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Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA20A-E3/73

Part No.:
SA20A-E3/73
Manufacturer:
Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
Category:
TVS Diodes
Package:
DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
Datasheet:
AetrixSA20A-E3/73.pdf
Description:
TVS DIODE 20VWM 32.4VC DO204AC
Quantity:
Payment:
Payment
Shipping:
Shipping

Inventory:6,608

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Product details

Overview

SA20A-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features a 20 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 22.2–24.5 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 32.4 V clamping voltage at 15.4 A peak pulse current, 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use.

For engineers reviewing the SA20A-E3/73 datasheet, SA20A-E3/73 pinout, SA20A-E3/73 application, or SA20A-E3/73 equivalent, this device is selected for robust ESD and surge protection in DC power rails, sensor interfaces, and automotive control modules where fast response (<1 ns), low clamping ratio, and high surge reliability are required.

Technical Context

The SA20A-E3/73 uses a glass-passivated silicon junction to achieve stable avalanche breakdown with low incremental surge resistance and excellent clamping linearity. Its unidirectional polarity enables integration into DC-biased lines without reverse conduction concerns, and its 10/1000 µs waveform rating reflects standardized surge immunity testing per IEC 61000-4-5.

Thermal performance is defined by a 175 °C maximum junction temperature and 3.0 W steady-state power dissipation on infinite heatsink at 75 °C lead temperature. The device supports 70 A non-repetitive forward surge current (10 ms half-sine), making it suitable for transient suppression in 12 V and 24 V automotive subsystems.

Key Specifications

ParameterValue and Actual Design Meaning
VWM20 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; sets protection threshold for 12 V nominal systems.
VBR (min/max)22.2 V / 24.5 V at 1.0 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range; ensures reliable triggering above system transients but below IC absolute max ratings.
VC @ IPPM32.4 V at 15.4 A - Clamped voltage during 500 W surge; limits stress on downstream MOSFETs or microcontrollers.
PPPM500 W - Peak pulse power handling per 10/1000 µs waveform; meets ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 & 2a requirements for automotive.
IFSM70 A - Non-repetitive forward surge current (10 ms half-sine); supports protection against load dump events in vehicle power networks.
TJ max175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood environments with minimal derating.
AEC-Q101Qualified - Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing per JESD47.

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 indicated by color band.

Pin/TerminalCircuit RoleDesign Meaning
AnodeForward current entry / cathode-referenced referenceConnected to ground or low-side return path in unidirectional TVS configuration; defines directionality of clamping.
Cathode (banded end)Reverse-biased terminal during normal operationConnected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); avalanche conduction occurs when voltage exceeds VBR, shunting surge to ground.

Key Features

FeatureDesign Value
Glass-passivated junctionEnsures stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics over lifetime and temperature; eliminates surface leakage paths that degrade clamping consistency.
500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs)Provides robust immunity against ISO 7637-2 and IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 surges without thermal runaway or parametric shift.
Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.4)Minimizes overvoltage overshoot during clamping-critical for protecting 3.3 V or 5 V logic interfaces powered from higher-voltage rails.
AEC-Q101 qualificationValidates suitability for automotive powertrain, body control, and ADAS modules requiring zero-failure field reliability under thermal and mechanical stress.
Solder dip rated 275 °C for 10 sSupports wave and reflow assembly processes without delamination or parameter drift; compatible with standard PCB manufacturing flows.

Applications

Automotive Power Rail ProtectionIndustrial Sensor Interface Protection

Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V supply lines in engine control units (ECUs) from load dump and inductive switching transients.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery rail and local regulator input to clamp surges before they reach LDOs or MCUs.

Use Value: Limits peak voltage to ≤32.4 V during 500 W transients, preventing damage to 36 V-rated input regulators and ensuring uninterrupted MCU operation.

Use Scenario: Shielding analog outputs of pressure or temperature sensors in factory automation equipment from ESD and cable discharge events.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS mounted at connector interface to absorb ±8 kV contact ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and fast-rising transients on 4–20 mA or 0–10 V signal lines.

Use Value: Sub-1 ns response time and <1 µA leakage at 20 V ensure no signal distortion during normal operation while guaranteeing fail-safe clamping.

DC Motor Drive Board ProtectionTelecom Power Supply Input Stage

Use Scenario: Safeguarding H-bridge gate drivers and current sense amplifiers from flyback voltage spikes generated by brushed DC motors.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed across motor terminals or on driver VDD rails to suppress repetitive 100–500 V spikes with 10–100 kHz repetition rates.

