Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA33C-E3/73
- Part No.:
- SA33C-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA33C-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 33VWM 59VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,488
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Product details
Overview
SA33C-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 33 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 36.7–40.6 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 9.4 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and clamps to ≤53.3 V at rated surge. It is used in automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O protection where bidirectional surge immunity is required.
For engineers reviewing the SA33C-E3/73 datasheet, SA33C-E3/73 pinout, SA33C-E3/73 application, or SA33C-E3/73 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, JEDEC-compliant packaging details, AEC-Q101 qualification status, clamping behavior under 10/1000 μs surges, and direct alternatives for bi-directional TVS selection in harsh-environment designs.
Technical Context
The SA33C-E3/73 implements a glass-passivated silicon junction optimized for fast response (<1 ns) to ESD and lightning-induced transients. Its bi-directional architecture enables symmetrical clamping in AC-coupled or floating circuits without polarity constraints.
It operates across –55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature, supports 3.0 W steady-state power dissipation at TL = 75 °C, and maintains <1.0 μA reverse leakage at VWM - critical for low-power sensor nodes and battery-backed systems.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 33 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe working range for protected line. |
| VBR (min/max) | 36.7 V / 40.6 V at IT = 1 mA - ensures predictable turn-on threshold with ±5.5% tolerance; critical for margin-based system design. |
| IPPM | 9.4 A - peak surge current it safely shunts during 10/1000 μs transient; determines minimum series impedance needed upstream. |
| VC | ≤53.3 V - maximum clamped voltage at IPPM; sets upper bound on stress seen by downstream ICs like microcontrollers or ADCs. |
| PPPM | 500 W - peak pulse power handling per single 10/1000 μs event; validates suitability for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3/4 surge tests. |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - extended junction temperature rating enables use in under-hood automotive or high-ambient industrial enclosures. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - certified for automotive electronics per stress-test standard; supports functional safety-relevant protection paths. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial-leaded, molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0. Matte tin-plated leads; no polarity marking (bi-directional).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Both terminals behave identically; connects across protected line (e.g., RS-485 A/B or CAN H/L) without orientation concern. |
| Case (body) | Non-electrical mechanical interface | Provides mechanical anchoring and thermal path; no internal connection; compatible with standard DO-15 wave-solder or hand-solder profiles. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Enables stable VBR over lifetime and humidity exposure; eliminates risk of parametric drift in humid industrial environments. |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 combination wave surges up to 1 kV/42 Ω source impedance. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validates reliability for automotive applications including body control modules, ADAS sensor interfaces, and infotainment power rails. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ESD >15 kV contact); improves clamping fidelity vs. higher-Rsurge TVS devices. |
| RoHS-compliant (E3 suffix) | Meets EU Directive 2011/65/EU; includes JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance - suitable for high-reliability automated assembly. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface | Industrial RS-485 Bus |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines of pressure/temperature sensors in engine control units exposed to load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role: Bi-directional voltage clamp placed across sensor output and ground to limit transients to <53.3 V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V ADC inputs while maintaining signal integrity below 33 V normal operation. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding differential data lines in factory-floor PLC communication networks subject to ground bounce and EFT bursts. IC Role / Device Role: Paired SA33C-E3/73 units across RS-485 A–GND and B–GND to suppress common-mode surges. Use Value: Ensures bus uptime during 4 kV EFT testing (IEC 61000-4-4) without data corruption or transceiver reset. |
| Consumer Appliance Motor Control | Telecom Power Input Stage |
|
Use Scenario: Shielding MCU GPIOs driving relay coils or triac gates in washing machine control boards. IC Role / Device Role: Clamping inductive kickback spikes generated during coil de-energization. Use Value: Eliminates need for snubber RC networks; reduces BOM count while sustaining 70 A non-repetitive IFSM capability. |
