Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA28C-E3/54
- Part No.:
- SA28C-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA28C-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 28VWM 50.1VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,432
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Product details
Overview
SA28C-E3/54 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 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 28 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 31.1–34.4 V breakdown voltage (VBR at 1 mA), 11 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and clamps to ≤45.4 V at rated surge. It is used in automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O protection.
For engineers reviewing the SA28C-E3/54 datasheet, SA28C-E3/54 pinout, SA28C-E3/54 application, or SA28C-E3/54 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, bi-directional clamping behavior, AEC-Q101 qualification status, DO-15 mechanical data, and direct alternative part comparisons - all grounded in Vishay's official 88378 document.
Technical Context
The SA28C-E3/54 operates as a bi-directional avalanche diode with symmetrical clamping in both polarities, enabling transient suppression on AC-coupled or floating lines without polarity concerns. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR and low leakage (<1.0 μA at VWM), while its 175 °C max junction temperature supports under-hood automotive deployment.
It complies with AEC-Q101 stress testing for automotive reliability and uses matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002/JESD 22-B102. The device exhibits low incremental surge resistance and fast response time - critical for protecting MOSFET gates and microcontroller I/O against ESD and load-switching spikes.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 28 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe working margin for 24 V nominal systems. |
| VBR (min/max) | 31.1 V / 34.4 V at 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown range ensures predictable turn-on across production lot and temperature. |
| IPPM | 11 A (10/1000 μs waveform) - Peak surge current handling capacity directly determines survivability against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a transients. |
| VC | ≤45.4 V at IPPM - Clamping voltage limits stress on downstream ICs; margin vs. 33 V logic rails enables robust protection. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power rating validates suitability for repetitive surge events up to 0.01% duty cycle. |
| TJmax | 175 °C - Enables operation in high-temperature environments such as engine control units and motor drives. |
| Leakage (ID) | ≤1.0 μA at VWM - Ultra-low reverse leakage preserves signal integrity and battery life in always-on circuits. |
Pinout & Package
SA28C-E3/54 is housed in a DO-204AC (DO-15) molded epoxy package with axial leads. Bi-directional construction means no cathode marking; terminals are non-polarized and interchangeable.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bi-directional avalanche junction | Either lead may connect to line or ground; identical clamping behavior in both directions eliminates orientation constraints during placement. |
| Lead 1 / Lead 2 | Matte tin-plated copper alloy | Solderable per J-STD-002; withstands 275 °C dip for 10 s; meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces. |
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures long-term stability of VBR and low parameter drift over temperature and lifetime. |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports compliance with ISO 7637-2 and IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 surge immunity requirements. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.35) | Minimizes let-through energy during transients, reducing risk of latch-up or gate oxide damage in protected ICs. |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Meets flammability safety standards for enclosed industrial and automotive enclosures. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN/LIN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) from load dump and inductive switching spikes in 12 V/24 V vehicle subsystems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional voltage clamp placed across differential or single-ended signal lines upstream of the transceiver input. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤45.4 V, preventing damage to 3.3 V or 5 V interface ICs while maintaining signal fidelity due to sub-μA leakage. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding digital input modules in programmable logic controllers against field-wiring surges, relay contact bounce, and ESD during maintenance. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS on each 24 V DC input channel, referenced to common ground. Use Value: Withstands repeated 11 A surges without degradation, ensuring >10-year field reliability in factory automation environments. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Appliance Motor Control |
Use Scenario: Shielding RS-485/RS-232 transceivers in base station backhaul equipment from lightning-induced surges on long cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional suppressor bridging signal pair (A/B) to ground, leveraging symmetrical clamping for balanced line protection. Use Value: 45.4 V clamping voltage stays below absolute maximum ratings of TI SN65HVD or Maxim MAX3485 transceivers. |
Use Scenario: Suppressing commutation spikes from brushed DC motors in washing machines, HVAC blowers, and power tools. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted across motor terminals or between H-bridge outputs and supply rail to absorb inductive kickback. Use Value: 500 W pulse rating handles 20 ms motor stall events; DO-15 package allows through-hole mounting on high-current PCB traces. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ28CA | Same DO-214AC package; 28 V VWM, 31.1–34.4 V VBR, 45.4 V VC - identical clamping performance but 400 W PPPM. | Lower peak power rating reduces margin for multi-pulse or high-energy transients like ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs need for full 500 W headroom; verify system-level surge test compliance. |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5SMC28CA | DO-214AB package; same VWM/VBR/VC; 500 W rating confirmed, but thermal resistance higher (RθJA = 70 °C/W vs. Vishay's ~60 °C/W). | Less efficient heat dissipation may limit sustained surge repetition rate in compact enclosures. | Prefer for SMT layouts where DO-214AB footprint is already standardized; confirm board-level thermal relief design. |
Compared with SA28C-E3/54, SMAJ28CA offers lower cost but reduced pulse energy margin, while 1.5SMC28CA matches power rating yet requires careful thermal layout due to higher junction-to-ambient resistance - making SA28C-E3/54 optimal for high-reliability through-hole deployments demanding full 500 W capability and AEC-Q101 validation.
