Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA48A-E3/73
- Part No.:
- SA48A-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA48A-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 48VWM 77.4VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,448
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Product details
Overview
SA48A-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for circuit protection against ESD and surge transients. It features 48 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 53.3–58.9 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 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 - deployed in power supply input stages and I/O line protection.
For engineers reviewing the SA48A-E3/73 datasheet, SA48A-E3/73 pinout, SA48A-E3/73 application, or SA48A-E3/73 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, DO-15 terminal polarity mapping, bidirectional vs. unidirectional behavior clarification, thermal derating curves, and AEC-Q101 qualification status relevant to automotive and industrial surge protection design.
Technical Context
The SA48A-E3/73 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, optimized for fast response (<1 ns) to transient overvoltages. Its unidirectional polarity uses a cathode band marking, and it complies with JEDEC DO-204AC mechanical standards including UL 94 V-0 epoxy molding and matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002.
It delivers 3.0 W steady-state power dissipation at TL = 75 °C, supports 70 A non-repetitive forward surge current (IFSM), and exhibits a +56 mV/°C temperature coefficient of VBR - enabling predictable clamping behavior across -55 °C to +175 °C operating junction range.
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 mA - ensures reliable avalanche conduction onset within defined tolerance |
| VC @ IPPM | 77.4 V at 6.5 A - limits downstream voltage stress during 10/1000 μs surge events |
| PPPM | 500 W - peak transient energy absorption capability under standardized surge waveform |
| ID @ VWM | 1.0 μA - ultra-low leakage preserves signal integrity and system quiescent current |
| TJ max | +175 °C - enables deployment in under-hood automotive and high-temperature industrial environments |
| Package | DO-15 (DO-204AC) - industry-standard axial-leaded through-hole package with 0.258" body length |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-15 (DO-204AC), axial-leaded, glass-passivated silicon junction, matte tin-plated leads, RoHS-compliant (E3 suffix), rated for solder dip at 275 °C for 10 s.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry point | Connected to lower-potential side in unidirectional configuration; must be referenced to ground or return path |
| Cathode (banded end) | Avalanche clamping node | Connected to protected line (e.g., VBUS, signal line); conducts when reverse voltage exceeds VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Enables stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics and long-term reliability under repetitive surge stress |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Protects against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 surges (1 kV open-circuit, 0.5 Ω source impedance) |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (E3 variant is commercial; HE3 is qualified) | Validated for automotive electronics use including engine control units and body modules |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ISO 7637-2 pulse 1/2a/5a) |
| UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy case | Meets flammability requirements for safety-critical power and interface circuits |
Applications
| Automotive Power Input Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 12 V battery-fed ECUs exposed to load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping device placed at DC input filter stage, ahead of LDOs and microcontrollers. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤77.4 V, preventing damage to 40 V-rated input capacitors and 3.3 V/5 V logic supplies. | Use Scenario: Analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) routed across noisy motor drive zones. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Point-of-entry TVS on differential or single-ended analog lines (e.g., 0–5 V ratiometric output). Use Value: Clamps ESD (IEC 61000-4-2 ±8 kV contact) and inductive kickback without adding capacitance (>100 pF) that would distort low-bandwidth signals. |
| Consumer USB Port Surge Suppression | Telecom DSL Line Interface Protection |
Use Scenario: USB 2.0 VBUS line in set-top boxes or docking stations subject to hot-plug surges and cable-induced transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standalone unidirectional TVS between VBUS and GND, sized for 500 W peak pulse handling. Use Value: Maintains <1.0 μA leakage at 48 V standoff, avoiding false discharge or standby current drain in always-on devices. | Use Scenario: DSL line cards interfacing twisted-pair copper lines exposed to lightning-induced surges (ITU-T K.20/K.21). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage protector on line-side transformer secondary, coordinated with gas discharge tube (GDT) primary stage. Use Value: Fast response (<1 ns) and precise 48 V VWM enable clean coordination with upstream GDT, minimizing let-through voltage to downstream PHY ICs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ48A-E3/5T | Same VWM (48 V), same DO-214AC (SMA) package, but surface-mount; 400 W PPPM rating | Requires PCB rework for SMT layout; better suited for space-constrained consumer designs | Select SMAJ48A-E3/5T only when board real estate is limited and thermal management allows lower peak power handling |
| P6KE48A | Same VWM (48 V), DO-15 package, but 600 W PPPM and higher VC (84.5 V at 7.1 A) | Higher clamping voltage increases stress on downstream components; requires verification of system-level withstand margin | Choose P6KE48A only if legacy design compatibility or higher surge margin is prioritized over tighter clamping |
Compared with SMAJ48A-E3/5T and P6KE48A, the SA48A-E3/73 offers optimal balance of through-hole manufacturability, 500 W surge capacity, and low 77.4 V clamping - making it preferred for cost-sensitive, high-volume automotive and industrial power rail protection where DO-15 placement and AEC-Q101 alignment matter.
