Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA48A-E3/54
- Part No.:
- SA48A-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA48A-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 48VWM 77.4VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,382
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Product details
Overview
SA48A-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features a 48 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 53.3–58.9 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1.0 mA, 77.4 V clamping voltage (VC) at 6.5 A peak pulse current, and 500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines in industrial and automotive power supply rails.
For engineers reviewing the SA48A-E3/54 datasheet, SA48A-E3/54 pinout, SA48A-E3/54 application, or SA48A-E3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include its unidirectional polarity, DO-15 mechanical compatibility, AEC-Q101 qualification, 175 °C max junction temperature, and verified clamping performance under repetitive surge conditions.
Technical Context
The SA48A-E3/54 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, enabling fast response (<1 ns) to transient events and low incremental surge resistance. Its unidirectional configuration uses a cathode band marking and delivers precise clamping during positive-going surges on DC power lines or signal paths.
It is rated for 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), 3.0 W steady-state power dissipation at 75 °C lead temperature, and supports 70 A non-repetitive forward surge current (10 ms half-sine). The device meets JESD22-B106 solderability and JESD201 Class 1A whisker resistance requirements.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 48 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR (min/max) | 53.3 V / 58.9 V at 1.0 mA - ensures reliable avalanche initiation across manufacturing spread |
| VC @ IPPM | 77.4 V at 6.5 A - limits downstream voltage stress during 10/1000 µs transients |
| PPPM | 500 W - sustains high-energy surges without failure under defined waveform and duty cycle |
| IFSM | 70 A - withstands short-duration inrush or fault currents in DC power circuits |
| TJ max | 175 °C - enables operation in under-hood automotive and high-temperature industrial environments |
| Package | DO-15 (DO-204AC) - industry-standard axial-leaded package with 0.242–0.258 inch body length |
Pinout & Package
DO-15 (DO-204AC) molded epoxy package with matte tin-plated leads; cathode indicated by color band on one end. Leads conform to J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., ground or return path) in unidirectional protection |
| Cathode (banded end) | Avalanche clamping terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., +48 V rail); conducts when reverse voltage exceeds VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Ensures stable avalanche characteristics and long-term reliability under thermal cycling |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Protects against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3/4 surges in industrial power inputs |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive powertrain and body electronics applications requiring zero defect rates |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.35) | Minimizes voltage overshoot during clamping, reducing stress on downstream MOSFETs and regulators |
| JESD201 Class 1A whisker resistance | Prevents tin whisker growth in high-reliability assemblies with >10-year field life |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | Automotive Body Control Modules |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of gate drivers and microcontroller I/O lines against inductive kickback from relay and solenoid switching. IC Role / Device Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between 48 V supply rail and ground, clamping transients before they reach logic-level components. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤77.4 V, preventing latch-up or oxide breakdown in 3.3 V/5 V interface ICs powered from regulated 12 V/48 V domains. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding LIN bus transceivers and sensor analog front-ends from load dump and jump-start events. IC Role / Device Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on 12 V battery-derived supply lines feeding BCM sub-circuits. Use Value: Withstands 70 A surge current and maintains clamping below 80 V, preserving compliance with ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a requirements. |
| Telecom Power Rectification | Renewable Energy Inverters |
Use Scenario: Secondary surge suppression on DC output of telecom rectifiers exposed to lightning-induced surges on AC input. IC Role / Device Role: Standoff-rated TVS across +48 V DC output and chassis ground, coordinating with upstream MOVs. Use Value: 48 V VWM allows normal operation during brownouts while clamping 1 kV/10 Ω surges to safe levels per ITU-T K.20. | Use Scenario: DC-link overvoltage protection in solar string inverters where PV array transients couple into MPPT stages. IC Role / Device Role: Fast-response clamp on 400–600 V DC bus sections, placed near IGBT gate drivers. Use Value: Sub-1 ns response and 175 °C TJ rating support operation in sealed outdoor enclosures with minimal derating. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ48A-E3/57 | Same VWM (48 V), but SMA package (surface-mount), lower PPPM (400 W), higher VC (77.4 V → 79.4 V) | Requires PCB rework for SMT layout; unsuitable for through-hole legacy designs | Select when board space is constrained and automated assembly is required |
| 1.5KE48A | Same VWM and DO-15 package, but higher PPPM (1500 W), larger DO-201AD package, higher VC (77 V → 77.4 V) | Physically incompatible with DO-15 footprints; requires mechanical redesign | Select only when system-level surge testing demands >500 W capability |
Compared with SMAJ48A-E3/57 and 1.5KE48A, the SA48A-E3/54 provides optimal balance of through-hole manufacturability, AEC-Q101 qualification, and 500 W surge handling in standard DO-15 footprint - making it preferred for cost-sensitive, high-volume automotive and industrial control boards.
Availability
SA48A-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive body control modules, telecom power rectification, and renewable energy inverters requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA48A-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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, automotive qualification, and industrial robustness.
The SAxxA series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments where consistent clamping, low leakage, and AEC-Q101 compliance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA48A-E3/54 and how is it measured?
The SA48A-E3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 77.4 V at 6.5 A peak pulse current (IPPM) using a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by protected circuitry during a standardized surge event - critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings. The SA48A-E3/54 achieves this clamping performance consistently across its specified temperature range.
Is SA48A-E3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SA48A-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified and rated for operation from –55 °C to +175 °C, making it suitable for under-hood and body electronics applications including engine control units, lighting modules, and battery management interfaces. Its DO-15 package, matte tin plating, and JESD201 Class 1A whisker resistance further support automotive-grade reliability requirements - all verified per the official Vishay qualification report for the SAxxA family.
What does the "E3/54" suffix mean in SA48A-E3/54?
The "E3" suffix indicates RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade construction with JESD201 Class 1A whisker resistance; "/54" denotes the preferred packaging code for 13-inch paper tape and reel, with 4000 units per reel. This ordering format ensures traceable, factory-standard packaging aligned with Vishay's global logistics - distinct from HE3 (AEC-Q101 qualified) or other reel codes like /60 or /72.
How does SA48A-E3/54 differ from bidirectional SA48CA variants?
The SA48A-E3/54 is unidirectional with cathode marking and conducts only during reverse-biased transients, whereas SA48CA is bidirectional and symmetrical - protecting both polarities without polarity dependence. SA48A-E3/54 offers tighter VBR tolerance (53.3–58.9 V) and lower leakage at VWM, making it preferred for DC power rail protection; SA48CA is used in AC-coupled signal lines or full-bridge configurations where polarity reversal occurs.
Can SA48A-E3/54 be used in parallel for higher surge current handling?
No - SA48A-E3/54 is not characterized or recommended for parallel operation due to mismatch in VBR and dynamic impedance, which causes current imbalance and potential thermal runaway. For higher surge capability, select a single higher-rated device such as 1.5KE48A or use coordinated staged protection (e.g., MOV + TVS). The SA48A-E3/54 datasheet explicitly prohibits paralleling without external balancing resistors, which degrade clamping performance.
SA48A-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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 48V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 53.3V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 77.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 6.5A
- 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)
SA48A-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA48A-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA48A-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 SA48A-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA48A-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 SA48A-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA48A-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA48A-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA48A-E3/54?
SA48A-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA48A-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 SA48A-E3/54?
For technical support, including SA48A-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA48A-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA48A-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA48A-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 SA48A-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA48A-E3/54?
All SA48A-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA48A-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 SA48A-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA48A-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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