Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA20CHE3/54
- Part No.:
- SA20CHE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA20CHE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 35.8VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,596
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Product details
Overview
SA20CHE3/54 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 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), 15.4 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and clamps to ≤32.4 V at rated IPPM - used in automotive sensor interface protection and industrial I/O line surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the SA20CHE3/54 datasheet, SA20CHE3/54 pinout, SA20CHE3/54 application, or SA20CHE3/54 equivalent, this device is evaluated for AEC-Q101 qualified transient suppression in bi-directional signal paths where low clamping voltage, fast response (<1 ns), and robust 175 °C junction operation are required.
Technical Context
The SA20CHE3/54 operates as a bi-directional avalanche diode with symmetrical clamping behavior in both polarities, enabling protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines without polarity constraints. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance and low leakage (≤1.0 µA at 20 V), while its 10/1000 µs waveform rating reflects standardized surge immunity testing per R.E.A. definitions.
Thermal performance is defined by a 3.0 W steady-state power dissipation on infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C and full derating above TA = 25 °C per Fig. 2. The device supports surge currents up to 70 A (IFSM, uni-directional only - not applicable here) and maintains clamping integrity across -55 °C to +175 °C operating junction temperature range.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating window for protected circuitry. |
| VBR (min/max) | 22.2 V / 24.5 V at IT = 1 mA - guaranteed avalanche onset range; ensures predictable turn-on under transient stress. |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤32.4 V at 15.4 A - clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs surge; determines worst-case overvoltage seen by downstream ICs. |
| PPPM | 500 W - peak transient energy handling capacity; validates compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3/4 surge requirements. |
| ID @ VWM | ≤1.0 µA - reverse leakage at rated stand-off; critical for low-power sensor biasing and battery-backed systems. |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - maximum junction temperature; enables use in under-hood automotive and high-ambient industrial environments. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - certified for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing per AEC standard. |
Pinout & Package
SA20CHE3/54 uses the DO-204AC (DO-15) axial-leaded package: molded epoxy body, matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002, RoHS-compliant, AEC-Q101 qualified (HE3 suffix), with no polarity marking (bi-directional).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bi-directional avalanche junction terminals | No functional distinction between leads; either terminal may connect to line or ground - enables flexible PCB layout for AC or differential signals. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Ensures stable VBR over lifetime and resistance to humidity-induced parameter drift in harsh environments. |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports repeated surge events per IEC 61000-4-5 without degradation, suitable for industrial fieldbus nodes. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates reliability for automotive applications including engine control sensors, infotainment I/O, and ADAS camera interfaces. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ISO 7637-2 pulse 1/2a), improving system-level EMI margin. |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Meets flammability safety requirements for enclosed industrial enclosures and automotive junction boxes. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial Fieldbus Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and inductive switching transients in vehicle ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional clamping element placed at connector entry point to shunt surge energy before reaching sensitive analog front-ends or communication ICs. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤32.4 V during 15.4 A surges, preserving signal integrity and preventing latch-up in 3.3 V/5 V microcontrollers. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding RS-485/RS-422 transceiver inputs and outputs in factory automation PLCs exposed to motor drive noise and lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Line-side TVS mounted directly at connector pins to clamp common-mode and differential-mode transients before signal conditioning stages. Use Value: Maintains <1.0 µA leakage at 20 V, avoiding DC bias shift in precision differential receivers while delivering 500 W surge immunity. |
| Consumer Audio Input Protection | Medical Instrument Signal Conditioning |
Use Scenario: Shielding line-in and microphone inputs of smart speakers and audio interfaces from ESD and cable discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage protection device placed before op-amp input networks to absorb ±8 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2. Use Value: Responds in <1 ns to divert ESD current, limiting voltage excursion to ≤32.4 V and preventing op-amp input stage damage. |
Use Scenario: Protecting analog front-end inputs of patient monitoring devices (ECG, SpO₂) from electrostatic discharge during clinical handling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-leakage bi-directional suppressor isolating sensitive amplifier inputs from external connectors while maintaining signal fidelity. Use Value: Delivers AEC-Q101 reliability and ≤1.0 µA leakage at 20 V, ensuring no DC offset error in high-gain, low-noise medical amplifiers. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ20CA | Same VWM (20 V), same DO-214AC (SMA) package; lower PPPM (400 W), higher VC (32.5 V), non-AEC-Q101. | Not qualified for automotive; suited for cost-sensitive consumer electronics where AEC-Q101 is not mandated. | Select SMAJ20CA only if board space allows SMA footprint and AEC-Q101 compliance is unnecessary. |
| 1.5KE20CA | Same VWM (20 V), larger DO-201AD package; higher PPPM (1500 W), higher VC (36.5 V), non-AEC-Q101. | Used where higher single-event surge margin is needed but automotive qualification and compact DO-15 size are not required. | Choose 1.5KE20CA when surge energy exceeds 500 W and PCB layout accommodates larger axial package. |
Compared with SMAJ20CA and 1.5KE20CA, SA20CHE3/54 uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-204AC form factor, and precise 32.4 V clamping in a 500 W rating - making it the preferred choice for space-constrained, automotive-grade signal line protection.
Availability
SA20CHE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial fieldbus nodes, and medical instrument signal conditioning requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA20CHE3/54 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 SAxxxC series is engineered for robust transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and communications infrastructure - prioritizing AEC-Q101 qualification, tight VBR tolerance, and stable clamping under thermal stress.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of SA20CHE3/54?
The SA20CHE3/54 is a bi-directional TVS diode with symmetrical avalanche characteristics in both directions. It has no cathode marking and functions identically regardless of lead orientation - ideal for protecting AC-coupled or floating signal lines where polarity is undefined or reversible.
Is SA20CHE3/54 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, SA20CHE3/54 carries the HE3 suffix, confirming AEC-Q101 qualification per Vishay's documentation. This includes stress testing for temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and ESD - validating its use in engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS sensor modules.
What is the clamping voltage of SA20CHE3/54 at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA20CHE3/54 clamps to a maximum of 32.4 V at its rated peak pulse current of 15.4 A (10/1000 µs waveform). This value is measured per standard test conditions and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events.
Does SA20CHE3/54 have RoHS and halogen-free compliance?
Yes, SA20CHE3/54 is RoHS-compliant (per Directive 2011/65/EU) and halogen-free per JEDEC JS709A standards. The HE3 suffix confirms both material certifications, supporting environmental compliance for automotive and industrial end equipment.
Can SA20CHE3/54 replace uni-directional TVS diodes like SA20A?
No - SA20CHE3/54 is bi-directional and lacks polarity marking, whereas SA20A is uni-directional with a cathode band. Substitution requires verifying circuit topology: SA20CHE3/54 suits AC or floating lines; SA20A is mandatory for DC-biased unidirectional paths where forward conduction must be blocked.
SA20CHE3/54 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:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 20V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 22.2V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 35.8V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 14A
- 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)
SA20CHE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA20CHE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA20CHE3/54 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 SA20CHE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA20CHE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA20CHE3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA20CHE3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA20CHE3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA20CHE3/54?
SA20CHE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA20CHE3/54 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 SA20CHE3/54?
For technical support, including SA20CHE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA20CHE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA20CHE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA20CHE3/54 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 SA20CHE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA20CHE3/54?
All SA20CHE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA20CHE3/54, 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 SA20CHE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA20CHE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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