Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA20A-E3/54
- Part No.:
- SA20A-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA20A-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 32.4VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,412
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Product details
Overview
SA20A-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional TransZORB® transient voltage suppressor diode in DO-15 package, designed to protect sensitive electronics against voltage transients induced by inductive load switching and lightning surges. It features a 20 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 22.2–24.5 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 32.4 V clamping voltage at 15.4 A peak pulse current, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability.
For engineers reviewing the SA20A-E3/54 datasheet, SA20A-E3/54 pinout, SA20A-E3/54 application, or SA20A-E3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 10/1000 μs surge, thermal derating above 25 °C, unidirectional polarity marking, DO-15 mechanical compatibility, and compliance with JESD 22-B106 soldering and JESD 201 class 1A whisker testing.
Technical Context
The SA20A-E3/54 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, delivering fast response time (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance to limit transient overvoltage across protected circuits. Its unidirectional configuration uses a cathode band for polarity identification and exhibits 3.5 V maximum forward voltage at 100 A surge.
Thermal management is defined by a 175 °C maximum junction temperature, 3.0 W steady-state power dissipation on infinite heatsink at 75 °C lead temperature, and derating per Figure 2 above 25 °C ambient. The device supports repetitive 0.01 % duty cycle pulses and meets UL 94 V-0 flammability requirements in its molded epoxy package.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR (min/max) | 22.2 V / 24.5 V at 1 mA - Ensures reliable avalanche initiation within tight tolerance band |
| VC @ IPPM | 32.4 V at 15.4 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; defines worst-case protection level |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak transient energy absorption capability under standardized waveform |
| ID @ VWM | 1.0 μA - Low leakage preserves signal integrity in high-impedance circuits |
| TJ max. | 175 °C - Enables operation in under-hood automotive and industrial environments |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Validated for automotive electronics per stress test requirements |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-15 (DO-204AC), axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case with matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. Cathode identified by color band.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to circuit ground or lower-potential node in unidirectional TVS configuration |
| Cathode | Avalanche clamping terminal | Marked with band; connected to line being protected; conducts during reverse overvoltage |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Enables stable avalanche characteristics and long-term reliability under repeated surge stress |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Provides robust protection against common industrial and automotive surge waveforms |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates suitability for automotive powertrain, body control, and ADAS subsystems |
| JESD 201 class 1A whisker resistance | Prevents tin whisker growth in high-reliability assemblies over extended service life |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Meets flame-retardancy requirements for safety-critical end equipment |
Applications
| Automotive Power Supply Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between power rail and ground to clamp spikes exceeding 20 V. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤32.4 V during 15.4 A surge, preventing damage to downstream regulators and microcontrollers. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding digital input modules from field-wiring induced surges in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Line-side TVS on 24 V DC inputs to absorb inductive kickback from solenoid drivers. Use Value: Fast <1 ns response ensures clamping before sensitive logic inputs experience overstress. |
| Consumer Appliance Motor Control | Telecom Power Interface |
Use Scenario: Shielding BLDC motor driver ICs from back-EMF during commutation in smart appliances. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placement across H-bridge supply rails to suppress bidirectional inductive spikes. Use Value: 500 W rating handles repetitive 0.01 % duty cycle surges without degradation. | Use Scenario: Protecting PoE-powered Ethernet ports from lightning-induced surges on data lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS on DC bias lines feeding isolated magnetics. Use Value: 1.0 μA leakage at 20 V preserves signal integrity and minimizes standby power loss. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ20A | Same VWM (20 V), but SMA package (DO-214AC); 400 W PPPM vs. 500 W | Surface-mount layout; lower power handling; higher thermal resistance | Select when board space is constrained and surge energy is ≤400 W |
| P6SMB20A | Same VWM (20 V), DO-214AA package; 600 W PPPM; higher IPPM (32.4 A) | Higher surge capacity; larger footprint; requires different pad layout | Select when system-level surge tests exceed IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 |
Compared with SMAJ20A and P6SMB20A, the SA20A-E3/54 offers optimal balance of axial-leaded mechanical robustness, 500 W surge rating, and AEC-Q101 qualification-making it preferred for through-hole automotive and industrial designs where lead strength and qualification traceability are critical.
Availability
SA20A-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU protection, industrial PLC I/O conditioning, and consumer appliance motor drive circuits requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for SA20A-E3/54 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 and application-specific performance.
The SAxxA series is part of Vishay's TransZORB® TVS family, engineered for high-energy transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where robustness, consistency, and qualification compliance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA20A-E3/54 at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA20A-E3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 32.4 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 15.4 A under a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events and is measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35 standards. The SA20A-E3/54 maintains this clamping performance across its qualified operating temperature range.
Is SA20A-E3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SA20A-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive use. Its construction includes glass-passivated junction, UL 94 V-0 molding, and JESD 201 class 1A whisker resistance-features validated for under-hood and chassis-mounted systems. The SA20A-E3/54 is commonly deployed in engine control units, body electronics, and infotainment power supplies where transient immunity is critical.
What does the "E3/54" suffix indicate in SA20A-E3/54?
The "E3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade packaging with matte tin-plated leads meeting J-STD-002 solderability and JESD 201 class 1A whisker resistance. The "/54" indicates the preferred package code for 13-inch paper tape and reel delivery, with a base quantity of 4000 units per reel. This ordering format ensures consistent traceability and assembly compatibility for automated manufacturing.
How does SA20A-E3/54 differ from bidirectional variants like SA20CA?
The SA20A-E3/54 is unidirectional, featuring a cathode band for polarity identification and conducting only in reverse breakdown to clamp positive transients on the cathode side. In contrast, SA20CA is bidirectional with no polarity marking and clamps transients of either polarity. The SA20A-E3/54 exhibits forward conduction behavior below VWM, while SA20CA blocks in both directions until either polarity exceeds VBR.
What is the maximum junction temperature rating for SA20A-E3/54?
The SA20A-E3/54 has a maximum junction temperature (TJ max.) of +175 °C, enabling reliable operation in high-temperature environments such as automotive engine compartments or industrial motor drives. This rating is supported by its DO-15 package thermal path and specified derating curves (Figure 2), allowing design margin up to 175 °C when lead temperature (TL) is maintained at or below 75 °C per Figure 5.
SA20A-E3/54 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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 20V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 22.2V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 32.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 15.4A
- 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)
SA20A-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA20A-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA20A-E3/54 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 SA20A-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA20A-E3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA20A-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA20A-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA20A-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA20A-E3/54?
SA20A-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA20A-E3/54 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 SA20A-E3/54?
For technical support, including SA20A-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA20A-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA20A-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA20A-E3/54 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 SA20A-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA20A-E3/54?
All SA20A-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA20A-E3/54, 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 SA20A-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA20A-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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