Availability
SA28C-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial control systems, and telecom infrastructure requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant sourcing, and AEC-Q101-qualified reliability.
Supply support for SA28C-E3/54 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 high-reliability and automotive-grade qualification.
The SAxxC series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for robust, bi-directional transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and communications applications where failure is not an option.
FAQ
What does the "C" suffix in SA28C-E3/54 indicate?
The "C" in SA28C-E3/54 denotes bi-directional configuration, meaning the device provides symmetrical transient suppression in both forward and reverse polarities. Unlike uni-directional variants (e.g., SA28A-E3/54), SA28C-E3/54 has no cathode marking and functions identically regardless of terminal orientation - essential for AC-coupled or floating signal lines. This is explicitly defined in Vishay document 88378.
Is SA28C-E3/54 AEC-Q101 qualified?
Yes, SA28C-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed in the "Notes" section of Vishay's 88378 datasheet (page 3, Note 1). This qualification covers stress tests including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and ESD - validating its suitability for automotive powertrain, chassis, and body electronics applications where reliability is mission-critical.
What is the clamping voltage of SA28C-E3/54 at its rated peak pulse current?
The clamping voltage (VC) of SA28C-E3/54 is guaranteed ≤45.4 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 11 A under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is specified in the Electrical Characteristics table (page 2 of document 88378) and represents the maximum voltage seen by downstream circuitry during a worst-case transient event.
Can SA28C-E3/54 replace SA28A-E3/54 in a design?
No - SA28C-E3/54 cannot directly replace SA28A-E3/54 without circuit review. SA28A-E3/54 is uni-directional with a cathode band and forward conduction path; SA28C-E3/54 is bi-directional with no polarity marking. Substituting it in a DC-biased line may cause unintended conduction or failed clamping. Use SA28C-E3/54 only where true bi-directional protection is required and layout accommodates non-polarized placement.
What package type does SA28C-E3/54 use, and what are its key mechanical features?
SA28C-E3/54 uses the DO-204AC (DO-15) axial-leaded package, with overall dimensions of 1.0 inch minimum length and 0.140 inch maximum diameter. Its molded epoxy case meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating, leads are matte tin-plated per J-STD-002, and it passes JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing - all documented in the Mechanical Data section of Vishay's 88378 datasheet.
SA28C-E3/54 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):
- 28V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 31.1V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 50.1V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 10A
- 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)
SA28C-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA28C-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA28C-E3/54 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 SA28C-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA28C-E3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA28C-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA28C-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA28C-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA28C-E3/54?
SA28C-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA28C-E3/54 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 SA28C-E3/54?
For technical support, including SA28C-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA28C-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA28C-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA28C-E3/54 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 SA28C-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA28C-E3/54?
All SA28C-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA28C-E3/54, 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 SA28C-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA28C-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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