Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA5.0-E3/73
- Part No.:
- SA5.0-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA5.0-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 5VWM 9.6VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,295
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Product details
Overview
SA5.0-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, designed for primary overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features a 5.0 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 6.4–7.07 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 10 mA, 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), 54.3 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and clamps to ≤9.2 V at rated surge - used in DC power rail and I/O line protection for industrial sensors and automotive ECUs.
For engineers reviewing the SA5.0-E3/73 datasheet, SA5.0-E3/73 pinout, SA5.0-E3/73 application, or SA5.0-E3/73 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, polarity marking guidance, thermal derating behavior, and direct-fit alternatives for ESD/surge hardening in 5 V systems with space-constrained through-hole layouts.
Technical Context
The SA5.0-E3/73 implements a glass-passivated silicon junction optimized for fast transient response (<1 ps typical) and low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.37). Its unidirectional configuration enforces cathode-anode polarity, with the color band indicating the cathode terminal - critical for correct orientation in series-connected DC protection paths.
It operates across –55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature, supports 70 A non-repetitive forward surge (10 ms half-sine), and exhibits 3.5 V maximum forward voltage at 100 A. Thermal performance is defined by 3.0 W steady-state dissipation on infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C, with linear derating above that lead temperature.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 5.0 V - Maximum continuous reverse voltage before leakage exceeds 600 µA; sets upper limit for safe DC operating range. |
| VBR (min/max) | 6.40 V / 7.07 V at 10 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold ensures reliable triggering above nominal 5 V rail without false conduction. |
| IPPM | 54.3 A - Peak surge current capability under 10/1000 µs waveform; determines minimum trace width and fuse coordination. |
| VC | ≤9.2 V at IPPM - Clamping voltage protects downstream 5 V logic ICs (e.g., microcontrollers, transceivers) from destructive overvoltage. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Surge energy handling capacity for repetitive transients up to 0.01 % duty cycle; defines system-level lightning/inductive-switching immunity. |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - Enables use in under-hood automotive or high-ambient industrial environments without thermal shutdown. |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Standard through-hole outline with 0.300" lead spacing; compatible with legacy wave-solder and manual assembly. |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) molded epoxy package with matte tin-plated leads; cathode identified by axial color band. Leads conform to J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards; RoHS-compliant per JESD 201 Class 1A whisker test (E3 suffix).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side reference node | Connected to ground or return path; completes conduction loop during reverse-biased surge events. |
| Cathode | Protected line input | Connected to 5 V supply or signal line; absorbs positive transients by avalanche conduction to anode. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Enables stable VBR tolerance (±5 %) and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity stress. |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 (4 kV) surge testing on 5 V DC inputs without degradation. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified variant available (HE3 suffix) | Validates robustness for automotive powertrain and body electronics applications requiring qualification evidence. |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ISO 7637-2 pulse 1/2a), improving clamping precision. |
| Solder dip rated 275 °C for 10 s | Ensures compatibility with standard lead-tin and lead-free reflow profiles without delamination or parameter shift. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Industrial PLC Digital Input Card |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects 5 V sensor supply lines (e.g., Hall-effect, temperature) from load dump and alternator ripple in 12 V vehicle systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between VCC and GND, triggered only during positive overvoltage events on the supply rail. Use Value: Limits clamped voltage to ≤9.2 V, ensuring connected MCU GPIOs and analog front-ends remain within absolute maximum ratings. | Use Scenario: Shields 5 V optocoupler input circuits on digital I/O modules from field-wiring induced surges (e.g., relay coil back-EMF, motor starts). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on isolated 5 V side, positioned upstream of series current-limiting resistor and opto-LED. Use Value: Withstands 54.3 A surge current without failure, maintaining isolation integrity and preventing false triggering of input latching logic. |
| Consumer USB-C Power Delivery Adapter | Telecom Base Station Management Interface |
