Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA18CHE3/73
- Part No.:
- SA18CHE3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA18CHE3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 32.2VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,474
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
SA18CHE3/73 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 1 mA, 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 17.1 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and clamps to ≤29.2 V at rated IPPM - used in automotive sensor interface protection and industrial I/O line surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the SA18CHE3/73 datasheet, SA18CHE3/73 pinout, SA18CHE3/73 application, or SA18CHE3/73 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, AEC-Q101 qualification status, DO-15 mechanical data, clamping behavior under 10/1000 μs surges, and direct alternatives for bi-directional TVS selection in harsh-environment electronics.
Technical Context
This bi-directional TVS operates symmetrically across both polarities with identical VBR min/max (20.0–22.1 V), ID ≤1.0 μA at VWM = 18 V, and clamps to ≤29.2 V at IPPM = 17.1 A. Its glass-passivated junction enables fast response (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance, critical for protecting downstream MOSFETs or MCU I/O pins from ESD and inductive switching spikes.
Rated for TJ = –55 °C to +175 °C and qualified to AEC-Q101, SA18CHE3/73 supports automotive-grade reliability. Its 3.0 W steady-state power dissipation (at TL = 75 °C) and 275 °C solder dip tolerance (10 s) confirm suitability for reflow and wave-solder assembly in high-volume production.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 18 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe working range for 12 V nominal systems. |
| VBR @ IT = 1 mA | 20.0–22.1 V - guaranteed breakdown onset; ensures predictable clamping initiation without premature conduction. |
| IPPM (10/1000 μs) | 17.1 A - peak transient current it safely shunts; determines minimum trace width and PCB layout margin for surge paths. |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤29.2 V - maximum clamped voltage seen by protected circuit; must stay below IC absolute maximum ratings. |
| PPPM | 500 W - peak pulse power handling; validates robustness against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a and IEC 61000-4-5 surges. |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - extended junction temperature rating; supports under-hood automotive placement and high-ambient industrial use. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - certified for automotive applications per stress test requirements including HTOL, TC, AC/DC life tests. |
Pinout & Package
SA18CHE3/73 uses the DO-204AC (DO-15) axial-leaded package: molded epoxy body (UL 94 V-0), matte tin-plated leads, no polarity marking (bi-directional). Lead length ≥1.0 inch (25.4 mm), diameter 0.028–0.034 inch (0.71–0.86 mm).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bi-directional transient conduction path | No polarity marking required; either lead serves as input/output - simplifies PCB layout and eliminates orientation errors. |
| Leads (both) | Thermal and current path to PCB copper | Designed for 275 °C solder dip (10 s); thermal mass and lead geometry support reliable heat dissipation during surge events. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Enables <1 ns response time and stable VBR over lifetime - critical for suppressing fast ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and lightning-induced edges. |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Validated for repetitive 0.01% duty cycle surges - supports protection in continuously monitored industrial control loops. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Confirms reliability under automotive temperature cycling, humidity bias, and high-temperature operating life - no additional qualification needed for Tier 1 designs. |
| Low incremental clamping resistance | Ensures VC stays tightly bounded near VBR (ΔVC = VC − VBR ≤ 9.2 V), minimizing voltage overshoot into protected ICs. |
| RoHS-compliant HE3 suffix | Indicates AEC-Q101 qualified, JESD 201 Class 2 whisker-resistant finish - meets automotive supply chain material compliance mandates. |
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 jump-start transients in 12 V vehicle systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional voltage clamp placed between signal line and ground, responding within nanoseconds to suppress >100 V spikes. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping transients to ≤29.2 V while surviving repeated 500 W surges - extends MCU and transceiver lifetime in harsh environments. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V DC digital inputs on programmable logic controllers exposed to relay coil flyback and motor drive noise in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated (18 V) TVS absorbing inductive kick energy before it reaches input conditioning circuitry or optocouplers. Use Value: Prevents false triggering and latch-up by limiting transient voltage to safe levels without adding capacitance that degrades 10 kHz+ input response. |
| Telecom Line Surge Suppression | Consumer Appliance Motor Control Protection |
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485/RS-232 communication ports in base stations and network equipment from induced lightning surges on long cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level bi-directional clamp on differential pair, coordinated with GDT or secondary TVS for multi-stage protection. Use Value: Withstands 10/1000 μs surges up to 17.1 A while maintaining low leakage (<1 μA), preserving signal-to-noise ratio in low-power receivers. |
