Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA20HE3/73
- Part No.:
- SA20HE3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA20HE3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 35.8VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,917
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Product details
Overview
SA20HE3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a uni-directional TransZORB® transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, rated for 20 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 22.2–24.5 V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs). It delivers 15.4 A peak pulse current (IPPM) with 32.4 V clamping voltage (VC) and is AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive electronics protection.
For engineers reviewing the SA20HE3/73 datasheet, SA20HE3/73 pinout, SA20HE3/73 application, or SA20HE3/73 equivalent, this device is selected for robust overvoltage protection of DC power rails and signal lines in harsh environments-especially where automotive-grade reliability, fast response (<1 ns), and low clamping ratio are required.
Technical Context
The SA20HE3/73 operates as a silicon avalanche diode optimized for transient suppression on uni-directional DC circuits. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5 %) and low leakage (<1.0 μA at 20 V), while its 3.5 V forward voltage at 100 A supports surge handling during reverse-biased clamping events.
Designed for 10/1000 μs waveform compliance, it sustains 500 W non-repetitive pulses at TA = 25 °C and derates linearly above 25 °C per Vishay's Fig. 2. Its 175 °C maximum junction temperature and AEC-Q101 qualification confirm suitability for under-hood automotive modules and industrial control I/O interfaces.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe DC rail margin for 24 V systems. |
| VBR (min/max) | 22.2 V / 24.5 V at 1.0 mA - Tight 5 % tolerance ensures predictable turn-on across production lots and temperature. |
| VC @ IPPM | 32.4 V at 15.4 A - Clamping voltage limits downstream IC stress during 500 W transients; clamping ratio = 1.62. |
| IPPM | 15.4 A - Peak current capacity for 10/1000 μs surge; sufficient to absorb ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a energy in 12 V vehicle networks. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Standardized surge rating enabling direct comparison with competing TVS diodes under identical test conditions. |
| TJ max. | 175 °C - Enables operation in high-ambient environments such as engine control units without thermal derating penalties. |
| Qualification | AEC-Q101 - Validated for automotive use including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing per JESD22 standards. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial-leaded, molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0. Matte tin-plated leads comply with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability requirements. Cathode indicated by color band.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., ground or return path); conducts during forward surge events (IFSM = 70 A). |
| Cathode | Reverse-biased clamping terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., +24 V rail); avalanches into low-impedance state when VLINE exceeds VBR. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures long-term VBR stability and low parameter drift over temperature and lifetime. |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Matches industry-standard surge test waveforms used in automotive (ISO 7637-2) and industrial (IEC 61000-4-5) immunity validation. |
| Low incremental clamping resistance | Enables tight VC – VBR spread (ΔV = 10.2 V), minimizing voltage overshoot during fast transients. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Confirms reliability for automotive powertrain, body electronics, and ADAS modules requiring zero-failure field performance. |
| RoHS-compliant HE3 suffix | Indicates AEC-Q101 qualification and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance-critical for lead-free reflow and long-term interconnect integrity. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Supply Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 24 V supply inputs of engine control units (ECUs) against load dump and inductive switching spikes. IC Role / Device Role: Primary clamping element placed between battery rail and upstream fuse or DC-DC converter input. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤32.4 V, preventing damage to 36 V-rated regulators and microcontrollers without sacrificing response speed. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog outputs (4–20 mA) and digital I/O (CAN, LIN) of PLC analog modules from field-wiring surges. IC Role / Device Role: Line-side TVS mounted directly at connector entry point to shunt induced energy before reaching signal conditioning circuitry. Use Value: Withstands ≥15.4 A surges while maintaining <1.0 μA leakage at 20 V, preserving sensor accuracy and system quiescent current. |
| Telecom DC Feeder Protection | Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Protection |
Use Scenario: Shielding -48 V DC power feeds in remote radio units (RRUs) from lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role: Uni-directional TVS installed on negative rail to clamp positive-going transients while blocking reverse conduction. Use Value: 32.4 V clamping ensures downstream DC-DC converters remain within absolute maximum ratings during 500 W surges. |
Use Scenario: Suppressing back-EMF spikes from brushed DC motors in washing machine control boards during commutation. IC Role / Device Role: Mounted across motor terminals to clamp inductive kickback before it couples into MCU GPIO or driver ICs. Use Value: 70 A IFSM rating handles repetitive 10 ms half-sine surges common in motor startup, extending board-level reliability. |
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-E3/5A | Same VWM (20 V), but SMA package (surface-mount); lower IPPM (13.7 A) and higher VC (34.0 V); JEDEC DO-214AC outline. | Preferred for space-constrained PCBs; unsuitable for through-hole legacy designs or high-temperature leaded assembly. | Select when automated SMT placement and smaller footprint outweigh need for 15.4 A IPPM and axial mechanical robustness. |
| 1.5KE20A | Higher PPPM (1500 W), larger DO-201AD package; same VWM/VBR range but looser VBR tolerance (±10 %); no AEC-Q101 qualification. | Used in non-automotive industrial power supplies where cost and surge margin dominate over qualification and precision. | Choose only if 1500 W surge headroom is mandatory and AEC-Q101 compliance is not required. |
Compared with SMAJ20A-E3/5A and 1.5KE20A, SA20HE3/73 uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, tight 5 % VBR tolerance, and DO-15 mechanical ruggedness-making it the preferred choice for automotive and high-reliability through-hole designs demanding verified field performance.
