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Home > Products > Circuit Protection > Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS) > TVS Diodes

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA28C-E3/73

Name: SA28C-E3/73
Brand: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
SKU: SA28C-E3/73
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: SA28C-E3/73

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Category:: TVS Diodes

Package:: DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial

Datasheet:: SA28C-E3/73.pdf

Description:: TVS DIODE 28VWM 50.1VC DO204AC

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Product details

Overview

SA28C-E3/73 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 28 V stand-off voltage (V_WM), 31.1–34.4 V breakdown voltage (V_BR) at 1 mA, 45.4 V maximum clamping voltage (V_C) at 11 A peak pulse current, and 500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - used in automotive sensor protection and industrial I/O interface surge suppression.

For engineers reviewing the SA28C-E3/73 datasheet, SA28C-E3/73 pinout, SA28C-E3/73 application, or SA28C-E3/73 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, bi-directional clamping behavior, AEC-Q101 qualification status, DO-204AC mechanical data, and direct alternative part comparisons for ESD and lightning transient protection design.

Technical Context

The SA28C-E3/73 operates as a bi-directional avalanche diode, symmetrically clamping positive and negative transients above its breakdown threshold without polarity marking. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable V_BR tolerance (±5 % for SA28C series) and low incremental surge resistance, enabling fast response (<1 ns) to ESD and inductive switching events.

It complies with AEC-Q101 stress testing for automotive use and supports repetitive surge duty cycles up to 0.01 % at T_A = 25 °C. Thermal derating follows a linear curve from 3.0 W at T_L = 75 °C down to zero at 175 °C junction temperature.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_WM	28 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe working range for protected line.
V_BR (min/max)	31.1 V / 34.4 V at 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown window ensures reliable turn-on across production lot and temperature.
V_C @ I_PPM	45.4 V at 11 A - Clamping voltage under 10/1000 µs surge; determines maximum stress on downstream ICs.
P_PPM	500 W - Peak pulse power handling capability; validates robustness against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges.
I_PPM	11 A - Peak pulse current capacity at rated clamping voltage; sets minimum surge margin for 28 V systems.
T_J max.	175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive environments.
Package	DO-204AC (DO-15) - Standard axial-leaded through-hole package with UL 94 V-0 molding compound.

Pinout & Package

DO-204AC (DO-15) package: axial-leaded, molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads compliant to J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102. Bi-directional construction means no cathode marking; both terminals are electrically symmetrical.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Anode / Cathode (symmetrical)	Transient conduction path	Both terminals serve identical clamping function; interchangeable in PCB layout - no polarity orientation required.
Lead 1	Connection to protected line	Directly ties to signal or power rail needing surge suppression; requires low-inductance trace routing.
Lead 2	Connection to reference plane	Typically connected to ground or common return; must maintain low-impedance path to handle 11 A surge current.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Glass passivated junction	Ensures stable V_BR over time and temperature; eliminates parameter drift in harsh environments.
500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs)	Validates compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements for industrial and automotive applications.
AEC-Q101 qualified	Confirms reliability for automotive electronics including engine control units, body modules, and sensor interfaces.
Bi-directional clamping	Protects AC-coupled or bidirectional data lines (e.g., CAN, LIN, RS-485) without polarity concerns.
Low clamping ratio (V_C/V_BR ≈ 1.36)	Minimizes overvoltage stress on protected ICs compared to higher-ratio suppressors.

Applications

Automotive Sensor Protection	Industrial PLC I/O Protection
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines of pressure or temperature sensors in engine bay environments subject to load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standby clamping device that remains non-conductive below 28 V and limits transient excursions to ≤45.4 V during surges. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V ADC front-ends and microcontroller GPIOs exposed to 100 V/500 ms load dump events.	Use Scenario: Shielding digital input channels of programmable logic controllers from inductive kickback generated by solenoid or relay coils. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-acting shunt element that diverts >10 A surge current away from optocoupler input stages within nanoseconds. Use Value: Extends mean time between failures (MTBF) of field I/O modules by eliminating false triggering and component degradation from repeated 1 kV/42 Ω surges.
Telecom Line Interface	Consumer Appliance Motor Control
Use Scenario: Safeguarding RS-485 transceivers on building automation networks exposed to lightning-induced surges on long cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional voltage clamp placed across differential pair to suppress common-mode transients while preserving signal integrity. Use Value: Maintains data link stability during Category 4 (4 kV) surge events per IEC 61000-4-5 without requiring additional series impedance or filtering.	Use Scenario: Suppressing commutation spikes from brushed DC motors in washing machines and HVAC blowers connected to microcontroller-based motor drivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage limiter on motor supply rail, activated only during high-dV/dt switching transitions. Use Value: Eliminates need for snubber RC networks, reducing BOM count and board space while meeting EN 61000-6-2 immunity requirements.

Automotive Sensor Protection

Industrial PLC I/O Protection

Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines of pressure or temperature sensors in engine bay environments subject to load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standby clamping device that remains non-conductive below 28 V and limits transient excursions to ≤45.4 V during surges.

Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V ADC front-ends and microcontroller GPIOs exposed to 100 V/500 ms load dump events.

Use Scenario: Shielding digital input channels of programmable logic controllers from inductive kickback generated by solenoid or relay coils.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-acting shunt element that diverts >10 A surge current away from optocoupler input stages within nanoseconds.

