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:
-
SA20A-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 32.4VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- 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
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20 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 @ IPPM | 32.4 V at 15.4 A - Clamped voltage during 500 W surge; limits stress on downstream MOSFETs or microcontrollers. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling per 10/1000 µs waveform; meets ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 & 2a requirements for automotive. |
| IFSM | 70 A - Non-repetitive forward surge current (10 ms half-sine); supports protection against load dump events in vehicle power networks. |
| TJ max | 175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood environments with minimal derating. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - 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/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / cathode-referenced reference | Connected to ground or low-side return path in unidirectional TVS configuration; defines directionality of clamping. |
| Cathode (banded end) | Reverse-biased terminal during normal operation | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); avalanche conduction occurs when voltage exceeds VBR, shunting surge to ground. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures 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 qualification | Validates 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 s | Supports wave and reflow assembly processes without delamination or parameter drift; compatible with standard PCB manufacturing flows. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial 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 Protection | Telecom 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 Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ20A | Same VWM (20 V), lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (surface-mount) | Preferred for space-constrained PCBs; lacks AEC-Q101 qualification and lower surge margin | Select SMAJ20A only if board area is critical and automotive qualification is not required. |
| 1.5KE20A | Same VWM (20 V), higher PPPM (1500 W), DO-15 package, but higher VC (36.5 V) and no AEC-Q101 | Better for high-energy industrial surges; less precise clamping and unqualified for automotive | Choose 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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