Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA78CAHE3/54
- Part No.:
- SA78CAHE3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA78CAHE3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 78VWM 126VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,166
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Product details
Overview
SA78CAHE3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features 78 V standoff voltage (VWM), 86.7–95.8 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), clamping voltage of 126 V at 4 A IPPM, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive use.
For engineers reviewing the SA78CAHE3/54 datasheet, SA78CAHE3/54 pinout, SA78CAHE3/54 application, or SA78CAHE3/54 equivalent, this device is selected for robust overvoltage protection in automotive ECUs, industrial sensor interfaces, and telecom line cards where bidirectional surge immunity and high-temperature operation up to 175 °C are required.
Technical Context
The SA78CAHE3/54 operates as a bidirectional avalanche diode with symmetrical clamping behavior in both polarities, enabling protection of AC-coupled or floating signal paths without polarity constraints. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and low leakage (<1.0 μA at 78 V).
It delivers 500 W peak pulse power per the 10/1000 μs waveform standard, with clamping voltage tightly controlled at 126 V under 4 A transient current - critical for safeguarding downstream MOSFET gates or MCU I/O pins against ISO 7637-2 or IEC 61000-4-5 surges.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 78 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe working range for protected circuit |
| VBR (min/max) | 86.7 V / 95.8 V at 1 mA - guaranteed avalanche onset window; ensures predictable turn-on across temperature and unit variation |
| VC @ IPPM | 126 V at 4 A - clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; determines maximum stress on downstream components |
| PPPM | 500 W - peak transient energy handling capability; supports common automotive and industrial surge test profiles |
| TJ max | +175 °C - extended junction temperature rating enables deployment in engine bay or power supply environments |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - validated for automotive-grade reliability including HTOL, TC, and ESD testing per stress test plan |
| ID @ VWM | ≤1.0 μA - ultra-low reverse leakage preserves signal integrity and minimizes standby power loss |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-15 (DO-204AC), axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case with matte tin-plated leads. RoHS-compliant and qualified to JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Lead 1) | Current entry terminal in forward bias; symmetrical with cathode in bidirectional mode | No polarity marking; terminals are interchangeable - device functions identically regardless of orientation in PCB layout |
| Cathode (Lead 2) | Current entry terminal in reverse bias; symmetrical with anode in bidirectional mode | Unmarked leads confirm true bidirectional behavior - eliminates risk of incorrect installation in AC or floating circuits |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR over lifetime and temperature; prevents parameter drift due to moisture or contamination ingress |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV/2 Ω) and ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2/5a requirements without derating |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive under-hood applications including temperature cycling, humidity, and mechanical shock |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes clamping voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., ESD >15 kV contact discharge) |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Prevents flame propagation in high-energy fault conditions - required for industrial safety certifications |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module | Industrial CAN Bus Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protects LIN and CAN signal lines in door modules and seat controllers from load dump and inductive switching transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed directly at connector entry point to shunt surge energy before reaching transceiver IC. Use Value: Withstands repeated 100 V/500 ms load dump events and clamps CANH/CANL differential spikes to <130 V, preserving ISO 11898-2 compliance. | Use Scenario: Shields RS-485/CAN physical layer transceivers in PLC backplanes from ground bounce and cable-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-clamp TVS located between bus lines and ground, providing symmetrical protection without affecting DC bias or signal swing. Use Value: 126 V clamping at 4 A ensures transceiver I/O remains below absolute maximum ratings during 4 kV EFT bursts per IEC 61000-4-4. |
| Telecom DSL Line Card | Consumer Appliance Motor Drive |
Use Scenario: Guards ADSL/VDSL line interface transformers and PHY ICs against lightning-induced surges on twisted-pair copper lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary protection device mounted upstream of hybrid transformer; handles common-mode transients before they couple into differential pairs. Use Value: 78 V VWM allows compatibility with ±24 V phantom power while clamping induced surges to safe levels for 3.3 V PHY rails. | Use Scenario: Suppresses commutation spikes from brushed DC motors in washing machines and HVAC blowers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Snubber-style TVS placed across motor terminals to clamp inductive kickback during PWM switching. Use Value: 500 W rating absorbs repetitive 100 A/10 ms spikes without degradation; 175 °C TJ rating sustains operation near hot motor windings. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ78CA | Same VWM (78 V), same DO-214AC package, lower PPPM (400 W), higher ID (5 μA) | Surface-mount alternative; requires PCB rework for through-hole replacement | Select when board space is constrained and SMT assembly is available |
| P6SMB78CA | Same VWM (78 V), same DO-214AA package, identical 500 W rating, but no AEC-Q101 qualification | General-purpose industrial use only; not approved for automotive production | Select for cost-sensitive non-automotive designs where qualification is not mandated |
Compared with SMAJ78CA and P6SMB78CA, the SA78CAHE3/54 uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-15 through-hole robustness, and 500 W surge capacity - making it the only choice for automotive under-hood applications requiring long-term reliability without layout change.
Availability
SA78CAHE3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial fieldbus protection, and telecom line card designs requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for SA78CAHE3/54 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, power handling, and automotive qualification.
The SAxxCA series is engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where failure modes must be mitigated without compromising signal fidelity.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA78CAHE3/54 at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA78CAHE3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 126 V at 4 A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured using the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is specified in the Vishay datasheet document 88378 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The SA78CAHE3/54 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is SA78CAHE3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SA78CAHE3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified per the Vishay datasheet revision 27-Sep-2021, confirming its suitability for automotive applications including engine control units, body electronics, and infotainment systems. The HE3 suffix explicitly denotes AEC-Q101 qualification, and the device meets stress tests for temperature cycling, humidity, and mechanical shock required for under-hood deployment.
Does SA78CAHE3/54 have polarity markings on its package?
No, SA78CAHE3/54 does not have polarity markings because it is a bidirectional TVS diode. As confirmed in the Vishay datasheet, "no marking on bidirectional types." Both leads are functionally identical, allowing installation in either orientation - a key advantage for protecting AC-coupled or floating signal paths without risk of misplacement.
What is the maximum junction temperature rating for SA78CAHE3/54?
The SA78CAHE3/54 has a maximum junction temperature (TJ max) rating of +175 °C, as specified in the "Maximum Ratings" table of Vishay document 88378. This high-temperature capability enables reliable operation in demanding environments such as automotive engine compartments, industrial motor drives, and enclosed power supplies where ambient temperatures exceed 125 °C.
How does SA78CAHE3/54 differ from unidirectional SA78A variants?
The SA78CAHE3/54 is bidirectional with symmetrical clamping in both directions and no polarity marking, whereas unidirectional SA78A types feature a cathode band and conduct only in reverse bias. Electrically, SA78CAHE3/54 has identical VWM (78 V) and VBR (86.7–95.8 V), but its bidirectional structure allows protection of AC signals or differential buses like CAN without external circuitry - a functional distinction confirmed in the Vishay datasheet's "Features" section.
SA78CAHE3/54 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:
- -
- 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)
SA78CAHE3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA78CAHE3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA78CAHE3/54 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 SA78CAHE3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA78CAHE3/54 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA78CAHE3/54 is usually 5 days.
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Once your SA78CAHE3/54 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 SA78CAHE3/54?
For technical support, including SA78CAHE3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA78CAHE3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA78CAHE3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA78CAHE3/54 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 SA78CAHE3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA78CAHE3/54?
All SA78CAHE3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA78CAHE3/54, 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 SA78CAHE3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA78CAHE3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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