Use Scenario: Front-end protection on 24 V DC input of VoIP gateways subjected to lightning-induced surges on PoE or auxiliary power lines. IC Role / Device Role: Primary surge limiter before DC/DC converter input, coordinated with upstream fuse and MOV. Use Value: Limits let-through energy to <10 mJ per event, preserving downstream converter MOSFETs and enabling compliance with UL 60950-1 Annex G. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bi-directional TVS protection applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ33CA | Same VWM (33 V), identical DO-214AC package; lower PPPM (400 W), higher VC (53.3 V → 56.2 V at IPPM). | Less margin for high-energy surges; not AEC-Q101 qualified - limited to commercial-grade equipment. | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs automotive qualification or 500 W surge headroom. |
| P6SMB33CA | Same VWM and DO-214AA package; 600 W PPPM but larger footprint; VC = 53.3 V matched; AEC-Q101 not claimed. | Better surge handling but requires PCB re-layout; lacks automotive validation for safety-critical paths. | Choose only if 600 W rating is mandatory and layout revision is feasible; avoid for ASIL-B/C systems. |
Compared with SMAJ33CA and P6SMB33CA, the SA33C-E3/73 uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, 500 W surge capacity in compact DO-15, and guaranteed ≤53.3 V clamping - making it the preferred choice for space-constrained automotive and industrial designs requiring certified reliability.
Availability
SA33C-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor protection, industrial RS-485 networks, appliance motor control, and telecom power input stages requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA33C-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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, power efficiency, and automotive-grade validation.
The SAxxC series targets high-reliability transient suppression in harsh environments; engineered specifically for AEC-Q101 compliance, wide temperature operation, and repeatable clamping performance in safety-critical signal and power paths.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of SA33C-E3/73?
The SA33C-E3/73 is a bi-directional TVS diode with symmetrical anode/cathode terminals and no polarity marking on the DO-204AC package. This allows installation across AC-coupled or floating signal lines - such as CAN bus or RS-485 differential pairs - without orientation concerns. Its electrical behavior is identical in both directions, with VBR and VC specified for either polarity.
Does SA33C-E3/73 meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes, the SA33C-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed in Vishay's official documentation (Document Number: 88378, Revision: 18-Sep-12). This certification covers stress tests including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and ESD - validating its suitability for automotive applications such as engine control units, ADAS sensor interfaces, and body electronics where functional safety is required.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA33C-E3/73 under surge conditions?
The SA33C-E3/73 clamps to a maximum of 53.3 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM = 9.4 A) under a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per standard test conditions (TA = 25 °C) and represents the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events - essential for ensuring downstream 3.3 V or 5 V ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings.
Can SA33C-E3/73 be used in place of a unidirectional TVS like SA33A-E3/73?
No - the SA33C-E3/73 is bi-directional and lacks polarity marking, whereas SA33A-E3/73 is unidirectional with a cathode band. Substituting them requires verifying circuit topology: SA33C-E3/73 suits AC or floating lines (e.g., data buses), while SA33A-E3/73 is for DC rails with defined ground reference. Using SA33C-E3/73 on a DC line adds unnecessary leakage path; using SA33A-E3/73 on AC lines causes half-wave conduction failure.
What is the lead finish and soldering compatibility of SA33C-E3/73?
The SA33C-E3/73 features matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. It supports wave soldering at ≤275 °C for 10 seconds (per JESD 22-B106) and passes JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing. This ensures reliable wetting and joint integrity in high-volume manufacturing, including lead-free reflow profiles typical of RoHS-compliant assembly lines.
SA33C-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):
- 33V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 36.7V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 59V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 8.5A
- 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)
SA33C-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA33C-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA33C-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 SA33C-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA33C-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 SA33C-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA33C-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA33C-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA33C-E3/73?
SA33C-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA33C-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 SA33C-E3/73?
For technical support, including SA33C-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA33C-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA33C-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA33C-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 SA33C-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA33C-E3/73?
All SA33C-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA33C-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 SA33C-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA33C-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA33C-E3/73 Tags

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