Use Value: Withstands 70 A single-pulse surge and maintains clamping stability over >100,000 cycles due to low incremental resistance and thermal robustness.

Use Scenario: Front-end surge suppression on 48 V telecom rectifier outputs feeding PoE injectors or baseband processors.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line defense against lightning-induced surges entering via AC/DC front-end, coordinated with MOVs and GDTs in multi-stage architecture.

Use Value: 500 W rating and 32.4 V clamping enable coordination with downstream TVS arrays to limit let-through energy to <10 mJ for downstream IC survival.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.

Alternative PartTechnical DifferenceApplication DifferenceSelection Advice
SMAJ20ASame VWM (20 V), lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (surface-mount)Preferred for space-constrained PCBs; lacks AEC-Q101 qualification and lower surge marginSelect SMAJ20A only if board area is critical and automotive qualification is not required.
1.5KE20ASame VWM (20 V), higher PPPM (1500 W), DO-15 package, but higher VC (36.5 V) and no AEC-Q101Better for high-energy industrial surges; less precise clamping and unqualified for automotiveChoose 1.5KE20A when peak surge energy exceeds 500 W and automotive compliance is unnecessary.

Compared with SMAJ20A and 1.5KE20A, the SA20A-E3/73 uniquely balances automotive qualification, precise 32.4 V clamping, and axial DO-15 manufacturability-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, high-reliability 12 V system designs where regulatory validation and assembly compatibility are mandatory.

Availability

SA20A-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial sensor nodes, DC motor controllers, and telecom power supplies requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for SA20A-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 SAxxA series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for robust transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and communications infrastructure where fast response, low clamping, and AEC-Q101 compliance are essential.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of the SA20A-E3/73 under maximum rated surge current?

The SA20A-E3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 32.4 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 15.4 A using the 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per standard test conditions in the Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 88378) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during a 500 W transient event. The SA20A-E3/73 maintains this clamping performance across its qualified operating temperature range.

Is the SA20A-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, the SA20A-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified, confirming its reliability for automotive use cases including engine control, body electronics, and ADAS subsystems. It meets stress tests for temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and ESD per JESD47. The SA20A-E3/73 is explicitly rated for operation from –55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature, supporting under-hood deployment without derating penalties typical of commercial-grade TVS diodes.

What does the "E3/73" suffix indicate in SA20A-E3/73?

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 "/73" indicates tape-and-reel packaging in 73 mm carrier tape width, standard for DO-15 devices at Vishay. This differs from "/54" (54 mm tape) and confirms the SA20A-E3/73 is supplied in industry-standard automated assembly format compatible with pick-and-place equipment.

How does the SA20A-E3/73 compare to bidirectional TVS diodes like SA20CA?

The SA20A-E3/73 is unidirectional and intended for DC-biased lines where reverse conduction must be blocked; SA20CA is bidirectional and suited for AC or floating signal lines. The SA20A-E3/73 exhibits forward voltage drop (~3.5 V at 100 A) and supports 70 A IFSM, whereas SA20CA has symmetric clamping in both directions and no forward conduction path. Use SA20A-E3/73 on 12 V power rails; use SA20CA on RS-485 or CAN bus lines.

What is the maximum steady-state power dissipation for the SA20A-E3/73?

The SA20A-E3/73 has a maximum steady-state power dissipation (PD) of 3.0 W when mounted on an infinite heatsink at a lead temperature (TL) of 75 °C, per Figure 5 in the Vishay datasheet. This rating applies to continuous DC or low-frequency operation-not transient suppression. Derating is required above 75 °C lead temperature, with full derating to zero at 175 °C junction temperature. The SA20A-E3/73 is not intended for sustained power dissipation; its primary function remains pulsed transient absorption.

SA20A-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:
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-E3/73 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for SA20A-E3/73 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA20A-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 SA20A-E3/73 reliable?

The price and inventory of SA20A-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 SA20A-E3/73 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for SA20A-E3/73?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA20A-E3/73 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for SA20A-E3/73?

SA20A-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your SA20A-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 SA20A-E3/73?

For technical support, including SA20A-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA20A-E3/73 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that SA20A-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All SA20A-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 SA20A-E3/73 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA20A-E3/73?

All SA20A-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA20A-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 SA20A-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for SA20A-E3/73:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

SA20A-E3/73 Tags

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