Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA5.0A-E3/73
- Part No.:
- SA5.0A-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA5.0A-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 5VWM 9.2VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SA5.0A-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 lightning-induced transients. It features 5.0 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 6.4–7.07 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 54.3 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and clamps to 9.2 V at rated surge. It is widely used to protect MOSFET gates, IC power rails, and sensor signal lines in industrial and automotive electronics.
For engineers reviewing the SA5.0A-E3/73 datasheet, SA5.0A-E3/73 pinout, SA5.0A-E3/73 application, or SA5.0A-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 5.0 V stand-off rating, 9.2 V clamping voltage at 54.3 A, DO-15 mechanical compatibility, AEC-Q101 qualification (E3 suffix denotes commercial grade; HE3 required for automotive), and unidirectional polarity with cathode band marking.
Technical Context
The SA5.0A-E3/73 operates as a silicon avalanche diode that enters breakdown when reverse voltage exceeds its VBR range (6.4–7.07 V), diverting transient energy to ground while limiting downstream voltage to ≤9.2 V. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<600 μA at VWM) and fast response (<1 ns), critical for protecting sensitive CMOS inputs.
It is rated for 500 W peak pulse power under standardized 10/1000 μs waveform with 0.01% duty cycle, and supports steady-state dissipation of 3.0 W on infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C. Junction temperature range spans –55 °C to +175 °C, enabling deployment in harsh environments including engine control units and industrial motor drives.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 5.0 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines minimum system rail margin for reliable standby operation. |
| VBR (min/max) | 6.4 V / 7.07 V - Breakdown occurs within this range at 10 mA test current; ensures predictable turn-on across process and temperature variation. |
| VC @ IPPM | 9.2 V - Clamping voltage at 54.3 A peak pulse; determines maximum stress imposed on protected ICs during surge events. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling (10/1000 μs); quantifies transient energy absorption capability without failure. |
| ID @ VWM | 600 μA - Max reverse leakage at 5.0 V; low enough to avoid interference with high-impedance sensor bias networks. |
| Package | DO-15 (DO-204AC) - Standard axial-leaded through-hole package; compatible with legacy PCB layouts and wave-solder processes. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables use in under-hood automotive and high-ambient industrial applications. |
Pinout & Package
DO-15 (DO-204AC) molded epoxy package with matte tin-plated leads; cathode identified by color band on one end. Leads are solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102; qualified for solder dip at 275 °C for 10 s.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to protected line (e.g., VCC rail or signal trace) when used in unidirectional configuration. |
| Cathode (banded end) | Reverse-biased clamping terminal | Connected to ground reference; conducts avalanche current during overvoltage events to clamp voltage. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Ensures long-term reliability and stable electrical parameters under thermal cycling and humidity exposure. |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity (4 kV line-to-line) in properly designed circuits. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified variant available (HE3 suffix) | Enables drop-in qualification path for automotive applications requiring validated reliability testing. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ESD >15 kV contact discharge). |
| UL 94 V-0 compliant molding compound | Meets flammability safety requirements for enclosed industrial and consumer enclosures. |
Applications
| Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU) | Industrial PLC Digital Input Module |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects microcontroller GPIO and CAN transceiver power rails from load dump and alternator ripple transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between 5 V supply and chassis ground to clamp surges up to ±100 V. Use Value: Limits voltage seen by MCU to ≤9.2 V during 54.3 A transients, preventing latch-up and permanent damage. | Use Scenario: Shields 24 V digital input optocoupler front-end from inductive kickback generated by solenoid switching. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on input line, conducting only during >6.4 V transients to shunt energy away from isolation barrier. Use Value: Maintains <600 μA leakage at 24 V nominal, avoiding false triggering while clamping 10/1000 μs surges to safe levels. |
| Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Board | Telecom Base Station Sensor Interface |
Use Scenario: Safeguards gate driver ICs and bootstrap FETs from voltage spikes caused by brushless DC motor commutation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed across high-side FET source-to-drain to suppress shoot-through-inducing ringing. Use Value: Fast <1 ns response prevents gate oxide breakdown; DO-15 footprint allows placement near power stage with minimal loop inductance. | Use Scenario: Protects analog front-end ADC inputs of environmental sensors (temperature, humidity) from ESD and nearby RF coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS on differential sensor lines, referenced to local analog ground. Use Value: 9.2 V clamping ensures ADC input stays within absolute maximum ratings even during 8 kV HBM ESD events. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ5.0A | Same VWM (5.0 V), same DO-214AC package, but lower PPPM (400 W) and higher VC (9.6 V at 43.4 A). | Less robust for high-energy 10/1000 μs surges; suitable where board space constraints favor SMD over axial DO-15. | Select SMAJ5.0A only if surface-mount layout is mandatory and surge energy remains below 400 W threshold. |
| P6KE5.0A | Same VWM and DO-15 package, but older generation: higher VF (3.5 V), larger VBR tolerance (6.4–7.6 V), and no AEC-Q101 option. | Lacks modern leakage and clamping consistency; not recommended for new automotive designs. | Prefer SA5.0A-E3/73 for new designs requiring tighter VBR control, lower ID, and RoHS-compliant E3 processing. |
Compared with SMAJ5.0A and P6KE5.0A, the SA5.0A-E3/73 delivers superior clamping performance (9.2 V vs. ≥9.6 V), tighter VBR distribution (6.4–7.07 V), and direct path to AEC-Q101 qualification via HE3 suffix-making it optimal for next-generation industrial and automotive protection where reliability and precision matter.
