Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA51-E3/73
- Part No.:
- SA51-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA51-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 51VWM 91.1VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,189
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Product details
Overview
SA51-E3/73 from Vishay is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, designed for primary overvoltage protection of DC power rails and signal lines. 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 use.
For engineers reviewing the SA51-E3/73 datasheet, SA51-E3/73 pinout, SA51-E3/73 application, or SA51-E3/73 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, package dimensions, clamping behavior under surge, thermal derating curves, and direct alternatives for ESD/surge protection in automotive ECUs, industrial sensors, and power supply inputs.
Technical Context
The SA51-E3/73 operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, enabling fast response (<1 ns) to transient events such as load dump, ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a, and IEC 61000-4-5 surges. Its 500 W peak pulse power rating is defined per 10/1000 µs waveform at 0.01% duty cycle, with clamping performance validated up to 6.1 A peak pulse current (IPPM).
Thermal design relies on its 3.0 W steady-state power dissipation on infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C, and maximum junction temperature of 175 °C. The device exhibits +0.061 %/°C temperature coefficient of VBR, consistent with high-voltage TVS diodes in the SAx-A series.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 51 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR (min/max) | 56.7 V / 62.7 V at IT = 1 mA - Ensures reliable turn-on above normal rail voltage with margin |
| VC @ IPPM | 82.4 V at 6.1 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs surge; defines protected circuit's max stress level |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak surge energy handling capability under standardized transient waveform |
| IFSM | 70 A - Non-repetitive forward surge current rating (10 ms half-sine), supports inrush tolerance |
| TJ max | 175 °C - Enables operation in under-hood automotive environments and high-ambient industrial settings |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Industry-standard axial leaded package with UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy |
Pinout & Package
SA51-E3/73 is housed in a DO-204AC (DO-15) axial-leaded package with matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102. Polarity is marked by a cathode band on the body; the banded end is the cathode (K), and the unmarked end is the anode (A).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (A) | Forward current entry / Reverse bias reference | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., ground or return path) in unidirectional protection configuration |
| Cathode (K) | Clamping node / Surge sink | Connected to protected line (e.g., 51 V rail); conducts transient current to ground when VAK exceeds VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR and low leakage (<1 µA at VWM) across temperature and lifetime |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Provides robust protection against ISO 7637-2 and IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3/4 transients without degradation |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ESD, relay bounce) |
| RoHS-compliant, JESD 201 Class 1A whisker tested | Supports lead-free reflow and long-term reliability in high-vibration, high-humidity environments |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 48 V battery-supplied ECUs from load dump transients (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a) and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping element placed between battery rail and downstream DC/DC converter input. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤82.4 V, preventing damage to 100 V-rated MOSFETs and LDOs upstream of the protection stage. | Use Scenario: Shielding analog outputs of pressure/temperature sensors in factory automation PLC modules from inductive switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt protector on 24 V sensor supply line, placed adjacent to connector entry point. Use Value: Clamps 1 kV/500 A surges within <1 ns, preserving signal integrity and avoiding false triggers in 16-bit ADC front-ends. |
| Telecom DC Power Input Protection | OEM Power Supply Output Stage |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding PoE-powered equipment (e.g., IP cameras) against lightning-induced surges on 57 V DC input lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line TVS on DC input before primary filter capacitor and hot-swap controller. Use Value: Absorbs 500 W surge energy without failure, maintaining system uptime during outdoor deployment in lightning-prone regions. | Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage clamp on regulated 51 V output of industrial AC/DC power supplies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fail-safe crowbar element that activates only during regulator fault conditions (e.g., feedback loop open). Use Value: Prevents catastrophic overvoltage (>100 V) on connected loads by triggering at 56.7 V and clamping at 82.4 V. |
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-E3/57T | Same VWM (51 V), identical DO-214AC (SMA) package; slightly higher VC (87.1 V @ 5.7 A), lower IPPM | Surface-mount alternative for space-constrained PCBs; requires rework of footprint and thermal relief | Select when board real estate is limited and SMT assembly is preferred over through-hole. |
| 1.5KE51A-E3/54 | Higher PPPM (1500 W), larger DO-201AD package; same VWM/VBR range but slower response due to higher junction capacitance | Better suited for high-energy surges (e.g., AC mains coupling), less ideal for fast digital signal lines | Choose for legacy designs requiring higher surge margin where footprint and speed are secondary. |
Compared with SMAJ51A-E3/57T and 1.5KE51A-E3/54, the SA51-E3/73 offers optimal balance of axial-leaded mechanical robustness, AEC-Q101 qualification, and precise 51 V clamping for automotive and industrial DC systems-without requiring PCB redesign or sacrificing response time.
Availability
SA51-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial sensor interfaces, telecom DC power inputs, and OEM power supply output stages requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA51-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 Intertechnology is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete components, passive elements, and sensors, with leadership in high-reliability TVS, MOSFETs, and precision resistors.
The SAx-A series belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® family of transient suppressors, engineered specifically for ruggedized overvoltage protection in automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where AEC-Q101 compliance and repeatable clamping performance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SA51-E3/73 under a 10/1000 µs surge?
The SA51-E3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 82.4 V at 6.1 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 7 in the Vishay datasheet 88378 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during surge events. Designers must ensure downstream components tolerate ≤82.4 V transient stress.
Is the SA51-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the SA51-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive use per Vishay documentation. Its 175 °C maximum junction temperature, glass-passivated junction, and validation against load dump and ESD stress make it appropriate for engine control modules, body controllers, and ADAS sensor interfaces. The "E3" suffix confirms RoHS compliance and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance required for automotive-grade assembly.
What does the "-E3/73" suffix indicate in SA51-E3/73?
The "E3" denotes RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade packaging with matte tin-plated leads meeting J-STD-002 solderability and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing. The "/73" specifies the packaging format: 73 indicates 7-inch diameter tape-and-reel delivery with 2500 units per reel, per Vishay's ordering conventions in document 88378. This differs from /54 (13-inch reel) and /60 (ammo pack).
How does the SA51-E3/73 compare to bi-directional TVS diodes like SA51CA?
The SA51-E3/73 is unidirectional and intended for DC line protection where polarity is fixed (e.g., +51 V rail to ground). In contrast, SA51CA is bi-directional, supporting AC or floating signal lines. SA51-E3/73 offers lower leakage (<1 µA at VWM) and tighter VBR tolerance than SA51CA, but cannot protect against negative-going transients. Use SA51-E3/73 only in polarized configurations with confirmed cathode-to-rail orientation.
What is the thermal derating behavior of the SA51-E3/73 above 25 °C ambient?
The SA51-E3/73 follows Vishay's standard derating curve (Figure 2 in datasheet 88378): its peak pulse power remains at 500 W up to TA = 25 °C, then linearly decreases to ~350 W at 85 °C and ~150 W at 125 °C. For continuous operation, its 3.0 W steady-state power rating derates above TL = 75 °C per Figure 5. Designers must apply both curves when sizing heatsinking or estimating surge repetition limits in high-ambient environments.
SA51-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):
- 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-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA51-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA51-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 SA51-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA51-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 SA51-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA51-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA51-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA51-E3/73?
SA51-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA51-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 SA51-E3/73?
For technical support, including SA51-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA51-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA51-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA51-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 SA51-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA51-E3/73?
All SA51-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA51-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 SA51-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA51-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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