Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA78CA-E3/54
- Part No.:
- SA78CA-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA78CA-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 78VWM 126VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,331
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Product details
Overview
SA78CA-E3/54 from Vishay is a bidirectional TransZORB® transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features 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), 126 V maximum clamping voltage at 4 A peak pulse current, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability.
For engineers reviewing the SA78CA-E3/54 datasheet, SA78CA-E3/54 pinout, SA78CA-E3/54 application, or SA78CA-E3/54 equivalent, this device is selected for robust overvoltage protection in bidirectional AC-coupled interfaces, automotive sensor lines, and industrial I/O ports where low-leakage, fast response (<1 ns), and stable clamping under repetitive surge are critical.
Technical Context
The SA78CA-E3/54 operates as a symmetrical avalanche diode with identical electrical characteristics in both directions, enabling protection of AC signals or floating differential buses without polarity concerns. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable VBR tolerance (±5%) and low incremental surge resistance, supporting consistent clamping performance across temperature (–55 °C to +175 °C).
It delivers 500 W peak pulse power per the 10/1000 μs waveform standard, with a maximum clamping voltage of 126 V at 4 A IPPM - verified under non-repetitive conditions. The device is rated for 3.0 W steady-state power dissipation on an infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C and exhibits <1.0 μA reverse leakage at VWM = 78 V.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 78 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before conduction begins; defines safe working range for protected circuitry. |
| VBR (min/max) | 86.7 V / 95.8 V at 1 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold range; ensures predictable turn-on during transients. |
| VC @ IPPM | 126 V at 4 A - Measured clamping voltage under 10/1000 μs surge; limits downstream voltage stress. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling capability; supports high-energy ESD and lightning-induced surges. |
| ID @ VWM | <1.0 μA - Ultra-low reverse leakage at rated stand-off; preserves signal integrity in high-impedance paths. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive or industrial environments. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Validated for automotive electronics per stress test requirements including HTGB, HTRB, and TCT. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-15 (DO-204AC), axial lead, molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads. RoHS-compliant (E3 suffix), JESD201 Class 1A whisker tested. No polarity marking - bidirectional symmetry confirmed.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Transient conduction path | Identical avalanche behavior in both directions; no cathode band - terminals interchangeable in layout. |
| Lead 1 | Connection to PCB trace or line | Directly interfaces with protected node (e.g., CAN_H or RS-485 A); requires minimal trace inductance for sub-ns response. |
| Lead 2 | Connection to PCB trace or line | Completes bidirectional clamp path; must be routed with matched impedance to Lead 1 in differential applications. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures ±5% VBR tolerance and long-term stability under thermal cycling and humidity exposure. |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV, 2 Ω source) without degradation when properly mounted. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive powertrain and body electronics; includes 1000-cycle temperature cycling and unbiased HTRB. |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.33) | Minimizes overvoltage overshoot during fast transients - critical for protecting 80 V-rated MOSFETs or microcontrollers. |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Self-extinguishing encapsulation meets flame-retardancy requirements for industrial and transportation equipment. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial RS-485 Bus |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting wheel speed or pressure sensor outputs exposed to load-dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses in 12 V vehicle systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional voltage clamp placed between sensor output and MCU input, shunting transients before they reach analog front-end. Use Value: Maintains signal fidelity under 100 V/10 ms load dump events while adding <0.5 pF capacitance - no data rate degradation on 10 kHz analog outputs. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding RS-485 transceivers (e.g., SN65HVD230) against EFT bursts and cable discharge events in factory automation networks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Differential-line TVS connected across A/B bus lines, providing symmetrical clamping without DC bias shift. Use Value: Clamps common-mode surges to <126 V within <1 ns, preserving bus integrity during 4 kV EFT (IEC 61000-4-4) without latch-up or reset. |
| Consumer Audio Line Protection | Power Supply Input Stage |
