Scenario: Suppressing commutation spikes from brushed DC motors in washing machines, HVAC blowers, and power tools. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamp across motor terminals or H-bridge outputs, handling repetitive 10/1000 µs surges generated by inductive kickback. Use Value: Extends lifetime of MOSFET half-bridges and prevents false triggering of overvoltage protection circuits during normal motor operation. |
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 DO-214AC (SMA) package, identical VWM/VBR/VC specs, but lower 400 W PPPM rating and non-AEC-Q101 grade. | Limited to commercial/industrial use; not qualified for automotive under-hood deployment. | Select SMAJ18CA only when AEC-Q101 is not required and board space allows SMA footprint. |
| 1.5KE18CA | Higher 1500 W PPPM, DO-201AD package, same VWM/VBR, but larger size and 3.5 W PD - requires more PCB area and thermal management. | Better suited for primary-level AC/DC input protection rather than compact signal-line placement. | Choose 1.5KE18CA when system-level surge requirements exceed 500 W or when legacy DO-201AD layout exists. |
Compared with SMAJ18CA and 1.5KE18CA, SA18CHE3/54 uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-15 form factor, and precise 500 W/29.2 V clamping - making it optimal for space-constrained, automotive-grade signal protection where reliability and footprint are jointly critical.
Availability
SA18CHE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC inputs, and DC power rail conditioning requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA18CHE3/54 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 passive components with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SAxxCH series is part of Vishay's TransZorb® TVS portfolio, engineered specifically for high-reliability bidirectional transient suppression in automotive and industrial environments demanding AEC-Q101 compliance and stable clamping performance.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of SA18CHE3/54?
SA18CHE3/54 is a bi-directional TVS diode with symmetrical avalanche characteristics in both directions. It has no cathode marking or polarity designation - either lead may be connected to signal or ground. This simplifies PCB layout and eliminates orientation errors during assembly, unlike uni-directional variants such as SA18A.
Does SA18CHE3/54 meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes, SA18CHE3/54 carries the HE3 suffix indicating AEC-Q101 qualification. It has undergone stress testing including high-temperature reverse bias, temperature cycling, and mechanical shock per AEC-Q101 Rev D, confirming suitability for automotive body electronics, infotainment, and ADAS sensor modules.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA18CHE3/54 under surge conditions?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SA18CHE3/54 is 29.2 V at 17.1 A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured with a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case transient events, ensuring compatibility with 3.3 V and 5 V logic interfaces.
Can SA18CHE3/54 replace SA18A in an existing design?
No - SA18CHE3/54 is bi-directional while SA18A is uni-directional with cathode marking. Substituting them requires verifying circuit topology: SA18A is used where polarity-aware clamping is needed (e.g., DC power rails), whereas SA18CHE3/54 suits AC-coupled or bidirectional signal lines like CAN or RS-485.
What packaging and reel format does SA18CHE3/54 ship in?
SA18CHE3/54 ships in 13" diameter paper tape and reel format with a base quantity of 4000 units per reel (ordering code /54). The DO-204AC (DO-15) package is axial-leaded and compatible with standard through-hole insertion and wave soldering processes.
SA18CHE3/54 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:
- 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:
- -
- 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)
SA18CHE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA18CHE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA18CHE3/54 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 SA18CHE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA18CHE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA18CHE3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA18CHE3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA18CHE3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA18CHE3/54?
SA18CHE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA18CHE3/54 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 SA18CHE3/54?
For technical support, including SA18CHE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA18CHE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA18CHE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA18CHE3/54 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 SA18CHE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA18CHE3/54?
All SA18CHE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA18CHE3/54, 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 SA18CHE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA18CHE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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