Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA33CA-E3/54
- Part No.:
- SA33CA-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA33CA-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 33VWM 53.3VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,919
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Product details
Overview
SA33CA-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 33 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 36.7–40.6 V breakdown voltage (VBR at 1 mA), 9.4 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and clamps to ≤53.3 V at rated surge. Used in automotive sensor protection and industrial I/O interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SA33CA-E3/54 datasheet, SA33CA-E3/54 pinout, SA33CA-E3/54 application, or SA33CA-E3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, DO-15 mechanical compatibility, AEC-Q101 qualification, 175 °C max junction temperature, and 53.3 V clamping voltage under 9.4 A transient stress.
Technical Context
The SA33CA-E3/54 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, enabling symmetrical clamping in both polarities. Its bidirectional architecture eliminates polarity marking and supports AC-coupled or floating signal line protection without orientation constraints.
It delivers 500 W peak pulse power per 10/1000 μs waveform at 0.01% duty cycle, with low incremental surge resistance and sub-nanosecond response time. Thermal derating follows a linear curve from 3.0 W at TL = 75 °C down to zero at 175 °C junction temperature.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 33 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin for 24 V nominal systems. |
| VBR (min/max) | 36.7 V / 40.6 V at 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range; ensures reliable triggering above system overvoltage thresholds. |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤53.3 V at 9.4 A - Clamped voltage during full-rated transient; determines maximum stress on downstream ICs. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling per 10/1000 μs waveform; validates robustness against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges. |
| TJ max | 175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive or high-ambient industrial environments. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Certified for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing per JESD22 standards. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-15 (DO-204AC), axial-leaded, molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads. RoHS-compliant, UL 94 V-0 rated molding compound. No polarity marking - bidirectional symmetry confirmed.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (unmarked) | Transient conduction path | Identical electrical behavior in either direction; connects across protected line and ground (or reference rail) without orientation dependency. |
| Lead 1 / Lead 2 | Current-carrying terminal | Both leads serve as symmetrical terminals; no internal cathode/anode distinction - simplifies PCB layout and assembly. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Enables stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics over lifetime and temperature; prevents moisture-induced degradation in harsh environments. |
| 500 W peak pulse rating | Withstands 10/1000 μs surges up to 9.4 A - meets IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements for industrial and automotive applications. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates suitability for automotive electronics including engine control modules, body controllers, and ADAS sensor interfaces. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.38) | Minimizes overvoltage exposure to protected ICs - critical for safeguarding 3.3 V or 5 V logic inputs in microcontrollers and transceivers. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting CAN bus transceivers and analog sensor inputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) in engine control units exposed to load dump and inductive switching transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS clamp placed between signal line and chassis ground to limit transient voltage to ≤53.3 V during 10/1000 μs surges. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V sensor interface ICs while maintaining signal integrity due to low capacitance and fast response. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding digital input channels of programmable logic controllers against EFT bursts and lightning-induced surges on 24 V DC field wiring. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff voltage (33 V) matches 24 V nominal supply rails; clamps transients before they reach optocoupler or Schmitt-trigger input stages. Use Value: Enables reliable operation in factory-floor environments where repeated surge events occur, supported by AEC-Q101 reliability validation. |
| Telecom Line Interface | Consumer Appliance Motor Control |
Use Scenario: Protecting RS-485 transceiver pins in base station backhaul equipment subjected to induced surges from nearby power lines or antenna coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping across differential pair (A/B) and ground, leveraging symmetry to suppress common-mode and differential-mode transients. Use Value: Maintains data integrity during surge events without polarity-dependent installation errors; DO-15 footprint allows easy retrofit into legacy designs. | Use Scenario: Shielding microcontroller GPIOs and gate drivers in washing machine motor control boards from commutation spikes generated by universal motors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed at MCU input pins monitoring zero-cross detection or hall-effect feedback, limiting voltage to <53.3 V during 100 ns–1 μs spikes. Use Value: Eliminates need for external series resistors or RC filters in cost-sensitive white-goods designs while meeting IEC 61000-4-4 EFT immunity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ33CA | Same VWM (33 V), same DO-214AC package, but lower PPPM (400 W) and higher VC (53.3 V → 56.2 V at 7.1 A). | Less robust for high-energy surges; suitable only where IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (not Level 4) compliance is required. | Select SMAJ33CA only if board space constraints favor SMD mounting and surge energy is limited to ≤400 W. |
