Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA51-E3/54
- Part No.:
- SA51-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA51-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 51VWM 91.1VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,055
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Product details
Overview
SA51-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a uni-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, designed for overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features a 51 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 56.7–62.7 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), clamping voltage of 82.4 V at 6.1 A, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability.
For engineers reviewing the SA51-E3/54 datasheet, SA51-E3/54 pinout, SA51-E3/54 application, or SA51-E3/54 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, polarity marking guidance, clamping behavior under surge, thermal derating curves, and direct alternatives for circuit protection design in automotive power rails and industrial I/O interfaces.
Technical Context
The SA51-E3/54 operates as a uni-directional avalanche diode with cathode-band polarity marking, optimized for fast transient suppression on DC power lines and signal paths. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics, low incremental surge resistance, and repeatable clamping performance across temperature (–55 °C to +175 °C).
It complies with JEDEC JESD22-B106 (solder dip), JESD201 Class 1A whisker testing, and UL 94 V-0 flammability requirements. The device is rated for 70 A non-repetitive forward surge current (10 ms half-sine) and exhibits a typical forward voltage of 3.5 V at 100 A - critical for crowbar-style fault handling in high-energy systems.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 51 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before significant leakage; defines safe DC bias margin |
| VBR (min/max) | 56.7 V / 62.7 V at 1 mA - guaranteed avalanche onset range; ensures predictable turn-on during transients |
| VC @ IPPM | 82.4 V at 6.1 A - clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs surge; determines protected circuit's max stress level |
| PPPM | 500 W - peak pulse power handling capability; supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity |
| IFSM | 70 A - single half-sine surge rating (10 ms); validates robustness against inductive switch-off events |
| TJ max | +175 °C - maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive environments |
| Leakage @ VWM | 1.0 µA - ultra-low reverse leakage at rated stand-off; minimizes standby power loss in battery systems |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial-leaded, molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads. Cathode identified by color band on body end.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (unbanded end) | Forward current entry / transient return path | Connected to ground or low-impedance return in uni-directional clamp configuration |
| Cathode (banded end) | Avalanche conduction terminal | Connected to protected line; conducts when VLINE exceeds VBR, shunting surge to ground |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and long-term reliability under thermal cycling and humidity |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements for industrial and automotive applications |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive powertrain and body electronics per stress test conditions including HTOL, TCT, and ESD |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.37) | Minimizes overvoltage overshoot during clamping, reducing risk to downstream MOSFETs and ICs |
| RoHS-compliant, JESD201 Class 1A whisker tested | Supports lead-free reflow assembly and prevents tin whisker-induced short circuits in high-reliability systems |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V/24 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump and alternator ripple transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Uni-directional TVS placed between power rail and chassis ground to clamp positive-going surges above 51 V. Use Value: Limits peak voltage to ≤82.4 V during 6.1 A surge, preventing damage to 36 V-rated DC-DC converters and microcontrollers. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) connected to PLC inputs against ESD and inductive coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-leakage (1.0 µA) TVS on signal line to ground, activated only during >56.7 V transients. Use Value: Preserves signal integrity during normal operation while responding within <1 ns to fast-rising ESD events per IEC 61000-4-2. |
| Telecom Line Card Surge Protection | Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Protection |
Use Scenario: Shielding Ethernet PHY power pins and bias rails from lightning-induced surges on PoE-powered line cards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping device on 48 V DC supply input, coordinated with upstream GDT and series impedance. Use Value: Absorbs 500 W pulses without degradation, maintaining VC below 85 V to protect PoE controller ICs rated to 100 V abs max. | Use Scenario: Suppressing back-EMF spikes generated by brushed DC motors in washing machines and HVAC blowers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted across motor terminals or MOSFET drain-source to clamp inductive kickback. Use Value: Withstands 70 A single-pulse surge (10 ms), enabling reliable operation without snubber capacitor oversizing. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ51A-E3/57 | Same VWM (51 V), identical DO-214AC (SMA) package, 400 W PPPM, slightly higher VC (87.1 V @ 5.7 A) | Surface-mount alternative; lower power rating limits use in high-energy automotive load dump | Select SMAJ51A-E3/57 only when board space constraints require SMT and surge energy is ≤400 W |
| 1.5KE51A | Same VWM/VBR specs, larger DO-201AD package, 1500 W PPPM, higher IFSM (200 A) | Through-hole but physically larger; suited for higher-energy industrial mains protection | Choose 1.5KE51A where system-level surge tests exceed IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 or require >500 W dissipation |
Compared with SA51-E3/54, SMAJ51A-E3/57 offers footprint reduction at the cost of 20 % lower surge power handling, while 1.5KE51A provides triple the pulse power in a larger through-hole form factor - enabling trade-offs between PCB area, thermal mass, and system-level immunity requirements.
Availability
SA51-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial programmable logic controllers, telecom line card designs, and consumer appliance motor drives requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 compliance.
Supply support for SA51-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, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and optoelectronics with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and automotive-grade qualification.
The SAxxA series belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® family of TVS diodes, engineered specifically for robust, standardized transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure applications where failure modes must be tightly controlled.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of the SA51-E3/54?
The SA51-E3/54 is a uni-directional TVS diode with cathode indicated by a color band on the body. When installed, the banded end connects to the line being protected, and the unbanded (anode) end connects to ground. This configuration allows it to clamp only positive transients relative to ground, making it ideal for DC power rail protection where reverse voltage is not expected.
Does the SA51-E3/54 meet automotive qualification standards?
Yes, the SA51-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified, having passed stress tests including high-temperature operating life (HTOL), temperature cycling (TCT), and electrostatic discharge (HBM and CDM). This certification confirms its suitability for automotive powertrain, body electronics, and infotainment systems where long-term reliability under thermal and mechanical stress is mandatory.
What is the clamping voltage of the SA51-E3/54 under surge conditions?
The SA51-E3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 82.4 V at a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 6.1 A, measured using the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value defines the upper voltage limit imposed on the protected circuit during a surge event and is critical for ensuring downstream components remain within their absolute maximum ratings.
Can the SA51-E3/54 be used in bi-directional protection circuits?
No, the SA51-E3/54 is strictly a uni-directional TVS diode. For bi-directional protection - such as AC lines or data buses exposed to both polarities of transients - Vishay specifies CA-suffix variants (e.g., SA51CA). Using SA51-E3/54 in bi-directional configurations risks catastrophic failure during negative-going surges due to lack of reverse avalanche capability.
What is the maximum steady-state power dissipation for the SA51-E3/54?
The SA51-E3/54 has a maximum steady-state power dissipation (PD) of 3.0 W when mounted on an infinite heatsink at lead temperature (TL) = 75 °C. Derating is required above this temperature, following the curve in Figure 5 of the datasheet - for example, at TL = 100 °C, PD drops to approximately 2.0 W. This rating applies only to continuous DC or low-duty-cycle conditions, not transient events.
SA51-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:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 51V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 56.7V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 91.1V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 5.5A
- 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)
SA51-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA51-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA51-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 SA51-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA51-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 SA51-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA51-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA51-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA51-E3/54?
SA51-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA51-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 SA51-E3/54?
For technical support, including SA51-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA51-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA51-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA51-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 SA51-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA51-E3/54?
All SA51-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA51-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 SA51-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA51-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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