Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA54C-E3/73
- Part No.:
- SA54C-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA54C-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 54VWM 96.3VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,148
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Product details
Overview
SA54C-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bi-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features a 54 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 60–66.3 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), 5.7 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and clamps to ≤87.1 V at rated surge. It is used in automotive sensor interfaces and industrial I/O protection.
For engineers reviewing the SA54C-E3/73 datasheet, SA54C-E3/73 pinout, SA54C-E3/73 application, or SA54C-E3/73 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, AEC-Q101 qualification status, DO-15 mechanical data, clamping behavior under 10/1000 µs surge, and direct alternatives with documented VBR, VC, and packaging differences.
Technical Context
The SA54C-E3/73 is a bi-directional silicon avalanche diode optimized for transient suppression in both polarities without polarity marking. Its glass-passivated junction enables fast response (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance, critical for protecting downstream ICs from ESD and inductive switching spikes.
It operates across –55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature, supports repetitive 0.01% duty cycle surges, and maintains stable clamping performance up to its 500 W PPPM rating. The device is RoHS-compliant (E3 suffix), meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance, and is qualified to AEC-Q101 for automotive use.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 54 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe working margin below breakdown. |
| VBR (min/max) | 60.0 / 66.3 V at 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche onset range; ensures predictable turn-on during overvoltage events. |
| VC @ IPPM | ≤87.1 V at 5.7 A - Clamped voltage under full 10/1000 µs surge; determines maximum stress on protected circuitry. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling capability; validates robustness against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges. |
| IPPM | 5.7 A - Peak surge current supported at VC; directly correlates with line impedance and surge source strength. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive or high-ambient industrial environments. |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Standard axial-leaded through-hole package; compatible with legacy PCB layouts and wave-soldering processes. |
Pinout & Package
SA54C-E3/73 uses a DO-204AC (DO-15) molded epoxy package with matte tin-plated leads. As a bi-directional TVS, it has no polarity marking and functions identically in either orientation. Leads are solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (unmarked) | Bi-directional avalanche junction | Both terminals serve as symmetrical clamping nodes; no cathode band; interchangeable in layout. |
| Lead 1 | Terminal A | One end of the bi-directional junction; connects to line under protection (e.g., CAN_H or RS-485 A). |
| Lead 2 | Terminal B | Opposite end of the bi-directional junction; connects to return path (e.g., ground or differential complement). |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated chip junction | Enables <1 ns response time and stable long-term leakage performance under thermal cycling. |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 4th-level surge immunity without derating in standard PCB layouts. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control modules, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces. |
| Low incremental clamping resistance | Minimizes VC – VBR delta (≤27.1 V), reducing voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients. |
| RoHS-compliant E3 suffix | Meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance and UL 94 V-0 flammability for safety-critical assemblies. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial RS-485 Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting ABS wheel speed sensors exposed to load dump and alternator ripple in 12 V vehicle systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional clamping element placed across sensor signal pair to shunt transients to chassis ground. Use Value: Limits induced spikes to ≤87.1 V, preventing damage to analog front-end amplifiers and ADC inputs in sensor signal conditioning circuits. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding RS-485 transceivers in factory automation PLCs subjected to motor drive noise and cable ESD. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Line-to-line and line-to-ground TVS on differential bus lines (A/B) to suppress common-mode and differential-mode surges. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping transients within 10/1000 µs window while preserving DC common-mode range up to ±12 V. |
| Consumer Power Adapter Input | Telecom DSL Line Card |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage protection on 5–24 V DC outputs of wall adapters prone to capacitor discharge transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bi-directional clamp between output rail and return, absorbing reverse-polarity connection energy and hot-swap spikes. Use Value: Withstands 70 A IFSM (uni-directional spec inherited from family) and limits output rail excursion to ≤87.1 V during fault conditions. | Use Scenario: Protecting ADSL/VDSL line drivers from lightning-induced surges on twisted-pair copper loops. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-stage TVS on line interface transformer secondary windings to divert surge energy before reaching PHY IC. Use Value: 500 W PPPM rating handles telecom-grade longitudinal surges; DO-15 footprint allows placement near transformer for minimal loop inductance. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ54CA | Same VWM (54 V), lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (surface-mount) | Requires PCB rework for SMT layout; unsuitable for through-hole production or high-reliability vibration environments. | Select when board space is constrained and automated assembly is prioritized over mechanical robustness. |
| P6KE54CA | Same VWM (54 V), identical DO-204AC package, but higher VC (93.6 V) and lower IPPM (5.3 A) | Less effective clamping margin; may allow higher residual voltage into protected ICs during worst-case surges. | Choose only if cost sensitivity outweighs clamping performance; verify system-level immunity with VC = 93.6 V. |
Compared with SMAJ54CA and P6KE54CA, SA54C-E3/73 offers superior clamping (87.1 V vs. 93.6 V), higher surge current headroom (5.7 A vs. 5.3 A), and AEC-Q101 qualification-making it the preferred choice for automotive and industrial designs demanding validated reliability and tighter voltage limiting.