Use Scenario: Protecting microcontroller GPIOs and gate drivers in washing machine or HVAC control boards from brush motor commutation spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized transient suppressor mounted directly at motor driver IC power pins or feedback sensing nodes. Use Value: Eliminates need for external snubbers by clamping spikes to ≤29.2 V with no timing delay - reduces BOM count and board space. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bi-directional TVS diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ18CA | Same VWM (18 V), lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (surface-mount), 14.4 A IPPM | Preferred where PCB space is constrained and reflow-only assembly is used; lacks AEC-Q101 qualification | Select SMAJ18CA for cost-sensitive consumer designs requiring SMT footprint and moderate surge immunity. |
| P6SMB18CA | Same VWM (18 V), same PPPM (600 W), DO-214AA (SMB) package, 32.5 A IPPM, AEC-Q101 qualified | Higher surge capacity and larger thermal mass; requires different pad layout and higher mounting torque | Choose P6SMB18CA when system-level testing demands >500 W margin or extended surge repetition capability. |
Compared with SA18CHE3/73, SMAJ18CA trades AEC-Q101 and axial-leaded robustness for compact SMT integration, while P6SMB18CA offers higher surge headroom in a larger SMB package - both require layout revision but match 18 V bi-directional clamping function.
Availability
SA18CHE3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC inputs, telecom line protection, and appliance motor control circuits requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 assurance.
Supply support for SA18CHE3/73 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 passive components with emphasis on reliability and application-specific performance.
The SAxxxA/SAxxxCA series delivers standardized TVS protection across 5.0–170 V ranges, engineered for automotive, industrial, and telecom surge immunity where bi-directional clamping and AEC-Q101 validation are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of SA18CHE3/73?
SA18CHE3/73 is a bi-directional TVS diode with symmetrical conduction characteristics in both directions. It has no cathode marking on the DO-204AC package, confirming its bidirectional functionality - unlike uni-directional variants (e.g., SA18A) which feature a band-marked cathode. This allows flexible placement on PCBs without orientation constraints.
Is SA18CHE3/73 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, SA18CHE3/73 carries the HE3 suffix, indicating full AEC-Q101 qualification per Vishay's documentation (Rev. 18-Sep-12, Doc. #88378). It has passed high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and humidity bias tests required for under-hood and chassis-mounted automotive electronics.
What is the maximum clamping voltage for SA18CHE3/73 at its rated peak pulse current?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) for SA18CHE3/73 is 29.2 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 17.1 A under a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is specified in the Electrical Characteristics table and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case transient events.
How does the HE3 suffix differ from the E3 suffix in SA18CHE3/73?
The HE3 suffix in SA18CHE3/73 denotes AEC-Q101 qualification and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance, whereas E3 indicates RoHS compliance only (commercial grade). Both share DO-204AC packaging and identical electrical specs, but HE3 is mandatory for automotive Tier 1 designs requiring validated reliability.
Can SA18CHE3/73 be used in place of a uni-directional TVS like SA18A?
No - SA18CHE3/73 is bi-directional and lacks polarity marking, while SA18A is uni-directional with a cathode band. Substituting SA18CHE3/73 for SA18A may cause unintended conduction during forward-biased operation. Use only in circuits explicitly designed for bi-directional clamping, such as AC signal lines or differential buses.
SA18CHE3/73 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:
- -
- 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)
SA18CHE3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA18CHE3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA18CHE3/73 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 SA18CHE3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA18CHE3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA18CHE3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA18CHE3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA18CHE3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA18CHE3/73?
SA18CHE3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA18CHE3/73 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 SA18CHE3/73?
For technical support, including SA18CHE3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA18CHE3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA18CHE3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA18CHE3/73 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 SA18CHE3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA18CHE3/73?
All SA18CHE3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA18CHE3/73, 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 SA18CHE3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA18CHE3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA18CHE3/73 Tags

-
ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

-
DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi

-
D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

-
DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

-
D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
Comparator circuit design covering voltage thresholds, input limits, open-collector outputs, LM393 wiring, op-amp differences, hysteresis, timing, window detection and practical fault diagnosis.
Schmitt triggers use separate rising and falling thresholds to stabilize slow or noisy signals. This guide covers hysteresis, 74HC14 and 74HCT14 selection, comparator calculations, RC oscillators and p…
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …

