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Home > Products > Circuit Protection > Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS) > TVS Diodes

Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA51CA-E3/54

Name: SA51CA-E3/54
Brand: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
SKU: SA51CA-E3/54
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: SA51CA-E3/54

Manufacturer:: Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division

Category:: TVS Diodes

Package:: DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial

Datasheet:: SA51CA-E3/54.pdf

Description:: TVS DIODE 51VWM 82.4VC DO204AC

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Product details

Overview

SA51CA-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features 51 V standoff voltage (V_WM), 56.7–62.7 V breakdown voltage (V_BR) at 1 mA, 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), 82.4 V maximum clamping voltage at 6.1 A, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability.

For engineers reviewing the SA51CA-E3/54 datasheet, SA51CA-E3/54 pinout, SA51CA-E3/54 application, or SA51CA-E3/54 equivalent, this device is selected for robust ESD and surge protection in bidirectional DC rails, sensor interfaces, and automotive body electronics where polarity-agnostic clamping and high surge immunity are required.

Technical Context

The SA51CA-E3/54 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with symmetrical bidirectional conduction, enabling clamping in both polarities without external polarity management. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage (<1.0 µA at 51 V), while its 175 °C max junction temperature supports operation in under-hood automotive environments.

It delivers 500 W peak pulse power per 10/1000 µs waveform with 0.01% duty cycle, and exhibits low incremental clamping resistance - verified by clamping voltage of 82.4 V at 6.1 A - making it suitable for protecting downstream ICs against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 surges and ISO 7637-2 transient pulses.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_WM	51 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe DC working margin.
V_BR (min/max)	56.7 V / 62.7 V at 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range; ensures predictable turn-on across production lot and temperature.
V_C @ I_PPM	82.4 V at 6.1 A - Measured clamping voltage under 10/1000 µs surge; determines maximum stress seen by protected circuitry.
P_PPM	500 W - Peak pulse power handling capability; enables compliance with industrial and automotive surge standards.
I_FSM	Not applicable - Bidirectional device has no forward surge rating; only unidirectional variants specify 70 A I_FSM.
T_J max	175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; supports placement near heat sources in engine control units or power modules.
Leakage (I_D)	<1.0 µA at 51 V - Ultra-low reverse leakage preserves signal integrity and minimizes standby power loss.

Pinout & Package

DO-15 (DO-204AC) molded epoxy package with matte tin-plated leads; bidirectional symmetry means no polarity marking - both terminals are electrically identical and interchangeable.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Anode/Cathode (symmetrical)	Transient conduction path	Either terminal conducts during overvoltage in either polarity; no cathode band - eliminates orientation errors during placement.
Case (body)	Non-electrical mechanical interface	DO-15 axial lead form factor enables through-hole mounting and standard wave-solder compatibility.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Glass passivated junction	Ensures stable V_BR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity exposure.
AEC-Q101 qualified	Validated for automotive applications including engine control, lighting, and infotainment systems per stress test requirements.
500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs)	Withstands repeated lightning-induced surges and load dump transients without degradation.
Low clamping ratio (V_C/V_BR ≈ 1.34)	Minimizes overvoltage overshoot during fast transients, reducing risk to 5 V or 3.3 V logic interfaces.
UL 94 V-0 molding compound	Self-extinguishing encapsulation meets fire safety requirements for enclosed automotive and industrial enclosures.

Applications

Automotive Body Control Module (BCM)	Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN bus lines and door module inputs from battery load dump and ESD events in 12 V vehicle architectures. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS clamp placed directly at connector entry point to shunt transients before reaching LIN transceiver ICs. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to transceivers during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) and IEC 61000-4-2 ±8 kV contact discharge.	Use Scenario: Shielding analog outputs (e.g., 4–20 mA current loop) of pressure or temperature sensors from field wiring-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage protection element across sensor output terminals, placed upstream of precision op-amps or ADC drivers. Use Value: Maintains signal fidelity by limiting transient excursions to ≤82.4 V while adding <1 pF parasitic capacitance - negligible at DC/low-frequency signals.
USB Type-C Port Protection	DC Power Rail Surge Suppression
Use Scenario: Safeguarding USB-C CC and V_CONN lines against hot-plug ESD and cable-borne transients in portable docking stations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping device mounted adjacent to USB-C receptacle to intercept ±15 kV air discharge before reaching USB PD controller. Use Value: Provides sub-100 ns response time and symmetric clamping, eliminating need for dual unidirectional devices and saving PCB area.	Use Scenario: Protecting 48 V DC input rails in telecom power supplies and PoE injectors from induced lightning surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level TVS placed after primary MOV or GDT, providing precise clamping at 51 V to protect downstream DC-DC controllers. Use Value: Delivers 500 W pulse handling with tight V_BR tolerance (±5.5%), ensuring consistent coordination with upstream protection stages.

Automotive Body Control Module (BCM)

Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning

Use Scenario: Protecting LIN bus lines and door module inputs from battery load dump and ESD events in 12 V vehicle architectures.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS clamp placed directly at connector entry point to shunt transients before reaching LIN transceiver ICs.

Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to transceivers during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) and IEC 61000-4-2 ±8 kV contact discharge.

Use Scenario: Shielding analog outputs (e.g., 4–20 mA current loop) of pressure or temperature sensors from field wiring-induced surges.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage protection element across sensor output terminals, placed upstream of precision op-amps or ADC drivers.