Availability
SA54C-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial RS-485 networks, consumer power adapter outputs, and telecom DSL line cards requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA54C-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 and automotive-grade qualification.
The SAxxC series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for bi-directional transient suppression in harsh environments where polarity-agnostic clamping and AEC-Q101 compliance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the breakdown voltage range of SA54C-E3/73?
The SA54C-E3/73 has a minimum breakdown voltage (VBR) of 60.0 V and a maximum of 66.3 V at 1 mA test current, as specified in the Vishay datasheet document 88378. This range ensures consistent avalanche turn-on behavior across production lots and temperature extremes, enabling reliable overvoltage protection in bi-directional signal paths. The SA54C-E3/73 must be selected based on this confirmed VBR window-not generic "54 V" labeling-to avoid misapplication in margin-critical designs.
Is SA54C-E3/73 RoHS-compliant and lead-free?
Yes, SA54C-E3/73 is RoHS-compliant and lead-free, indicated by the "E3" suffix per Vishay's ordering nomenclature. It meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance requirements and complies with Directive 2011/65/EU. The matte tin-plated leads are solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, supporting both wave and selective soldering processes without contamination risk. This makes SA54C-E3/73 suitable for commercial and automotive production where material compliance is audited.
Does SA54C-E3/73 have AEC-Q101 qualification?
Yes, SA54C-E3/73 carries AEC-Q101 qualification, confirmed in Vishay's documentation (note "(1) AEC-Q101 qualified" on page 3 of document 88378). This certification validates its suitability for automotive applications including powertrain, chassis, and body electronics. Unlike non-qualified variants (e.g., base E3 parts), SA54C-E3/73 underwent stress testing for temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock-ensuring reliability in vehicle environments where SA54C-E3/73 is deployed.
What is the clamping voltage of SA54C-E3/73 at its rated surge current?
The SA54C-E3/73 clamps to a maximum of 87.1 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 5.7 A under the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured across the device terminals during surge testing and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry. Designers use this VC to verify that downstream components-such as RS-485 transceivers or microcontroller I/O pins-remain within absolute maximum ratings during transient events. The SA54C-E3/73 achieves this clamping with low incremental resistance, minimizing overshoot.
Can SA54C-E3/73 replace uni-directional TVS diodes like SA54A-E3/73?
No, SA54C-E3/73 cannot directly replace uni-directional types such as SA54A-E3/73 because it lacks polarity marking and conducts in both directions, whereas SA54A-E3/73 has a defined cathode band and blocks reverse current until breakdown. Using SA54C-E3/73 in a uni-directional circuit (e.g., DC power rail to ground) may cause unintended conduction or increased leakage. The "C" suffix explicitly denotes bi-directional functionality, and substitution requires verifying circuit topology, grounding scheme, and transient directionality-SA54C-E3/73 is intended for AC-coupled or differential signal lines, not unidirectional DC rails.
SA54C-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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 54V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 60V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 96.3V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 5.2A
- 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)
SA54C-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA54C-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA54C-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 SA54C-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA54C-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 SA54C-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA54C-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA54C-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA54C-E3/73?
SA54C-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA54C-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 SA54C-E3/73?
For technical support, including SA54C-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA54C-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA54C-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA54C-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 SA54C-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA54C-E3/73?
All SA54C-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA54C-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 SA54C-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA54C-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA54C-E3/73 Tags

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