Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA33-E3/54
- Part No.:
- SA33-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA33-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 33VWM 59VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,132
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Product details
Overview
SA33-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a uni-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, designed for clamping inductive load transients and ESD events on power rails and signal lines. It features 33 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 36.7–40.6 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 53.3 V clamping voltage (VC) at 9.4 A peak pulse current, 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use.
For engineers reviewing the SA33-E3/54 datasheet, SA33-E3/54 pinout, SA33-E3/54 application, or SA33-E3/54 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, package dimensions, clamping behavior under surge conditions, thermal derating curves, and validated alternatives for circuit protection design in automotive ECUs, industrial power supplies, and sensor interface modules.
Technical Context
The SA33-E3/54 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, enabling fast response (<1 ns) to transient overvoltages and low incremental clamping resistance. Its uni-directional polarity uses a cathode band marking and supports DC-biased protection paths where reverse conduction must be blocked during normal operation.
It complies with IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD), IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT), and ISO 7637-2 (automotive surge) when applied with appropriate series impedance. The device's 175 °C maximum junction temperature and 3.0 W steady-state power dissipation allow integration into thermally constrained PCB layouts without active cooling.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 33 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe DC bias margin for protected line. |
| VBR @ IT = 1 mA | 36.7–40.6 V - Measured breakdown range confirming reliable avalanche initiation within spec; ensures consistent turn-on across production lots. |
| VC @ IPPM = 9.4 A | 53.3 V - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; determines maximum stress imposed on downstream ICs during transient events. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling capability; enables suppression of high-energy transients like load dump or inductive kickback. |
| IFSM | 70 A - Non-repetitive forward surge rating (10 ms half-sine); supports robustness against short-duration overcurrents in power rail protection. |
| TJ max | 175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; allows operation in under-hood automotive environments and high-ambient industrial settings. |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Standard axial-leaded through-hole package with 0.300" lead spacing; compatible with legacy wave-solder and hand-solder processes. |
Pinout & Package
SA33-E3/54 is housed in a DO-204AC (DO-15) molded epoxy package with matte tin-plated leads. Polarity is marked by a cathode band on the body; the banded end is the cathode (K), and the unmarked end is the anode (A).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (A) | Forward current entry / Reverse voltage reference | Connected to lower-potential side of protected line; blocks reverse current until VWM exceeded. |
| Cathode (K) | Clamping output / Surge current sink | Connected to higher-potential rail (e.g., VCC or signal line); conducts surge current to ground or return path during overvoltage. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Enables stable avalanche characteristics over lifetime and temperature, minimizing parameter drift in harsh environments. |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports suppression of high-energy transients such as relay coil de-energization spikes in automotive body control modules. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (E3 suffix variant) | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, humidity testing, and mechanical shock per JESD22 standards. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.38) | Minimizes overvoltage overshoot during clamping, reducing risk of latch-up or gate oxide damage in protected MOSFETs and microcontrollers. |
| RoHS-compliant, JESD201 Class 1A whisker resistant | Ensures long-term solder joint integrity in high-reliability applications without tin whisker-induced short circuits. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 33 V supply rails in engine control units (ECUs) from load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Uni-directional TVS placed between battery rail and regulator input to clamp surges above 33 V while blocking reverse leakage. Use Value: Limits peak voltage to 53.3 V during 9.4 A transients, preventing damage to downstream 36 V-rated LDOs and CAN transceivers. |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure or temperature sensors) from ESD and cable discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS connected between signal line and ground to shunt fast transients without distorting mV-level signals. Use Value: Sub-1 ns response time and <1 μA leakage at 33 V preserve signal integrity and measurement accuracy in 16-bit ADC front-ends. |
| DC Motor Drive Flyback Suppression | Telecom Line Card Surge Protection |
Use Scenario: Snubbing inductive kickback from brushed DC motors in HVAC actuators and window lift modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted across motor terminals to absorb energy from back-EMF during PWM switching transitions. Use Value: 70 A IFSM rating withstands repetitive 10 ms surge pulses, extending motor driver MOSFET lifetime in cyclic duty applications. |
