Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA85A-E3/54
- Part No.:
- SA85A-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA85A-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 85VWM 137VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,892
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Product details
Overview
SA85A-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 85 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 94.4–104 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 137 A peak pulse current (IPPM), 14.4 V clamping voltage (VC) at IPPM, and 500 W peak pulse power (PPPM) with 10/1000 µs waveform - deployed on power rails and I/O lines of industrial sensor interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the SA85A-E3/54 datasheet, SA85A-E3/54 pinout, SA85A-E3/54 application, or SA85A-E3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage margin relative to protected IC's absolute maximum rating, junction temperature derating above 25 °C, unidirectional polarity marking (cathode band), and AEC-Q101 qualification status for automotive-grade reliability validation.
Technical Context
The SA85A-E3/54 operates as a silicon avalanche diode, leveraging glass-passivated junction technology for stable breakdown behavior and low incremental surge resistance. Its unidirectional configuration enables forward conduction only during reverse overvoltage events, with cathode-end color band indicating polarity.
It delivers 500 W transient suppression capability under standardized 10/1000 µs waveform conditions at 0.01 % duty cycle, and supports steady-state power dissipation up to 3.0 W on infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C. Junction temperature range spans –55 °C to +175 °C, enabling use in harsh thermal environments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 85 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating window for protected circuitry. |
| VBR min/max | 94.4 V / 104 V - Breakdown occurs within this range at 1 mA test current; ensures predictable turn-on threshold across production lot. |
| VC @ IPPM | 14.4 V - Clamping voltage measured at 137 A peak pulse current; determines maximum voltage seen by downstream IC during surge. |
| IPPM | 137 A - Peak surge current survivable per 10/1000 µs waveform; validates robustness against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges. |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling capacity; confirms suitability for high-energy transients induced by inductive load switching. |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature; allows operation in under-hood automotive or high-ambient industrial settings. |
| ID @ VWM | 1.0 µA - Reverse leakage at rated stand-off voltage; ensures minimal standby power loss and signal integrity in high-impedance nodes. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-15 (DO-204AC), axial-leaded, epoxy-molded case with matte tin-plated leads compliant to J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. Cathode identified by color band on one end.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / reverse surge return path | Connected to ground or low-impedance return plane; completes clamping loop during transient event. |
| Cathode | Reverse voltage sensing / clamping node | Connected to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail or CAN_H); avalanche conduction initiates when voltage exceeds VBR. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Ensures stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics and long-term reliability under repeated surge stress. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units and body electronics requiring extended temperature and life-cycle compliance. |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports immunity to severe transients such as load dump (ISO 7637-2) and coupled lightning surges (IEC 61000-4-5). |
| Low incremental clamping resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients, protecting sensitive gate oxides in MOSFETs and microcontrollers. |
| Solder dip 275 °C max. (10 s) | Enables compatibility with standard lead-free reflow and wave soldering processes without degradation. |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V supply inputs of engine control modules against load dump and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamps reverse transients while allowing normal forward bias operation of downstream regulators. Use Value: Limits voltage excursion to ≤14.4 V during 137 A surge, preventing damage to 16 V-rated LDOs and MCU power pins. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog output lines (e.g., 4–20 mA transmitter) from ESD and field wiring faults. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response avalanche diode shunts transient energy before it reaches precision DAC or op-amp input stages. Use Value: Sub-1 ns response time and 1.0 µA leakage preserve signal accuracy and system calibration stability. |
| Telecom Line Card Surge Protection | Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Protection |
Use Scenario: Shielding Ethernet PHY power domains and auxiliary bias rails from induced surges on adjacent copper traces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff voltage (85 V) aligns with 48 V PoE+ systems, clamping excess energy before DC-DC converter input stage. Use Value: 500 W rating meets GR-1089-CORE Level 3 telecom surge requirements without external series impedance. | Use Scenario: Suppressing inductive kickback from brushed DC motors in washing machine control boards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Placed across motor terminals to clamp flyback voltage spikes generated during PWM commutation. Use Value: 175 °C max junction temperature accommodates sealed enclosure thermal buildup during extended spin cycles. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ85A-E3/52 | Same VWM (85 V), but SMB package (DO-214AA); 600 W PPPM rating; 1.5x higher IPPM (200 A) | Surface-mount layout; better thermal performance on PCB; not axial-leaded | Select when board space is constrained and SMT assembly is preferred over through-hole. |
| 1.5KE85A | Same VWM and DO-15 package; 1500 W PPPM; higher VC (146 V); larger form factor (DO-201AD) | Higher energy absorption but looser clamping; less suitable for low-voltage IC protection | Choose only where clamping voltage margin permits >146 V and legacy DO-201AD footprint exists. |
Compared with SMBJ85A-E3/52 and 1.5KE85A, the SA85A-E3/54 offers optimal balance of axial-leaded manufacturability, tight 14.4 V clamping, and AEC-Q101 qualification - making it ideal for cost-sensitive, high-reliability through-hole designs where precise voltage limiting is critical.
