Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA20HE3/54
- Part No.:
- SA20HE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA20HE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 35.8VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,746
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Product details
Overview
SA20HE3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a uni-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, designed for primary overvoltage protection of DC power rails and signal lines. It features 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), 20 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 22.2–24.5 V breakdown voltage (VBR at 1 mA), 15.4 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and clamps to ≤32.4 V at rated surge - deployed in automotive ECUs and industrial sensor interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SA20HE3/54 datasheet, SA20HE3/54 pinout, SA20HE3/54 application, or SA20HE3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q101 qualification, 175 °C max junction temperature, low 1.0 µA reverse leakage at VWM, matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002, and DO-15 mechanical compatibility with legacy through-hole PCB layouts.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamping device in uni-directional configuration, triggered when reverse voltage exceeds VBR (22.2–24.5 V), diverting transient energy to ground while limiting downstream voltage to ≤32.4 V. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown and low incremental surge resistance.
Designed for repetitive transients up to 0.01% duty cycle, it sustains 70 A non-repetitive forward surge (10 ms half-sine) and dissipates 3.0 W continuously on infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C. The HE3 suffix confirms AEC-Q101 qualification and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates |
| VBR (min/max) | 22.2 V / 24.5 V at 1 mA - precise breakdown threshold defining turn-on sensitivity |
| IPPM | 15.4 A (10/1000 µs) - peak surge current it safely shunts without failure |
| VC | ≤32.4 V at IPPM - clamped voltage protecting downstream ICs from overvoltage damage |
| PPPM | 500 W - transient energy-handling capacity under standardized surge waveform |
| TJ max | +175 °C - enables operation in under-hood automotive and high-temperature industrial environments |
| Leakage (ID) | ≤1.0 µA at VWM - negligible standby power loss and minimal signal interference |
Pinout & Package
SA20HE3/54 uses the DO-204AC (DO-15) axial-leaded package: molded epoxy body with matte tin-plated leads, 0.300" (7.6 mm) minimum lead length, 0.140" (3.6 mm) max body diameter, and polarity marked by cathode band at one end.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., GND or return path) in uni-directional clamp configuration |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased clamping terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., 24 V rail or sensor output); color band identifies this end |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensor protection |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance, low leakage drift over temperature, and long-term reliability |
| 500 W peak pulse power | Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/3a and IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 surges without degradation |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.4) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast transients, reducing stress on downstream MOSFETs and microcontrollers |
| JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance | Enables use in high-reliability industrial and automotive assemblies without tin whisker risk |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 24 V supply inputs in engine control units against load dump and inductive switching spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping element placed between battery rail and DC-DC converter input. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤32.4 V, preventing latch-up or permanent damage to downstream PMICs and MCUs. |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog outputs of pressure/temperature sensors in factory automation systems from ESD and cable discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Uni-directional shunt protector on sensor signal line referenced to system ground. Use Value: Sub-1 ns response time and 1.0 µA leakage preserve signal integrity while surviving ±8 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2. |
| Telecom DC Power Input Protection | Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Protection |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding PoE-powered network switches against induced surges on 48 V DC input derived from midspan injectors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on primary DC input before isolation and regulation stages. Use Value: 20 V VWM allows safe operation across 48 V nominal with margin, while 500 W rating handles lightning-induced surges. |
Use Scenario: Suppressing back-EMF spikes generated by brushed DC motors in washing machines and HVAC blowers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reverse-biased clamp across motor terminals to absorb inductive kickback. Use Value: 70 A IFSM rating supports repeated motor startup surges; DO-15 package fits standard through-hole motor driver PCB footprints. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ20A | Same VWM (20 V), but SMA package (SMT); lower PPPM (400 W); no AEC-Q101 qualification | Used in space-constrained consumer PCBs where reflow assembly is required | Select SMAJ20A only if surface-mount layout and lower surge rating are acceptable |
| 1.5KE20A | Higher PPPM (1500 W), DO-201 package (larger than DO-15); same VWM/VBR range; not AEC-Q101 qualified | Preferred in high-energy industrial AC/DC front-ends requiring >500 W handling | Choose 1.5KE20A when surge energy exceeds 500 W and AEC-Q101 is not mandated |
Compared with SMAJ20A and 1.5KE20A, SA20HE3/54 uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-15 through-hole compatibility, and precise 500 W/20 V rating - making it the preferred choice for automotive and industrial designs requiring validated reliability and legacy board support.
Availability
SA20HE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial sensor modules, and telecom DC power supplies requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle assurance.
Supply support for SA20HE3/54 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 protection devices with emphasis on reliability and automotive-grade validation.
The SAxxA series delivers standardized TVS performance in DO-15 packaging for cost-sensitive, high-volume protection applications across automotive, industrial, and communications infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA20HE3/54 at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA20HE3/54 clamps to a maximum of 32.4 V when subjected to its rated 15.4 A peak pulse current (10/1000 µs waveform). This value is measured under standardized test conditions and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during transient events - critical for ensuring downstream components like microcontrollers or gate drivers remain within safe operating limits. The SA20HE3/54 achieves this with low incremental surge resistance due to its glass-passivated junction.
Is SA20HE3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SA20HE3/54 is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed by the HE3 suffix and Vishay documentation. It operates reliably from –55 °C to +175 °C, withstands 70 A forward surge current, and meets stringent whisker resistance requirements (JESD 201 Class 2). These attributes make SA20HE3/54 appropriate for under-hood engine control modules, body control units, and ADAS sensor protection where environmental robustness and qualification compliance are mandatory.
What does the "HE3" suffix indicate in SA20HE3/54?
The "HE3" suffix in SA20HE3/54 denotes two key specifications: RoHS-compliant construction and AEC-Q101 qualification. Specifically, "H" indicates AEC-Q101 qualification, "E3" confirms compliance with JEDEC JESD201 Class 2 whisker testing and RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. This distinguishes SA20HE3/54 from commercial-grade "E3" variants (e.g., SA20A-E3/54) and confirms suitability for automotive and high-reliability industrial use cases.
How does SA20HE3/54 differ from bi-directional TVS diodes like SA20CA?
SA20HE3/54 is a uni-directional TVS diode, meaning it conducts and clamps only in reverse bias - ideal for DC power rail protection with defined polarity. In contrast, SA20CA is bi-directional and symmetrical, clamping in both directions, suited for AC lines or data signals without fixed polarity. SA20HE3/54 has a cathode band marking; SA20CA has no polarity marking. Their VBR ranges differ slightly: SA20HE3/54 is 22.2–24.5 V, while SA20CA's is 22.2–25.6 V (per datasheet Table).
What is the maximum steady-state power dissipation for SA20HE3/54?
The SA20HE3/54 has a maximum steady-state power dissipation (PD) of 3.0 W when mounted on an infinite heatsink at lead temperature (TL) = 75 °C. This rating decreases linearly above 75 °C per the derating curve in Figure 5 of the datasheet. At ambient temperatures below 75 °C with adequate PCB copper area, SA20HE3/54 can sustain continuous dissipation sufficient for leakage-current-limited bias networks or low-duty-cycle monitoring circuits.
SA20HE3/54 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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- 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)
SA20HE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA20HE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA20HE3/54 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 SA20HE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA20HE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA20HE3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA20HE3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA20HE3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA20HE3/54?
SA20HE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA20HE3/54 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 SA20HE3/54?
For technical support, including SA20HE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA20HE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA20HE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA20HE3/54 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 SA20HE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA20HE3/54?
All SA20HE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA20HE3/54, 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 SA20HE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA20HE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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