Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA20AHE3/54
- Part No.:
- SA20AHE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA20AHE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 32.4VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,573
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Product details
Overview
SA20AHE3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) 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, 32.4 V clamping voltage (VC) at 15.4 A peak pulse current, and 500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 μs waveform.
For engineers reviewing the SA20AHE3/54 datasheet, SA20AHE3/54 pinout, SA20AHE3/54 application, or SA20AHE3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 15.4 A surge, AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use, DO-15 mechanical compatibility, and 3.0 W steady-state power dissipation capability.
Technical Context
The SA20AHE3/54 operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, conducting only in reverse bias above its breakdown threshold to clamp transient overvoltages. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1.0 μA at 20 V) and fast response time (<1.0 ns), while the DO-15 package supports manual or automated through-hole assembly with matte tin-plated leads compliant to J-STD-002.
Designed for repetitive surge suppression, it delivers 500 W peak pulse power per 10/1000 μs waveform at 0.01% duty cycle, with thermal derating above 25 °C ambient and maximum junction temperature of 175 °C. It is qualified to AEC-Q101, confirming suitability for automotive powertrain and body electronics where reliability under cyclic stress is critical.
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 consistent avalanche initiation across production lots |
| VC @ IPPM | 32.4 V at 15.4 A - Limits downstream IC voltage stress during worst-case 10/1000 μs surge |
| PPPM | 500 W - Sustains high-energy transients without failure under standardized test conditions |
| ID @ VWM | ≤1.0 μA - Minimizes standby power loss and signal line loading in low-current circuits |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Enables operation in under-hood automotive environments and industrial enclosures |
| IFSM | 70 A - Withstands 10 ms half-sine surge events common in motor drive and relay coil snubbing |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-15 (DO-204AC), axial leaded, epoxy-molded case with glass passivated chip. Matte tin-plated leads meet J-STD-002 solderability; polarity indicated by cathode band.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to circuit ground or lower-potential node in unidirectional TVS configuration |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased clamping terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 20 V rail or signal trace); color band marks this end |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units and ADAS sensor interfaces |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures long-term stability of VBR and leakage under thermal cycling and humidity stress |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Protects against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1, 2a, and 5a transients in 12 V vehicle systems |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.42) | Minimizes overvoltage margin between clamping and device breakdown thresholds |
| DO-15 mechanical standardization | Enables drop-in replacement in legacy designs and compatibility with existing PCB footprints |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V supply rails in engine control modules from load dump and alternator ripple transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery rail and ECU input filter capacitor. Use Value: Clamps 12 V system spikes up to 32.4 V, preventing damage to downstream LDOs and microcontrollers rated for ≤36 V absolute maximum. | Use Scenario: Shielding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA current loop) from ESD and cable discharge events in factory automation sensors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS connected between signal line and local ground, adjacent to connector entry point. Use Value: Sub-1 ns response limits voltage excursion to <33 V during 8 kV contact ESD, preserving ADC front-end integrity and calibration stability. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input Stage | Telecom Line Card Surge Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding AC-DC adapter primary-side rectifier outputs against lightning-induced surges on mains input. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS mounted across bulk capacitor after bridge rectifier. Use Value: Absorbs 500 W transient energy without degradation, maintaining compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (2 kV line-earth). | Use Scenario: Protecting Ethernet PHY interface power pins (e.g., 3.3 V bias) from induced surges on nearby telephone line traces in multi-service access nodes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS placed between PHY VDD pin and chassis ground, minimizing trace inductance. Use Value: Limits clamped voltage to 32.4 V, ensuring PHY IC remains within safe operating area during 10/1000 μs telecom surge tests. |
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), identical DO-214AC package, but lower PPPM (400 W) and higher VC (34.0 V at 12.3 A) | Less robust for high-energy 10/1000 μs surges; better suited for space-constrained SMT layouts | Select SMAJ20A only when board real estate is limited and surge energy does not exceed 400 W |
| P6KE20A | Same VWM (20 V), DO-15 package, but lower PPPM (600 W nominal), higher VC (36.8 V at 16.3 A), and no AEC-Q101 qualification | Higher clamping voltage increases risk to downstream 3.3 V logic; lacks automotive qualification | Choose P6KE20A for cost-sensitive industrial applications where AEC-Q101 is not required |
Compared with SMAJ20A and P6KE20A, SA20AHE3/54 provides superior clamping performance (32.4 V vs. ≥34.0 V), guaranteed AEC-Q101 qualification, and tighter VBR tolerance-making it the preferred choice for automotive and high-reliability industrial designs requiring precise overvoltage limiting.
Availability
SA20AHE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial sensor nodes, consumer power adapters, and telecom line cards requiring stable component supply with full traceability and lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA20AHE3/54 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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and automotive-grade qualification.
The SAxxA series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for robust, standardized transient protection in harsh environments including automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA20AHE3/54 under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The SA20AHE3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 32.4 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 15.4 A using the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and guarantees that protected circuitry will not experience voltages exceeding 32.4 V during such transient events, making SA20AHE3/54 suitable for safeguarding 24 V nominal systems and 3.3 V/5 V logic interfaces with appropriate margin.
Is SA20AHE3/54 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, SA20AHE3/54 carries the HE3 suffix, indicating full AEC-Q101 qualification. This certification confirms successful completion of stress tests including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and unbiased highly accelerated stress testing-validating its reliability in automotive powertrain, body control, and ADAS subsystems where extended temperature range (-55 °C to +175 °C) and long-term stability are mandatory.
What does the "HE3" suffix mean in SA20AHE3/54?
The "HE3" suffix in SA20AHE3/54 denotes RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. Unlike the base "E3" variant, HE3 ensures enhanced reliability for automotive use, including stricter process controls, extended environmental testing, and traceable lot documentation-making SA20AHE3/54 distinct from commercial-grade equivalents in both qualification scope and application assurance.
Can SA20AHE3/54 be used in bidirectional configurations?
No, SA20AHE3/54 is a unidirectional TVS diode, as indicated by the "A" (not "CA") suffix. Bidirectional variants-for example, SA20CA-have symmetric breakdown characteristics and no polarity marking. Using SA20AHE3/54 in bidirectional circuits would result in forward conduction during negative transients, potentially causing failure; always select CA-suffixed parts for AC or dual-polarity protection.
What is the steady-state power dissipation rating for SA20AHE3/54?
The SA20AHE3/54 has a steady-state power dissipation (PD) rating of 3.0 W when mounted on an infinite heatsink at lead temperature (TL) of 75 °C. This rating applies to continuous DC or low-frequency reverse leakage conditions-not transient events-and must be derated linearly above 75 °C per the curve in Figure 5 of the datasheet to maintain safe junction temperatures below 175 °C.
SA20AHE3/54 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:
- -
- 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)
SA20AHE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA20AHE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA20AHE3/54 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 SA20AHE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA20AHE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA20AHE3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA20AHE3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA20AHE3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA20AHE3/54?
SA20AHE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA20AHE3/54 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 SA20AHE3/54?
For technical support, including SA20AHE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA20AHE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA20AHE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA20AHE3/54 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 SA20AHE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA20AHE3/54?
All SA20AHE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA20AHE3/54, 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 SA20AHE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA20AHE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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