Use Scenario: Guards 5 V VBUS monitoring circuitry against ESD and hot-swap transients during USB-C connector mating/unmating. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response unidirectional suppressor on the VBUS sense line, referenced to system ground. Use Value: Sub-1 ns response time prevents voltage overshoot from reaching ADC input stages, preserving measurement accuracy. | Use Scenario: Safeguards RS-485 transceiver VCC pins (5 V logic supply) from lightning-induced ground potential rise in outdoor cabinet installations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary protection device after gas discharge tube (GDT), providing low-clamp refinement for residual surges. Use Value: 9.2 V clamping ensures transceiver ICs (e.g., MAX13487) avoid latch-up while sustaining >100,000 surge cycles per MIL-STD-883H Method 3015.8. |
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-E3/61 | Same VWM (5.0 V), identical DO-214AC (SMA) package; 400 W PPPM, lower IPPM (46.9 A), higher VC (9.6 V). | Surface-mount alternative for PCB area-constrained designs; lacks through-hole mechanical retention. | Select when board space is limited and wave-solder is not required; verify layout clearance for SMA footprint. |
| P6KE5.0A | Same VWM and VBR range, but DO-204AL (DO-41) package; 500 W PPPM, slightly higher VC (9.5 V), longer leads (1.0" min). | Legacy through-hole option with larger body and different lead spacing; widely stocked but less compact than DO-15. | Choose for backward compatibility with DO-41 tooling or where higher creepage distance is mandated. |
Compared with SMAJ5.0A-E3/61 and P6KE5.0A, the SA5.0-E3/73 offers optimal balance of compact DO-15 form factor, 54.3 A surge margin, and 9.2 V clamping - making it preferred for new 5 V through-hole designs prioritizing surge robustness and board real estate efficiency.
Availability
SA5.0-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC input protection, and telecom interface hardening requiring stable component supply and full RoHS compliance.
Supply support for SA5.0-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, AEC-Q qualification, and application-specific performance.
The SAxxA series is engineered for cost-effective, high-energy transient suppression in DC power and signal lines - targeting design-in across automotive, industrial control, and communications infrastructure where proven surge immunity is mandatory.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of the SA5.0-E3/73?
The SA5.0-E3/73 is a unidirectional TVS diode: its cathode is marked by a visible axial color band, and it conducts only during positive voltage transients applied to the cathode relative to the anode. This configuration makes it suitable for protecting DC supply rails where reverse polarity events are not expected. The SA5.0-E3/73 must be oriented correctly in-circuit to ensure proper clamping behavior.
Does the SA5.0-E3/73 meet automotive qualification standards?
The base SA5.0-E3/73 is RoHS-compliant commercial-grade; however, the SA5.0AHE3 variant (same electrical specs, HE3 suffix) is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified. For automotive applications requiring formal qualification evidence - such as body control modules or infotainment power supplies - the HE3 version should be specified. The SA5.0-E3/73 itself is not AEC-Q101 certified.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SA5.0-E3/73 at its rated surge current?
The SA5.0-E3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 9.2 V when subjected to its rated 54.3 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is guaranteed across temperature and lifetime, ensuring downstream 5 V logic components remain within safe operating limits during surge events.
Can the SA5.0-E3/73 be used in bi-directional protection applications?
No - the SA5.0-E3/73 is strictly unidirectional. For bi-directional transient suppression (e.g., AC signal lines or data buses subject to ± surges), the SA5.0CA family variant must be used. The SA5.0-E3/73 lacks symmetrical breakdown characteristics and will not clamp negative transients; using it in bi-directional roles risks device failure or unprotected nodes.
What is the lead finish and solderability specification for the SA5.0-E3/73?
The SA5.0-E3/73 features matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. It withstands solder dip at 275 °C for up to 10 seconds per JESD 22-B106, supporting both leaded and lead-free reflow processes. The E3 suffix confirms compliance with JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing, ensuring long-term interconnect reliability.
SA5.0-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):
- 5V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 6.4V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 9.6V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 52.1A
- 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)
SA5.0-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA5.0-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA5.0-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 SA5.0-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA5.0-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 SA5.0-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA5.0-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA5.0-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA5.0-E3/73?
SA5.0-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA5.0-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 SA5.0-E3/73?
For technical support, including SA5.0-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA5.0-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA5.0-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA5.0-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 SA5.0-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA5.0-E3/73?
All SA5.0-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA5.0-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 SA5.0-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA5.0-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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