Use Scenario: Shielding line-in/out jacks on AV receivers from electrostatic discharge during cable insertion or handling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Series-connected bidirectional TVS on unbalanced audio paths, referenced to chassis ground via low-inductance path. Use Value: Limits ESD-induced clipping to <126 V peak, preventing audible pop/noise and protecting op-amp inputs rated for ±15 V. | Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage suppression on 78 V auxiliary rails in telecom power supplies subject to inductive switching spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected clamp across regulated output, activated only during fault conditions exceeding 78 V. Use Value: Absorbs up to 500 W surge energy without failure, holding downstream DC-DC converter input below absolute maximum rating during 100 μs transients. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ78CA | Same VWM (78 V), higher PPPM (600 W), SMC package (smaller footprint, lower inductance) | Better suited for high-speed data lines due to lower package parasitics; not axial-lead compatible | Select SMBJ78CA when board space is constrained and surge immunity >500 W is required. |
| P6KE78CA | Same VWM and DO-15 package, but lower PPPM (600 W) and higher VC (132 V at 3.8 A) | Legacy part with wider VBR tolerance (±10%); less precise clamping than SA78CA-E3/54 | Choose P6KE78CA only if cost sensitivity outweighs clamping accuracy and AEC-Q101 compliance needs. |
Compared with SMBJ78CA and P6KE78CA, the SA78CA-E3/54 offers tighter VBR tolerance (±5% vs. ±10%), AEC-Q101 qualification, and optimized clamping voltage (126 V vs. 132 V), making it preferred for automotive and precision industrial designs where repeatable surge response is mandatory.
Availability
SA78CA-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial communication buses, consumer audio I/O, and telecom power supply protection requiring stable component supply and full traceability.
Supply support for SA78CA-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 Intertechnology is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete components, passive elements, and sensors, with leadership in power management, signal conditioning, and protection devices.
The SAxxCA series belongs to Vishay's TransZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for high-reliability bidirectional transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and communications infrastructure applications.
FAQ
What is the exact breakdown voltage range for SA78CA-E3/54?
The SA78CA-E3/54 has a minimum breakdown voltage (VBR) of 86.7 V and a maximum of 95.8 V, measured at 1 mA test current per the Vishay datasheet (Doc. #88378). This ±5% tolerance ensures predictable clamping onset across production lots and temperature ranges from –55 °C to +175 °C. The SA78CA-E3/54 maintains this specification under AEC-Q101 stress conditions.
Is SA78CA-E3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SA78CA-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive use, including engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces. Its DO-15 package passes vibration, thermal cycling, and unbiased HTRB tests per AEC-Q101 Rev D. The SA78CA-E3/54 also meets UL 94 V-0 flammability and JESD201 Class 1A whisker resistance requirements.
Does SA78CA-E3/54 have polarity markings?
No, SA78CA-E3/54 has no polarity marking because it is a bidirectional TVS diode - both terminals are functionally identical. The device exhibits symmetrical avalanche behavior in either direction, with matching VBR, VC, and leakage characteristics. This eliminates orientation errors during manual or automated assembly of the SA78CA-E3/54.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA78CA-E3/54 under surge conditions?
The SA78CA-E3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 126 V at 4 A peak pulse current (IPPM) using the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed across temperature and represents the upper limit of voltage imposed on protected circuitry during standardized surge events. The SA78CA-E3/54 achieves this with a clamping ratio of approximately 1.33 relative to its nominal VBR.
Can SA78CA-E3/54 replace unidirectional TVS diodes like SA78A-E3/54?
No - SA78CA-E3/54 is strictly bidirectional and cannot substitute for unidirectional types such as SA78A-E3/54 in DC-biased applications. Unidirectional TVS diodes conduct only in reverse bias and block forward current; SA78CA-E3/54 conducts symmetrically. Using SA78CA-E3/54 in place of SA78A-E3/54 may cause unintended conduction on positive half-cycles, risking damage or malfunction.
SA78CA-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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AC (DO-15)
SA78CA-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA78CA-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA78CA-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 SA78CA-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA78CA-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 SA78CA-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA78CA-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA78CA-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA78CA-E3/54?
SA78CA-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA78CA-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 SA78CA-E3/54?
For technical support, including SA78CA-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA78CA-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA78CA-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA78CA-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 SA78CA-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA78CA-E3/54?
All SA78CA-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA78CA-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 SA78CA-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA78CA-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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