Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA48-E3/73
- Part No.:
- SA48-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA48-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 48VWM 85.5VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,779
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Product details
Overview
SA48-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a uni-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on power and signal lines. It features 48 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 53.3–58.9 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 77.4 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 6.5 A peak pulse current, and 500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - used in automotive power rail protection and industrial sensor interface circuits.
For engineers reviewing the SA48-E3/73 datasheet, SA48-E3/73 pinout, SA48-E3/73 application, or SA48-E3/73 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, polarity marking guidance, thermal derating behavior, and AEC-Q101-qualified alternatives for robust overvoltage protection design.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamping device in uni-directional configuration, with cathode marked by a color band. Its silicon junction is glass passivated for stability under surge stress, and it complies with AEC-Q101 for automotive-grade reliability. The device responds to transient events within <1 ps and maintains low incremental surge resistance during 10/1000 µs pulses.
It supports continuous power dissipation of 3.0 W at TL = 75 °C and withstands 70 A non-repetitive forward surge (IFSM) per 10 ms half-sine wave. Junction temperature range spans −55 °C to +175 °C, enabling deployment in under-hood automotive and high-ambient industrial environments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 48 V - Maximum reverse working voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin below breakdown. |
| VBR (min/max) | 53.3 V / 58.9 V at 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold range; ensures predictable turn-on across production lot. |
| VC @ IPPM | 77.4 V at 6.5 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs surge; determines protected circuit's maximum transient exposure. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling capability; validates suitability for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a automotive transients. |
| IFSM | 70 A - Non-repetitive forward surge rating; supports inrush current immunity in DC power input stages. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in engine control units and motor drive PCBs. |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Standard axial-leaded through-hole package with matte tin-plated leads, UL 94 V-0 compliant molding. |
Pinout & Package
SA48-E3/73 uses a two-terminal DO-204AC (DO-15) axial package. Polarity is marked by a color band indicating the cathode end; anode is unmarked. Leads are matte tin-plated and solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102. Solder dip tolerance is 275 °C max for 10 s.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (banded end) | Transient current sink node | Connected to protected line (e.g., 48 V supply rail); conducts surge current to ground when VWM exceeded. |
| Anode (unmarked end) | Reference/ground return path | Typically tied to system ground or low-impedance return plane; completes clamping loop during overvoltage event. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Ensures stable VBR and leakage performance across temperature and lifetime; eliminates moisture-induced parameter drift. |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Validates compliance with ISO 7637-2 Level III and IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements for 48 V systems. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (E3 suffix variant) | Confirms qualification for automotive powertrain and body electronics applications per stress test requirements. |
| Low incremental clamping resistance | Enables tight VC – VBR margin (24.1 V), minimizing voltage overshoot on sensitive downstream ICs like CAN transceivers. |
| RoHS-compliant, JESD 201 Class 1A whisker tested | Supports lead-free reflow and long-term mechanical reliability in vibration-prone automotive harness assemblies. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Clamp |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 48 V battery-fed ECUs against load dump and alternator switching transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Uni-directional TVS placed between 48 V rail and chassis ground to clamp surges above 48 V. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤77.4 V, preventing damage to 60 V-rated MOSFETs and microcontrollers in ADAS domain controllers. |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA current loop) from ESD and inductive kickback in factory automation sensors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS connected in series with signal line and grounded via low-inductance path to absorb fast transients. Use Value: Responds in sub-nanosecond time, clamping ESD events (IEC 61000-4-2 ±8 kV contact) without distorting 20 kHz sensor bandwidth. |
| Telecom DC Power Input Stage | Motor Drive Gate Driver Supply Clamp |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding -48 V telecom rectifier outputs from lightning-induced surges on outdoor cabinet feeds. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reverse-biased TVS (cathode to -48 V rail) clamps positive-going transients toward ground. Use Value: Withstands 500 W pulses and maintains <1 µA leakage at -48 V, preserving standby power budget in remote radio units. |