Availability
SA5.0A-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive body electronics, telecom sensor interfaces, and consumer appliance control boards requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for SA5.0A-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 protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and automotive-grade qualification.
The SAxxA series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS platform, engineered specifically for robust, cost-effective overvoltage protection in high-reliability power and signal line applications across automotive, industrial, and communications markets.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SA5.0A-E3/73 and how is it measured?
The SA5.0A-E3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 9.2 V, measured at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 54.3 A using a standardized 10/1000 μs waveform. This value reflects the actual voltage seen by downstream components during surge events and is guaranteed per the Vishay datasheet revision 27-Sep-2021. The SA5.0A-E3/73 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is the SA5.0A-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
The SA5.0A-E3/73 itself carries the E3 suffix, indicating RoHS-compliant commercial-grade construction. For automotive use, Vishay offers the SA5.0AHE3/73 variant with AEC-Q101 qualification. Engineers must specify the HE3 version-not E3-to meet automotive reliability requirements; the SA5.0A-E3/73 is appropriate for industrial and consumer applications where AEC-Q101 is not mandated.
How does the SA5.0A-E3/73 differ from bidirectional TVS diodes like SA5.0CA?
The SA5.0A-E3/73 is unidirectional and features a cathode band for polarity identification, allowing it to conduct forward current and clamp only in reverse. In contrast, SA5.0CA is bidirectional with symmetrical clamping in both directions and no polarity marking. The SA5.0A-E3/73 is preferred for DC power rail protection, while SA5.0CA suits AC signal lines or differential buses where polarity reversal may occur.
What is the maximum reverse leakage current for the SA5.0A-E3/73 at its stand-off voltage?
At its 5.0 V stand-off voltage (VWM), the SA5.0A-E3/73 exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 600 μA at 25 °C. This low leakage ensures minimal impact on high-impedance circuits such as sensor bias networks or battery-powered monitoring systems. Leakage increases with temperature but remains within specification limits up to TJ = 175 °C.
Can the SA5.0A-E3/73 be used in parallel for higher surge current handling?
No-parallel connection of SA5.0A-E3/73 devices is not recommended due to mismatch in VBR tolerances (6.4–7.07 V), which causes uneven current sharing and potential thermal runaway. For higher surge capability, select a single higher-rated device (e.g., SA6.0A or SA7.0A) or consult Vishay's application notes on staged protection topologies. The SA5.0A-E3/73 is designed for standalone use per its specified 54.3 A IPPM rating.
SA5.0A-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):
- 5V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 6.4V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 9.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 54.3A
- 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)
SA5.0A-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA5.0A-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA5.0A-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 SA5.0A-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA5.0A-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 SA5.0A-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA5.0A-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA5.0A-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA5.0A-E3/73?
SA5.0A-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA5.0A-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 SA5.0A-E3/73?
For technical support, including SA5.0A-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA5.0A-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA5.0A-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA5.0A-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 SA5.0A-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA5.0A-E3/73?
All SA5.0A-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA5.0A-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 SA5.0A-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA5.0A-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA5.0A-E3/73 Tags

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