Use Value: Maintains signal fidelity by limiting transient excursions to ≤82.4 V while adding <1 pF parasitic capacitance - negligible at DC/low-frequency signals.

USB Type-C Port Protection

DC Power Rail Surge Suppression

Use Scenario: Safeguarding USB-C CC and V_CONN lines against hot-plug ESD and cable-borne transients in portable docking stations.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping device mounted adjacent to USB-C receptacle to intercept ±15 kV air discharge before reaching USB PD controller.

Use Value: Provides sub-100 ns response time and symmetric clamping, eliminating need for dual unidirectional devices and saving PCB area.

Use Scenario: Protecting 48 V DC input rails in telecom power supplies and PoE injectors from induced lightning surges.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-level TVS placed after primary MOV or GDT, providing precise clamping at 51 V to protect downstream DC-DC controllers.

Use Value: Delivers 500 W pulse handling with tight V_BR tolerance (±5.5%), ensuring consistent coordination with upstream protection stages.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
SMAJ51CA	Same V_WM (51 V), same DO-214AC package, but lower P_PPM = 400 W and higher V_C = 87.1 V at 4.6 A.	Less robust for repetitive surges; suited for space-constrained SMT layouts where DO-15 through-hole is not viable.	Select SMAJ51CA only when board real estate mandates SMT and surge energy remains below 400 W limits.
1.5KE51CA	Same V_WM and bidirectional function, but larger DO-201AD package, higher P_PPM = 1500 W, and V_C = 84.5 V at 17.7 A.	Higher energy handling suits primary-level AC/DC front-end protection, not signal-line level clamping.	Choose 1.5KE51CA when protecting mains-connected circuits or where >500 W surge margin is mandated by system-level testing.

Compared with SMAJ51CA and 1.5KE51CA, the SA51CA-E3/54 offers optimal balance of compact DO-15 through-hole form factor, AEC-Q101 qualification, and 500 W clamping performance - making it preferred for automotive and industrial signal-line protection where reliability and standardized assembly are critical.

Availability

SA51CA-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, USB-C port hardening, and 48 V DC power rail protection requiring stable component supply and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for SA51CA-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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and automotive qualification.

The SAxxCA series belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for robust, bidirectional transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure applications demanding AEC-Q101 compliance and repeatable clamping behavior.

FAQ

What is the standoff voltage and breakdown range of the SA51CA-E3/54?

The SA51CA-E3/54 has a rated standoff voltage (V_WM) of 51 V and a guaranteed breakdown voltage (V_BR) range of 56.7 V to 62.7 V at 1 mA test current. This ensures reliable clamping onset above normal operating voltage while accommodating process variation and temperature drift - critical for maintaining margin in 48 V or 36 V automotive subsystems where the SA51CA-E3/54 is commonly deployed.

Is the SA51CA-E3/54 suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, the SA51CA-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive use. Its 175 °C maximum junction temperature, glass-passivated junction, and DO-15 package with matte tin leads meet stringent automotive reliability requirements. The SA51CA-E3/54 is routinely used in body control modules, lighting drivers, and sensor interfaces where ISO 7637-2 and IEC 61000-4-5 compliance is mandatory.

Does the SA51CA-E3/54 have polarity markings, and how is it mounted?

No, the SA51CA-E3/54 is a bidirectional TVS and carries no polarity marking - both terminals are functionally identical. It is mounted in-line across the protected node using its DO-15 axial leads, with no orientation dependency. This simplifies assembly and eliminates risk of reverse installation, a key advantage over unidirectional variants like SA51A-E3/54 which require cathode-band alignment.

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SA51CA-E3/54 under surge conditions?

The SA51CA-E3/54 clamps to a maximum of 82.4 V at 6.1 A peak pulse current (10/1000 µs waveform). This value - measured and guaranteed per datasheet - defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. Designers use this parameter to verify that downstream ICs (e.g., microcontrollers or transceivers) remain within absolute maximum ratings when the SA51CA-E3/54 activates.

How does the SA51CA-E3/54 compare to unidirectional TVS diodes like SA51A-E3/54?

The SA51CA-E3/54 provides symmetrical clamping for AC-coupled or polarity-agnostic DC lines, whereas SA51A-E3/54 is unidirectional and requires correct cathode orientation. SA51CA-E3/54 lacks I_FSM rating (not applicable), while SA51A-E3/54 specifies 70 A forward surge current. Both share identical V_WM, V_BR, and P_PPM, but the SA51CA-E3/54 is preferred where reverse-voltage transients or floating grounds exist - such as in LIN bus or RS-485 differential pairs.

SA51CA-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:: -

Bidirectional Channels:: 1

Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):: 51V

Voltage - Breakdown (Min):: 56.7V

Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:: 82.4V

Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):: 6.1A

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)

SA51CA-E3/54 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for SA51CA-E3/54 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA51CA-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 SA51CA-E3/54 reliable?

The price and inventory of SA51CA-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 SA51CA-E3/54 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for SA51CA-E3/54?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA51CA-E3/54 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for SA51CA-E3/54?

SA51CA-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your SA51CA-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 SA51CA-E3/54?

For technical support, including SA51CA-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA51CA-E3/54 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that SA51CA-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All SA51CA-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 SA51CA-E3/54 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA51CA-E3/54?

All SA51CA-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA51CA-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 SA51CA-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for SA51CA-E3/54:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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