Use Scenario: Protecting isolated gate driver bias supplies (e.g., +15 V/-10 V) from Miller-induced spikes in SiC inverter half-bridges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS placed across gate driver VDD–VSS rails to clamp cross-conduction spikes. Use Value: 77.4 V clamping prevents latch-up in level-shifters while its 175 °C rating matches gate driver thermal profiles. |
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), but SMA package (SMT); lower IPPM (6.4 A vs. 6.5 A); identical VC (77.4 V). | Requires PCB rework for surface-mount layout; better suited for space-constrained telecom modules than through-hole automotive harnesses. | Select SMAJ48A-E3/5T when board area is limited and reflow assembly is preferred; retain SA48-E3/73 for serviceability and high-vibration mounting. |
| 1.5KE48A | Higher PPPM (1500 W), larger DO-201AD package; same VWM/VBR specs; VC = 77.4 V at 19.3 A. | Over-spec'd for most 48 V systems; introduces higher parasitic inductance due to longer leads; less optimal for fast-edge transients. | Choose 1.5KE48A only if legacy 1.5 kW surge testing is mandated; SA48-E3/73 offers superior response speed and AEC-Q101 qualification for new designs. |
Compared with SMAJ48A-E3/5T and 1.5KE48A, SA48-E3/73 provides the optimal balance of AEC-Q101 compliance, DO-15 mechanical robustness, and precise 500 W/6.5 A clamping for 48 V automotive and industrial power rails - without over-engineering or sacrificing mounting flexibility.
Availability
SA48-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU protection, industrial sensor interface hardening, and telecom DC input stage surge suppression requiring stable component supply and full traceability.
Supply support for SA48-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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and automotive qualification.
The SAxxA series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for robust transient suppression in harsh environments including automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of SA48-E3/73?
The SA48-E3/73 is a uni-directional TVS diode with cathode identified by a color band on the DO-204AC package. When installed, the banded end connects to the line being protected (e.g., 48 V rail), and the unmarked end connects to ground. This orientation ensures clamping only during positive transients relative to ground - critical for correct operation in DC power applications.
Does SA48-E3/73 meet AEC-Q101 qualification?
Yes, SA48-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified per the Vishay documentation (Document Number: 88378, Revision: 18-Sep-12). The "E3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant commercial grade with JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing, and the "HE3" variant is explicitly noted as AEC-Q101 qualified - confirming that SA48-E3/73 meets stress test requirements for automotive under-hood use.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA48-E3/73 at rated peak pulse current?
The SA48-E3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 77.4 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 6.5 A, measured using the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events and is confirmed in Table 1 of the Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 88378).
Can SA48-E3/73 be used in bi-directional configurations?
No, SA48-E3/73 is strictly a uni-directional TVS diode. Bi-directional variants in the same family use the "CA" suffix (e.g., SA48CA). Using SA48-E3/73 in reverse-biased mode risks permanent junction damage due to lack of symmetric breakdown characteristics - always verify polarity marking and select SA48CA for AC or dual-polarity transient protection.
What is the thermal derating behavior of SA48-E3/73 above 25 °C ambient?
SA48-E3/73 follows Vishay's standard derating curve: peak pulse power remains at 500 W up to TJ = 25 °C, then linearly decreases to zero at TJ = 175 °C. For steady-state power, PD = 3.0 W at TL = 75 °C, derating to ~1.5 W at TL = 125 °C per Figure 5 in the datasheet - requiring appropriate lead length and copper pour for thermal management in high-ambient deployments.
SA48-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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 48V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 53.3V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 85.5V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 5.8A
- 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)
SA48-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA48-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA48-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 SA48-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA48-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 SA48-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA48-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA48-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA48-E3/73?
SA48-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA48-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 SA48-E3/73?
For technical support, including SA48-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA48-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA48-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA48-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 SA48-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA48-E3/73?
All SA48-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA48-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 SA48-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA48-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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