Use Value: Extends mean time between failures (MTBF) of field I/O modules by eliminating false triggering and component degradation from repeated 1 kV/42 Ω surges.

Telecom Line Interface

Consumer Appliance Motor Control

Use Scenario: Safeguarding RS-485 transceivers on building automation networks exposed to lightning-induced surges on long cable runs.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional voltage clamp placed across differential pair to suppress common-mode transients while preserving signal integrity.

Use Value: Maintains data link stability during Category 4 (4 kV) surge events per IEC 61000-4-5 without requiring additional series impedance or filtering.

Use Scenario: Suppressing commutation spikes from brushed DC motors in washing machines and HVAC blowers connected to microcontroller-based motor drivers.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage limiter on motor supply rail, activated only during high-dV/dt switching transitions.

Use Value: Eliminates need for snubber RC networks, reducing BOM count and board space while meeting EN 61000-6-2 immunity requirements.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
SMBJ28CA	Same V_WM (28 V), but SMC (DO-214AB) surface-mount package; 600 W P_PPM; slightly lower V_C (45.4 V vs. 45.4 V - identical for SA28C-E3/73).	Requires rework for SMT assembly; better thermal performance in high-density layouts but lacks axial-leaded mechanical robustness.	Select SMBJ28CA when migrating to automated SMT production or improving power density; retain SA28C-E3/73 for through-hole reliability in high-vibration environments.
1.5KE28CA	Higher P_PPM (1500 W), same DO-204AC package; larger case size (DO-201AD); V_C = 43.4 V at 34.7 A - tighter clamping but slower response due to higher junction capacitance.	Better suited for high-energy surges (e.g., AC mains input), but excessive clamping margin may reduce system-level surge margin in low-voltage signal paths.	Choose 1.5KE28CA only where IEC 61000-4-5 Level 5 (10 kV) immunity is mandated; SA28C-E3/73 offers optimal balance for 24 V embedded control nodes.

Compared with SMBJ28CA and 1.5KE28CA, SA28C-E3/73 delivers AEC-Q101 qualification in a compact DO-204AC axial package with precise 28 V standoff and industry-standard 500 W surge rating - making it the preferred choice for cost-sensitive, vibration-prone automotive and industrial control applications requiring proven through-hole reliability.

Availability

SA28C-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, telecom line protection, and consumer appliance motor control requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for SA28C-E3/73 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, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and TVS devices with emphasis on reliability, AEC-Q qualification, and application-specific performance.

The SAxxC series is engineered for bi-directional transient suppression in automotive and industrial environments, targeting robustness against ISO 7637-2 pulses, IEC 61000-4-5 surges, and ESD per IEC 61000-4-2 - with focus on signal-line and low-voltage power-rail protection.

FAQ

What is the breakdown voltage range of SA28C-E3/73 at 1 mA test current?

The SA28C-E3/73 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage (V_BR) range of 31.1 V to 34.4 V at 1 mA, measured per ANSI/IEEE C62.35. This tolerance ensures consistent clamping onset across temperature and production lots, critical for predictable protection in 24 V automotive and industrial systems where SA28C-E3/73 is deployed.

Is SA28C-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, SA28C-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive use. Its DO-204AC package withstands mechanical vibration, its 175 °C maximum junction temperature supports under-hood placement, and its bi-directional clamping meets ISO 7637-2 pulse 1, 2a, 3a/b immunity requirements - making SA28C-E3/73 appropriate for ECUs, body control modules, and sensor interfaces.

Does SA28C-E3/73 have polarity markings on the package?

No, SA28C-E3/73 is a bi-directional TVS diode and carries no polarity marking. The DO-204AC case is unmarked because both terminals perform identically in either direction - simplifying PCB layout and eliminating risk of incorrect orientation during manual or automated assembly of SA28C-E3/73.

What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA28C-E3/73 under a 10/1000 µs surge?

The maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of SA28C-E3/73 is 45.4 V at 11 A peak pulse current (I_PPM) with a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during standardized surge testing and directly informs safe margin design for downstream components like SA28C-E3/73-protected microcontrollers or transceivers.

How does SA28C-E3/73 differ from uni-directional SA28A-E3/73?

SA28C-E3/73 is bi-directional with symmetrical clamping in both polarities and no cathode band, while SA28A-E3/73 is uni-directional with a visible cathode marking and conducts only in reverse bias. SA28C-E3/73 is used on AC or floating lines (e.g., RS-485), whereas SA28A-E3/73 suits DC rails with defined ground reference - a functional distinction confirmed in Vishay's SA5.0A–SA170CA datasheet revision 18-Sep-12.

SA28C-E3/73 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:: -

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-E3/73 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for SA28C-E3/73 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA28C-E3/73 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 SA28C-E3/73 reliable?

The price and inventory of SA28C-E3/73 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA28C-E3/73 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for SA28C-E3/73?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA28C-E3/73 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for SA28C-E3/73?

SA28C-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your SA28C-E3/73 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 SA28C-E3/73?

For technical support, including SA28C-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA28C-E3/73 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that SA28C-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All SA28C-E3/73 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 SA28C-E3/73 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA28C-E3/73?

All SA28C-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA28C-E3/73, 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 SA28C-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for SA28C-E3/73:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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