| 1.5KE33CA | Higher PPPM (1500 W), larger DO-201AD package, same VWM/VBR range, but slower thermal response and non-AEC-Q101 qualified. | Better for high-energy industrial surges but unsuitable for automotive due to lack of AEC-Q101 certification and larger footprint. | Choose 1.5KE33CA when protecting AC mains inputs or high-power motor drives where size and automotive qualification are not constraints. |
Compared with SMAJ33CA and 1.5KE33CA, the SA33CA-E3/54 uniquely balances 500 W surge capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, and DO-15 through-hole compatibility - making it optimal for automotive and industrial applications requiring proven reliability in compact axial form factor.
Availability
SA33CA-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial PLC I/O modules, and telecom line protection requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA33CA-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 protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SAxxCA series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for bidirectional transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and communications infrastructure where AEC-Q101 compliance and precise clamping performance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA33CA-E3/54 at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA33CA-E3/54 clamps to a maximum of 53.3 V at its rated peak pulse current of 9.4 A (10/1000 μs waveform). This value is measured per standard test conditions in the Vishay datasheet (Document Number 88378, Rev. 27-Sep-2021) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The SA33CA-E3/54 maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range.
Is SA33CA-E3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SA33CA-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified, confirming its suitability for automotive applications including engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces. Its 175 °C maximum junction temperature, glass-passivated junction, and validated surge performance under temperature cycling and humidity testing meet automotive reliability requirements. The SA33CA-E3/54 is explicitly listed in Vishay's AEC-Q101 qualified product table.
Does SA33CA-E3/54 have polarity markings?
No, SA33CA-E3/54 has no polarity markings because it is a bidirectional TVS diode. Its symmetrical construction allows installation in either orientation across protected lines without affecting clamping behavior. This eliminates orientation errors during manual or automated assembly and simplifies design reuse across AC-coupled or floating signal paths.
What is the package type and lead finish of SA33CA-E3/54?
The SA33CA-E3/54 uses the DO-15 (DO-204AC) axial package with matte tin-plated leads that comply with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. The "E3" suffix indicates RoHS compliance and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance. The molded epoxy case meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating, and the device is rated for solder dip at 275 °C for up to 10 seconds.
How does SA33CA-E3/54 compare to unidirectional SA33A-E3/54 in terms of application use?
The SA33CA-E3/54 is bidirectional and used where AC signals, floating references, or polarity-agnostic protection are needed (e.g., RS-485, CAN, audio lines); the unidirectional SA33A-E3/54 requires correct cathode orientation and is suited for DC-biased rails like 24 V power inputs. Their VWM, VBR, and VC values are closely matched, but only SA33CA-E3/54 supports symmetrical clamping - a key distinction confirmed in Vishay's SA5.0A–SA170CA datasheet section "Devices for Bidirectional Applications".
SA33CA-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:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 33V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 36.7V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 53.3V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 9.4A
- 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)
SA33CA-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA33CA-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA33CA-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 SA33CA-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA33CA-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 SA33CA-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA33CA-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA33CA-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA33CA-E3/54?
SA33CA-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA33CA-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 SA33CA-E3/54?
For technical support, including SA33CA-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA33CA-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA33CA-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA33CA-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 SA33CA-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA33CA-E3/54?
All SA33CA-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA33CA-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 SA33CA-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA33CA-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA33CA-E3/54 Tags

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