Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA6.5-E3/73
- Part No.:
- SA6.5-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA6.5-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 6.5VWM 12.3VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,721
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Product details
Overview
SA6.5-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, designed for circuit-level ESD and surge protection. It features a 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 (10/1000 µs). It is used to protect MOSFET gates, microcontroller I/O lines, and sensor signal paths in industrial power supplies.
For engineers reviewing the SA6.5-E3/73 datasheet, SA6.5-E3/73 pinout, SA6.5-E3/73 application, or SA6.5-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, DO-15 mechanical compatibility, 11.2 V clamping under 44.7 A transient, -55 °C to +175 °C operating junction temperature, and AEC-Q101 qualification status for automotive-grade reliability validation.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped shunt protector: when reverse voltage exceeds VWM = 6.5 V, it avalanches into low-impedance conduction to divert surge energy away from downstream ICs. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage (<600 µA at VWM).
The device complies with 10/1000 µs waveform testing per REA standards, delivers 500 W peak pulse power at TA = 25 °C, and derates linearly above 25 °C per Fig. 2 - maintaining 3.0 W steady-state dissipation at TL = 75 °C on an infinite heatsink.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 6.5 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR (min/max) | 7.22 V / 7.98 V at 10 mA - guaranteed avalanche onset range for reliable turn-on margin |
| VC @ IPPM | 11.2 V at 44.7 A - clamping voltage limiting stress on protected ICs during surge events |
| IPPM | 44.7 A - peak surge current handled with 10/1000 µs waveform without failure |
| PPPM | 500 W - transient power absorption capacity defining protection level against lightning/inductive spikes |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - maximum junction temperature enabling operation in high-ambient environments like engine control units |
| Leakage ID | <600 µA at VWM - minimal standby power loss and signal integrity impact in always-on circuits |
Pinout & Package
SA6.5-E3/73 uses the DO-204AC (DO-15) axial-leaded package: molded epoxy body, matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002, polarity marked by cathode band at one end. Lead diameter 0.028–0.034 in (0.71–0.86 mm), overall length ≥1.0 in (25.4 mm), body diameter 0.104–0.140 in (2.6–3.6 mm).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / Surge return path | Connected to ground or low-impedance return plane; completes clamping loop during transients |
| Cathode (banded end) | Reverse-biased clamping node | Connected to protected line (e.g., USB D+, CAN_H); conducts when VLINE > VWM + Vf |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Ensures repeatable VBR tolerance and long-term stability under thermal cycling |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Protects against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV line-to-earth) in industrial AC inputs |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (E3 suffix variant) | Validated for automotive powertrain and body electronics where reliability >15-year field life is required |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., relay coil flyback) |
| RoHS-compliant, JESD 201 Class 1A whisker tested | Enables use in lead-free reflow assembly without tin whisker risk in high-reliability systems |
Applications
| Industrial Power Supply Input Protection | Automotive Sensor Signal Line Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 24 V DC input stage of PLC power module exposed to load dump and inductive switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional shunt clamp placed between input rail and chassis ground to limit transient overvoltage to ≤11.2 V. Use Value: Prevents damage to upstream rectifier diodes and downstream DC-DC controller ICs during 500 W surge events. | Use Scenario: LIN bus line in door module subjected to ESD from human contact and cable coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Point-of-entry TVS on LIN data line referenced to vehicle ground, absorbing ±8 kV HBM ESD pulses. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity below 11.2 V clamping threshold while adding <600 µA leakage at 6.5 V nominal. |
| Microcontroller GPIO Protection | Motor Drive Gate Driver Protection |
Use Scenario: 3.3 V I/O pin of ARM Cortex-M4 MCU connected to external pushbutton with long PCB traces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized unidirectional TVS tied between GPIO and ground, with cathode to pin, anode to GND. Use Value: Clamps ESD-induced voltage spikes within 1 ns response time, preserving MCU latch-up immunity. | Use Scenario: High-side gate drive signal path (e.g., N-channel MOSFET driver) in BLDC inverter. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS placed across gate-source terminals to suppress Miller-induced voltage spikes during switching transitions. Use Value: Limits VGS stress to 11.2 V, preventing gate oxide breakdown while supporting 44.7 A surge current capability. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ6.5A | Same VWM (6.5 V), identical DO-214AC package, but 400 W PPPM and higher VC (11.5 V) | Surface-mount layout; unsuitable for through-hole designs requiring axial leads | Select SMAJ6.5A only if board space constraints mandate SMD placement and 400 W rating suffices. |
| 1.5KE6.8A | Higher VWM (6.8 V), larger DO-201AD package, same 500 W rating but slower response due to higher junction capacitance | Legacy through-hole design with looser footprint tolerances; not AEC-Q101 qualified | Choose 1.5KE6.8A only for cost-sensitive non-automotive applications where VWM margin allows 6.8 V standoff. |
Compared with SMAJ6.5A and 1.5KE6.8A, SA6.5-E3/73 provides tighter VBR tolerance (7.22–7.98 V vs. ±5 %), AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use, and DO-15 axial form factor enabling manual prototyping and high-vibration mounting - making it optimal for ruggedized industrial and automotive subsystems.
