Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA6.5A-E3/54
- Part No.:
- SA6.5A-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA6.5A-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 6.5VWM 11.2VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:597
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Product details
Overview
SA6.5A-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for circuit protection against ESD and surge transients. It features 6.5 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 7.22–7.98 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 10 mA, 44.7 A peak pulse current (IPPM), 11.2 V clamping voltage (VC) at IPPM, and 500 W peak pulse power (PPPM) with 10/1000 μs waveform - used to safeguard MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines in industrial and automotive electronics.
For engineers reviewing the SA6.5A-E3/54 datasheet, SA6.5A-E3/54 pinout, SA6.5A-E3/54 application, or SA6.5A-E3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin vs. protected device's absolute maximum rating, VWM derating over temperature, IFSM surge robustness for inductive load switching, and DO-15 thermal performance under sustained power dissipation.
Technical Context
The SA6.5A-E3/54 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, enabling fast response (<1 ns) to transient events and low incremental surge resistance. Its unidirectional polarity uses a cathode band marking and exhibits 3.5 V forward voltage at 100 A, supporting high-energy surge suppression without latch-up.
Rated for -55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature and qualified to AEC-Q101, it delivers stable clamping performance across automotive and industrial ambient conditions. The 10/1000 μs waveform rating reflects standardized lightning/surge immunity testing per IEC 61000-4-5, with 0.01% duty cycle limitation ensuring thermal safety during repetitive surges.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 6.5 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; sets minimum margin below protected IC's absolute max rating |
| VBR (min/max) | 7.22 V / 7.98 V at 10 mA - defines guaranteed avalanche onset range; ensures predictable turn-on under transient stress |
| VC @ IPPM | 11.2 V at 44.7 A - clamping voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; determines worst-case stress on downstream components |
| PPPM | 500 W - peak pulse power handling capability; validates compliance with Level 4 IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity |
| ID @ VWM | 400 μA - reverse leakage at stand-off voltage; low enough to avoid signal integrity impact on high-impedance nodes |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive or enclosed industrial enclosures |
| IFSM | 70 A - non-repetitive forward surge current rating; supports protection of power switches during inductive turn-off events |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-15 (DO-204AC), axial lead, epoxy molded, RoHS-compliant matte tin-plated leads. Cathode indicated by color band.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction terminal | Connected to ground or lower-potential rail in unidirectional TVS configuration; carries surge current to reference plane |
| Cathode | Avalanche clamping terminal | Marked with band; connected to protected line (e.g., data bus, power rail); initiates clamping when voltage exceeds VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Enables stable, repeatable avalanche behavior over 1000+ surge events without parameter drift |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity requirements for industrial and automotive applications |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive under-hood use including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.43) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on protected ICs - critical for 3.3 V or 5 V logic interfaces |
| Solderable per J-STD-002/JESD 22-B102 | Ensures reliable lead termination during wave or reflow assembly without dewetting or voiding |
Applications
| Automotive Power Line Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump and alternator ripple transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between power rail and chassis ground to clamp positive-going surges above 6.5 V. Use Value: With 11.2 V clamping and 70 A IFSM, SA6.5A-E3/54 prevents damage to voltage regulators and microcontrollers during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a events. | Use Scenario: Shielding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA current loop) from ESD and cable discharge events in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Connected anode-to-ground, cathode-to-signal line to suppress negative transients and clamp positive spikes. Use Value: 400 μA leakage at 6.5 V avoids loading high-impedance sensor outputs; 1.43 clamping ratio ensures protected op-amp inputs stay within safe operating area. |
| Consumer USB Port ESD Protection | Telecom DSL Line Surge Suppression |
Use Scenario: Adding secondary-level ESD protection on VBUS line of USB 2.0 ports in set-top boxes and routers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed upstream of polyfuse and USB switch to absorb ±15 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2. Use Value: Sub-1 ns response time and 11.2 V VC limit overshoot to levels compatible with 5.5 V-rated USB power switches and LDOs. | Use Scenario: Front-end surge protection for ADSL/VDSL line drivers exposed to lightning-induced surges on outdoor copper pairs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Used in series with gas discharge tube (GDT) in hybrid protector module to handle fast-rising transients before GDT fires. Use Value: 500 W PPPM rating and 44.7 A IPPM enable coordination with GDTs to meet GR-1089-CORE Level 3 surge requirements without thermal runaway. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ6.5A | Same VWM (6.5 V), identical DO-214AC package; slightly higher VC (11.3 V) and lower IPPM (43.3 A) | Surface-mount alternative requiring PCB layout change; better suited for space-constrained consumer designs | Select SMAJ6.5A when board real estate is limited and reflow assembly is preferred over axial through-hole |
| P6KE6.8A | Higher VWM (6.8 V), same DO-15 package; VC = 11.5 V, IPPM = 43.5 A, lower PPPM (600 W but rated at 1.5 kW for 1 ms) | Legacy standard with broader industry familiarity; less tight VBR tolerance (6.8–7.5 V vs. 7.22–7.98 V) | Choose P6KE6.8A where legacy BOM alignment or distributor stock availability outweighs tighter VBR control |
Compared with SMAJ6.5A and P6KE6.8A, SA6.5A-E3/54 offers tighter VBR tolerance (±5.2%) and lower clamping voltage (11.2 V), making it preferable for protecting low-voltage ICs where margin to absolute maximum ratings is minimal - especially in new automotive and industrial designs requiring AEC-Q101 validation.