Availability
SA48A-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power input protection, industrial sensor interface hardening, and telecom line card surge suppression requiring stable component supply and full traceability.
Supply support for SA48A-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 passive components with emphasis on reliability and application-specific performance.
The SAxxA series belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for robust, standardized transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and communications infrastructure - balancing clamping precision, surge endurance, and qualification compliance.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SA48A-E3/73 under standard surge conditions?
The SA48A-E3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 77.4 V at 6.5 A peak pulse current with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per JEDEC test conditions and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during a standardized transient event. The SA48A-E3/73 maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range.
Is the SA48A-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
The SA48A-E3/73 carries the E3 suffix indicating RoHS compliance and commercial-grade qualification. While the base SA48A family includes AEC-Q101-qualified variants (e.g., SA48AHE3), the SA48A-E3/73 itself is not AEC-Q101 certified. For automotive use, engineers should verify whether system-level qualification permits commercial-grade parts or require the HE3 variant. The SA48A-E3/73 remains widely used in non-safety-critical automotive subsystems where qualification is customer-defined.
How does the SA48A-E3/73 differ from bidirectional TVS diodes like SA48CA?
The SA48A-E3/73 is unidirectional and features a cathode band for polarity identification, conducting only in reverse bias above VBR. In contrast, SA48CA is bidirectional with no polarity marking and symmetrical clamping in both directions - suited for AC lines or differential data paths. The SA48A-E3/73 provides lower leakage and tighter VBR tolerance in DC applications, while SA48CA avoids orientation concerns but exhibits higher ID at VWM.
What is the thermal derating behavior of the SA48A-E3/73 above 25 °C ambient?
The SA48A-E3/73 follows a linear derating curve for steady-state power dissipation: its 3.0 W rating at TL = 75 °C drops to zero at TJ = 175 °C. Derating is defined per Figure 5 in Vishay document 88378, with power reduced by ~24 mW/°C above 75 °C lead temperature. Engineers must calculate actual lead temperature rise using PCB copper area and trace width to ensure safe operation - the SA48A-E3/73 does not include internal thermal shutdown.
Can the SA48A-E3/73 be used in parallel for higher surge current handling?
No - the SA48A-E3/73 is not recommended for parallel operation due to mismatch in VBR tolerances (±5% typical), which causes uneven current sharing and potential thermal runaway. For higher surge ratings, Vishay specifies discrete higher-power parts (e.g., 1.5KE48A) or coordinated multi-stage protection (e.g., GDT + SA48A-E3/73). Using multiple SA48A-E3/73 devices in parallel risks premature failure of the unit with lowest VBR.
SA48A-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:
- 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-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA48A-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA48A-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 SA48A-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA48A-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 SA48A-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA48A-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA48A-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA48A-E3/73?
SA48A-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA48A-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 SA48A-E3/73?
For technical support, including SA48A-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA48A-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA48A-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA48A-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 SA48A-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA48A-E3/73?
All SA48A-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA48A-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 SA48A-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA48A-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA48A-E3/73 Tags

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