Availability
SA6.5-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supply input protection, automotive sensor interface protection, and microcontroller I/O hardening requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for SA6.5-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, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability and automotive-grade qualification.
The SAxxA series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS platform, engineered specifically for robust, low-clamping overvoltage protection in harsh electromagnetic environments - including automotive, industrial automation, and telecom infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA6.5-E3/73 and how does it protect downstream components?
The SA6.5-E3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 11.2 V at 44.7 A peak pulse current (10/1000 µs waveform). This means that during a transient event, the device limits the voltage seen by protected components - such as microcontrollers or MOSFET gates - to no more than 11.2 V, well below typical absolute maximum ratings (e.g., 20 V for many 3.3 V/5 V ICs). The SA6.5-E3/73 achieves this via rapid avalanche breakdown, diverting surge current to ground before damaging overvoltage can propagate.
Is SA6.5-E3/73 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes - the SA6.5-E3/73 is RoHS-compliant and qualified to AEC-Q101 for stress testing including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and high-temperature operating life. Its -55 °C to +175 °C operating junction temperature range and glass-passivated junction make it appropriate for under-hood and body-control module applications. The "E3" suffix confirms commercial-grade RoHS compliance; for full automotive qualification, the HE3 variant (e.g., SA6.5AHE3/73) is recommended.
How does the SA6.5-E3/73 differ from bi-directional TVS diodes like SA6.5CA?
The SA6.5-E3/73 is unidirectional and functions only in reverse-bias clamping mode - ideal for DC power rails or signal lines with defined polarity. In contrast, SA6.5CA is bi-directional and clamps symmetrically in both polarities, suited for AC lines or differential buses like RS-485. The SA6.5-E3/73 offers lower leakage (<600 µA) and tighter VBR tolerance than its CA counterpart, but cannot protect AC-coupled signals without additional circuitry.
What is the meaning of the "/73" suffix in SA6.5-E3/73?
The "/73" in SA6.5-E3/73 denotes the preferred packaging code per Vishay's ordering nomenclature: it specifies 750 pieces per 7" diameter paper tape and reel (as opposed to /54 for 4000-piece 13" reels). This affects logistics and automated assembly compatibility - SA6.5-E3/73 is optimized for medium-volume SMT placement with standard feeder setups, while maintaining the same electrical and thermal specs as other SA6.5A variants.
Can SA6.5-E3/73 be used in parallel for higher surge current handling?
No - paralleling SA6.5-E3/73 devices is not recommended due to mismatch in VBR (7.22–7.98 V) causing uneven current sharing and potential thermal runaway. For higher IPPM, select a single higher-rated device (e.g., SA10A for 29.4 A) or use a TVS array with matched channels. The SA6.5-E3/73 is characterized for standalone operation; its 44.7 A rating assumes proper PCB layout with short, low-inductance ground paths to sustain performance.
SA6.5-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):
- 6.5V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 7.22V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 12.3V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 40.7A
- 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)
SA6.5-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA6.5-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA6.5-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 SA6.5-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA6.5-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 SA6.5-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA6.5-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA6.5-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA6.5-E3/73?
SA6.5-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA6.5-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 SA6.5-E3/73?
For technical support, including SA6.5-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA6.5-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA6.5-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA6.5-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 SA6.5-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA6.5-E3/73?
All SA6.5-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA6.5-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 SA6.5-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA6.5-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA6.5-E3/73 Tags

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