Availability
SA85A-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, industrial sensor interface hardening, and telecom line card surge suppression requiring stable component supply and full traceability.
Supply support for SA85A-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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific optimization.
The SAxxA series is engineered for robust transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure - delivering consistent clamping performance, AEC-Q101 qualification, and DO-15 mechanical compatibility for legacy and new designs.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA85A-E3/54 and why does it matter?
The SA85A-E3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 14.4 V at 137 A peak pulse current (10/1000 µs waveform). This value defines the highest voltage imposed on protected circuitry during a surge event. For example, if an MCU's absolute maximum VDD rating is 16 V, the 14.4 V clamping leaves 1.6 V of margin - ensuring reliable survival without latch-up or oxide damage. The SA85A-E3/54 achieves this via low incremental resistance and tightly controlled avalanche characteristics.
Is SA85A-E3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the SA85A-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified and rated for junction temperatures from –55 °C to +175 °C, making it suitable for under-hood and body-control module applications. Its glass-passivated junction, 500 W surge rating, and DO-15 mechanical robustness meet automotive environmental and reliability requirements. The "E3" suffix also confirms RoHS compliance and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance - critical for long-life vehicle deployments.
How does the polarity marking work on SA85A-E3/54?
The SA85A-E3/54 is unidirectional and features a cathode band (color stripe) on one end of the DO-15 package. This band identifies the cathode terminal, which must be connected toward the line being protected (e.g., 12 V rail), while the anode connects to ground or return path. During normal operation, the device blocks reverse current up to 85 V; during overvoltage, it avalanches between cathode and anode to clamp the line. Bidirectional variants (e.g., SA85CA) have no marking.
What is the peak pulse current rating of SA85A-E3/54 and how is it tested?
The SA85A-E3/54 is rated for 137 A peak pulse current (IPPM) using the standardized 10/1000 µs double-exponential waveform per R.E.A. definitions. This test applies a single non-repetitive surge with 10 µs rise time and 1000 µs decay to 50 % of peak. The rating assumes TA = 25 °C and is derated linearly above that temperature per Figure 2 in the datasheet. At 100 °C ambient, IPPM drops to approximately 85 A.
Can SA85A-E3/54 replace SA85CA in a bidirectional circuit?
No, SA85A-E3/54 cannot replace SA85CA in a bidirectional circuit because it is unidirectional and lacks symmetrical clamping in both polarities. SA85CA provides identical clamping for positive and negative transients (e.g., AC lines or differential buses like RS-485), whereas SA85A-E3/54 only clamps reverse voltage - forward conduction would occur during positive overvoltage, potentially damaging upstream components. Always match device polarity to circuit topology: use SA85A-E3/54 for DC rails with defined ground reference, SA85CA for floating or AC-coupled paths.
SA85A-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):
- 85V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 94.4V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 137V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 3.6A
- 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)
SA85A-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA85A-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA85A-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 SA85A-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA85A-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 SA85A-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA85A-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA85A-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA85A-E3/54?
SA85A-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA85A-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 SA85A-E3/54?
For technical support, including SA85A-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA85A-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA85A-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA85A-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 SA85A-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA85A-E3/54?
All SA85A-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA85A-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 SA85A-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA85A-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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