Availability
SA6.5A-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU power line protection, industrial sensor interface hardening, and telecom DSL line surge suppression requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA6.5A-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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, ruggedness, and automotive-grade qualification.
The SAxxA series is engineered for robust transient suppression in harsh environments, targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where failure due to voltage surges must be eliminated.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA6.5A-E3/54 and why does it matter?
The SA6.5A-E3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 11.2 V at its rated peak pulse current of 44.7 A (10/1000 μs waveform). This value is critical because it defines the highest voltage that will appear across the protected circuit during a surge event. For example, if an MCU's absolute maximum input voltage is 12 V, the 11.2 V clamping leaves only 0.8 V of margin - confirming SA6.5A-E3/54 is appropriate for 5 V systems but not for 3.3 V rails without additional design margin. The SA6.5A-E3/54 datasheet specifies this under "Electrical Characteristics" Table on page 2.
Is SA6.5A-E3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SA6.5A-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified, meaning it has passed stress tests including temperature cycling, high-temperature operating life, and ESD robustness required for automotive under-hood and body electronics. Its -55 °C to +175 °C operating junction temperature range and DO-15 package with matte tin leads (per JESD 22-B102) support solderability and reliability in automotive manufacturing. The SA6.5A-E3/54 meets these requirements as documented in Vishay's "SA5.0A thru SA170CA" datasheet revision 27-Sep-2021.
How does the SA6.5A-E3/54 differ from bidirectional TVS diodes like SA6.5CA?
SA6.5A-E3/54 is unidirectional and features a cathode band marking; it conducts only in reverse breakdown and blocks forward current beyond VF ≈ 3.5 V at 100 A. In contrast, SA6.5CA is bidirectional with no polarity marking and clamps symmetrically in both directions - useful for AC lines or differential buses. The SA6.5A-E3/54's unidirectional nature gives it lower leakage and tighter VBR control, making it preferred for DC power rail protection where only positive transients are expected. This distinction is explicitly defined in Vishay's datasheet section "Devices for Bidirection Applications".
What is the thermal derating behavior of SA6.5A-E3/54 above 25 °C ambient?
SA6.5A-E3/54's steady-state power dissipation (PD) is rated at 3.0 W at TL = 75 °C on an infinite heatsink, and derates linearly to zero at TJ = 175 °C. Per Figure 5 in the datasheet, its power capability drops to ~2.2 W at TL = 100 °C and ~1.3 W at TL = 125 °C. Since it's a transient suppressor, continuous power is rarely limiting - but designers must ensure average surge energy (not just peak) stays within the thermal mass limits of the DO-15 package. The SA6.5A-E3/54 thermal performance is validated in Vishay Document Number 88378.
Can SA6.5A-E3/54 replace SA6.0A or SA7.0A in an existing design?
SA6.5A-E3/54 can substitute for SA6.0A or SA7.0A only if the system's VWM margin and clamping headroom remain acceptable: SA6.5A-E3/54's 6.5 V VWM sits between SA6.0A (6.0 V) and SA7.0A (7.0 V), and its 11.2 V VC is lower than SA6.0A's 10.3 V but higher than SA7.0A's 12.0 V. Therefore, replacing SA6.0A with SA6.5A-E3/54 may reduce false triggering but increase clamping stress; replacing SA7.0A may improve noise immunity but risk premature clamping. Always verify with actual surge testing. The SA6.5A-E3/54 electrical table confirms these values on page 2 of the Vishay datasheet.
SA6.5A-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:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 6.5V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 7.22V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 11.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 44.7A
- 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)
SA6.5A-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA6.5A-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA6.5A-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 SA6.5A-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA6.5A-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 SA6.5A-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA6.5A-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA6.5A-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA6.5A-E3/54?
SA6.5A-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA6.5A-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 SA6.5A-E3/54?
For technical support, including SA6.5A-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA6.5A-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA6.5A-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA6.5A-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 SA6.5A-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA6.5A-E3/54?
All SA6.5A-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA6.5A-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 SA6.5A-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA6.5A-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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