Use Scenario: Front-end protection for 33 V bias rails in telecom base station line cards exposed to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping device in multi-stage protection scheme, coordinated with GDT and MOV for staged energy diversion. Use Value: 500 W PPPM handles initial surge energy before secondary protectors activate, reducing coordination complexity and board space. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ33A-E3/57 (Vishay) | Same VWM (33 V), but SMC (DO-214AB) surface-mount package; 400 W PPPM; slightly higher VC (53.3 V same, but rated at 10.3 A). | Designed for automated SMT assembly; lacks axial-leaded mechanical robustness for high-vibration environments. | Select SMAJ33A-E3/57 only if board layout mandates SMT and vibration exposure is low; verify thermal pad layout for 3.0 W dissipation. |
| 1.5KE33A (ON Semiconductor) | Same DO-204AC package and VWM, but 1500 W PPPM; higher VBR (36.7–40.6 V identical), larger VC (53.3 V same), but higher IPPM (27.5 A). | Targets higher-energy threats (e.g., ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a); less suitable for space-constrained designs due to larger DO-201AD body. | Choose 1.5KE33A when system-level surge testing requires >500 W headroom; confirm PCB footprint compatibility (DO-201AD vs. DO-15). |
Compared with SMAJ33A-E3/57 and 1.5KE33A, SA33-E3/54 offers optimal balance of axial-leaded mechanical reliability, AEC-Q101 qualification, and precise 500 W clamping for cost-sensitive automotive and industrial power rail protection where SMT is not required and extreme surge levels are not mandated.
Availability
SA33-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial sensor interfaces, and DC motor drive circuits requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA33-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 performance.
The SAxx series is engineered for robust transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and telecom systems-designed to meet stringent AEC-Q101, IEC, and ISO surge immunity standards with repeatable clamping behavior.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA33-E3/54 under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The SA33-E3/54 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 53.3 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 9.4 A using the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 7 in Vishay document 88378 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events. The SA33-E3/54 maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range.
Is SA33-E3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SA33-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified per Vishay documentation (note "HE3" suffix denotes full qualification, and "E3" meets commercial-grade requirements with identical construction). Its 175 °C maximum junction temperature, glass-passivated junction, and compliance with surge test standards make it suitable for under-hood and chassis-mounted automotive modules. The SA33-E3/54 is commonly deployed in body control units and power distribution centers.
What does the "E3/54" suffix indicate in SA33-E3/54?
The "E3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant, matte tin-plated leads meeting JESD201 Class 1A whisker resistance, while "/54" specifies the preferred packaging code: 13-inch diameter paper tape and reel, with 4000 units per reel. This packaging format enables automated pick-and-place insertion for through-hole assembly lines and ensures consistent lead coplanarity and solderability per J-STD-002.
How does SA33-E3/54 differ from bi-directional variants like SA33CA?
SA33-E3/54 is a uni-directional TVS diode with cathode band marking and forward conduction capability, whereas SA33CA is bi-directional with no polarity marking and symmetrical clamping in both directions. The SA33-E3/54 provides DC blocking in reverse bias and is used where the protected line has defined polarity (e.g., +33 V rail to ground), unlike SA33CA which suits AC-coupled or floating signal lines.
What is the thermal derating behavior of SA33-E3/54 above 25 °C ambient?
SA33-E3/54 follows a linear derating curve for steady-state power dissipation: its 3.0 W rating at TL = 75 °C decreases to zero at 175 °C junction temperature. Per Figure 5 in document 88378, power must be reduced by approximately 24 mW/°C above 75 °C lead temperature. Designers must calculate actual lead temperature rise using PCB copper area and ambient conditions to ensure safe operation.
SA33-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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- 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)
SA33-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA33-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA33-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 SA33-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA33-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 SA33-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA33-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA33-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA33-E3/54?
SA33-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA33-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 SA33-E3/54?
For technical support, including SA33-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA33-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA33-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA33-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 SA33-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA33-E3/54?
All SA33-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA33-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 SA33-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA33-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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