Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA78AHE3/54
- Part No.:
- SA78AHE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA78AHE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 78VWM 126VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,561
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Product details
Overview
SA78AHE3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional TransZORB® transient voltage suppressor diode in DO-15 package, rated for 78 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 86.7–95.8 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), and AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive use. It protects MOSFETs and ICs against inductive switching transients in engine control units.
For engineers reviewing the SA78AHE3/54 datasheet, SA78AHE3/54 pinout, SA78AHE3/54 application, or SA78AHE3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage (126 V at 4 A IPPM), low incremental surge resistance, fast response time, and RoHS-compliant matte tin-plated leads meeting J-STD-002 solderability.
Technical Context
The SA78AHE3/54 operates as a unidirectional avalanche clamp with glass-passivated junction, designed to conduct above its breakdown threshold and limit transient voltages across protected circuit nodes. Its 10/1000 μs waveform rating reflects standardized surge immunity testing per REA definitions, and thermal derating follows a linear curve from 3.0 W at TL = 75 °C down to zero at TJ = 175 °C.
It features a maximum clamping voltage of 126 V at 4 A peak pulse current, 1.0 μA max reverse leakage at 78 V, and a temperature coefficient of +95 mV/°C for VBR - enabling predictable voltage shift over automotive temperature ranges (−55 °C to +175 °C).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 78 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins |
| VBR min/max | 86.7 V / 95.8 V at 1 mA - defines guaranteed avalanche onset window for design margining |
| VC @ IPPM | 126 V at 4 A - peak clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs surge, directly limiting stress on downstream ICs |
| PPPM | 500 W - surge energy handling capacity under standard 10/1000 μs waveform with 0.01% duty cycle |
| ID @ VWM | 1.0 μA - ultra-low leakage ensures minimal standby power loss in high-impedance sensor interfaces |
| TJ max | +175 °C - supports under-hood automotive deployment without derating in most PCB layouts |
| IFSM | 70 A - single half-sine surge rating (8.3 ms) for short-circuit or load-dump event tolerance |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-15 (DO-204AC), axial leaded, epoxy-molded, UL 94 V-0 rated. Cathode indicated by color band on body.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Low-side reference node | Connected to ground or low-voltage rail; establishes reference for clamping action |
| Cathode | Protected line input | Connected to signal/power line being protected; conducts when voltage exceeds VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Enables stable VBR over lifetime and humidity exposure, critical for automotive field reliability |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive-grade stress tests including HTOL, TC, UHAST, and mechanical shock |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/3a transients without degradation in typical 12 V systems |
| Matte tin plated leads | Ensures robust solder joint formation per J-STD-002, eliminating intermetallic voiding risk |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.33) | Minimizes overvoltage overshoot during fast transients, preserving gate oxide integrity in MOSFET drivers |
Applications
| Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU) | Industrial PLC I/O Module |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of microcontroller GPIO and CAN transceiver inputs against load dump and inductive kickback from solenoid drivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between protected signal line and chassis ground, conducting only during negative-going transients. Use Value: Clamps 12 V system transients up to 126 V, preventing latch-up or permanent damage to 5 V tolerant MCU pins. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V digital input channels from field-wiring induced surges in factory automation cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-mode protector on optocoupler input side, absorbing repetitive 10/1000 μs spikes from relay coil de-energization. Use Value: 1.0 μA leakage at 78 V avoids false triggering in high-impedance current-sense circuits. |
| Telecom Power Supply Input | Consumer Appliance Motor Driver |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side DC bus protection in AC/DC adapters exposed to lightning-induced surges via mains coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response clamp on +48 V output rail, shunting energy before it reaches downstream DC-DC converters. Use Value: 500 W rating handles multiple 10/1000 μs events per minute without thermal runaway. | Use Scenario: Gate drive line protection in BLDC motor inverters where MOSFET turn-off generates >100 V ringing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized clamp at driver IC output, referenced to source node, suppressing dV/dt-induced shoot-through. Use Value: 126 V clamping voltage stays below 150 V MOSFET VDS rating, ensuring safe operation without snubbers. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ78A-E3/5T | Same VWM (78 V), lower PPPM (400 W), SMA package (surface-mount) | Lacks AEC-Q101 qualification; not suitable for automotive under-hood use | Select when board space is constrained and automotive qualification is not required |
| 1.5KE78A | Higher VBR (86.7–95.8 V same), identical DO-15 package, but 1.5 kW PPPM and higher VC (129 V) | Designed for higher-energy surges; larger thermal mass increases mounting sensitivity | Choose for industrial equipment requiring higher surge margin beyond ISO 7637-2 compliance |
Compared with SMAJ78A-E3/5T and 1.5KE78A, the SA78AHE3/54 uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, 500 W capability, and DO-15 through-hole reliability - making it optimal for automotive ECU designs where vibration resistance and long-term parametric stability are mandatory.
Availability
SA78AHE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive engine control units, industrial PLC I/O modules, and telecom power supply inputs requiring stable component supply with full traceability and lifecycle continuity.
Supply support for SA78AHE3/54 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 and automotive-grade validation.
The SA78AHE3/54 belongs to Vishay's TransZORB® family - engineered specifically for robust transient suppression in harsh environments, with focus on automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure applications.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SA78AHE3/54 at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA78AHE3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 126 V at 4 A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is critical for determining whether downstream components like microcontrollers or MOSFETs remain within their absolute maximum voltage ratings during surge events. The SA78AHE3/54 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is the SA78AHE3/54 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the SA78AHE3/54 carries AEC-Q101 qualification, confirming it has passed rigorous stress tests including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and unbiased highly accelerated stress testing. Its HE3 suffix explicitly denotes AEC-Q101 qualification, making the SA78AHE3/54 suitable for under-hood automotive systems such as engine control units and body control modules.
What is the reverse leakage current specification for the SA78AHE3/54 at its stand-off voltage?
The SA78AHE3/54 specifies a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1.0 μA at its 78 V stand-off voltage (VWM) and 25 °C ambient temperature. This low leakage ensures minimal power loss in high-impedance circuits such as sensor bias networks or optocoupler inputs, and remains stable over temperature due to its glass-passivated junction structure.
Does the SA78AHE3/54 have a polarity marking, and how is it identified?
Yes, the SA78AHE3/54 is unidirectional and features a cathode band - a visible color stripe near one end of the DO-15 package - indicating the cathode terminal. This marking aligns with industry-standard diode polarity conventions and must be oriented toward the protected line (e.g., 12 V rail or signal trace), while the anode connects to ground or low-side reference. No marking appears on bidirectional variants.
What packaging format is used for the SA78AHE3/54, and what is its reel quantity?
The SA78AHE3/54 is supplied in 13-inch diameter paper tape and reel format with a base quantity of 4000 units per reel, using package code "54". This packaging supports automated pick-and-place assembly and complies with EIA-481 standards. The "HE3" suffix confirms RoHS compliance and AEC-Q101 qualification, while the tape material and reel labeling meet Vishay's traceability requirements for automotive production.
SA78AHE3/54 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):
- 78V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 86.7V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 126V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 4A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 500W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AC (DO-15)
SA78AHE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA78AHE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA78AHE3/54 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 SA78AHE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA78AHE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA78AHE3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA78AHE3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA78AHE3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA78AHE3/54?
SA78AHE3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA78AHE3/54 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 SA78AHE3/54?
For technical support, including SA78AHE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA78AHE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA78AHE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA78AHE3/54 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 SA78AHE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA78AHE3/54?
All SA78AHE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA78AHE3/54, 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 SA78AHE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA78AHE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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