Availability
SA20HE3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial PLC I/O modules, telecom DC feeder systems, and consumer appliance motor controls requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA20HE3/73 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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SAxxA series is part of Vishay's TransZORB® TVS platform engineered specifically for robust, standardized transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure-prioritizing clamping precision, surge repeatability, and qualification rigor.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA20HE3/73 at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA20HE3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 32.4 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 15.4 A under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Vishay Document Number 88378 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events. The SA20HE3/73 maintains this clamping performance across its qualified operating temperature range.
Is SA20HE3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SA20HE3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive use, including under-hood environments. Its 175 °C maximum junction temperature, glass-passivated junction, and validation across temperature cycling, HTRB, and surge stress make it appropriate for engine control units, body control modules, and ADAS power supplies. The HE3 suffix confirms its AEC-Q101 status and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance-key for automotive-grade reliability. SA20HE3/73 meets these requirements without derating in typical vehicle ambient profiles.
What does the "HE3" suffix indicate in SA20HE3/73?
The "HE3" suffix in SA20HE3/73 denotes RoHS-compliant construction with AEC-Q101 qualification and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. Unlike the base "E3" variant (commercial grade), HE3 confirms full automotive qualification-including stress testing for high-temperature reverse bias, temperature cycling, and mechanical robustness. This suffix is critical for traceability in automotive BOMs and guarantees compliance with OEM Tier 1 supplier requirements. SA20HE3/73 is therefore distinct from non-HE3 variants in both certification scope and process control.
How does SA20HE3/73 differ from bi-directional TVS diodes like SA20CA?
SA20HE3/73 is a uni-directional TVS diode, meaning it clamps only in reverse bias and conducts forward current up to 70 A (IFSM), whereas SA20CA is bi-directional and symmetrical-clamping in both polarities with no defined anode/cathode. SA20HE3/73 features a cathode band for polarity identification and is intended for DC supply rail protection where polarity is fixed. SA20CA would be used in AC-coupled or bidirectional signal lines (e.g., RS-485). Their VBR, VC, and PPPM values differ slightly due to structural asymmetry; SA20HE3/73 offers tighter VBR tolerance (±5 % vs ±6 % for SA20CA).
What is the maximum steady-state power dissipation for SA20HE3/73?
The SA20HE3/73 has a maximum steady-state power dissipation (PD) of 3.0 W when mounted on an infinite heatsink at lead temperature (TL) = 75 °C, per Figure 5 in Vishay Document 88378. This rating applies to continuous DC or low-duty-cycle operation-not transient suppression. Derating is required above 75 °C lead temperature, and actual board-level dissipation depends on PCB copper area and airflow. For most protection applications, SA20HE3/73 operates in pulsed mode, so PD is rarely limiting; its 500 W surge capability dominates design considerations.
SA20HE3/73 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:
- 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)
SA20HE3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA20HE3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA20HE3/73 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 SA20HE3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA20HE3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA20HE3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA20HE3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA20HE3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA20HE3/73?
SA20HE3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA20HE3/73 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 SA20HE3/73?
For technical support, including SA20HE3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA20HE3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA20HE3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA20HE3/73 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 SA20HE3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA20HE3/73?
All SA20HE3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA20HE3/73, 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 SA20HE3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA20HE3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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