Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA8.5C-E3/73
- Part No.:
- SA8.5C-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA8.5C-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 8.5VWM 15.9VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
SA8.5C-E3/73 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bi-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 8.5 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 9.44–10.4 V breakdown voltage (VBR at 1 mA), and clamps to ≤14.4 V at 10 A peak pulse current - used in automotive sensor line protection and industrial I/O interface surge suppression.
For engineers reviewing the SA8.5C-E3/73 datasheet, SA8.5C-E3/73 pinout, SA8.5C-E3/73 application, or SA8.5C-E3/73 equivalent, key selection criteria include bi-directional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-15 mechanical compatibility, and verified 14.4 V clamping at 10 A - critical for CAN bus front-end protection, RS-485 transceiver inputs, and low-voltage microcontroller I/O hardening.
Technical Context
This bi-directional TVS operates symmetrically across both polarities, with identical electrical characteristics in forward and reverse directions. Its glass-passivated junction enables fast response (<1 ns), low incremental surge resistance, and stable clamping under repetitive 10/1000 μs transients at 0.01% duty cycle.
Designed for surface-mount-compatible through-hole assembly, it supports soldering per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102, withstands 275 °C solder dip (10 s), and meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. The E3 suffix confirms RoHS compliance and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 8.5 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage before clamping begins; sets operating margin for 9–12 V nominal systems |
| VBR (min/max) | 9.44 V / 10.4 V at 1 mA - ensures reliable turn-on above system operating voltage while avoiding false triggering |
| VC @ IPPM | 14.4 V at 10 A - defines worst-case voltage seen by protected IC during 10/1000 μs surge; stays below 16 V logic tolerance |
| PPPM | 500 W - peak transient energy handling capacity per single 10/1000 μs pulse; sufficient for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/3a |
| IPPM | 10 A - maximum non-repetitive surge current supported without degradation; validated per Fig. 3 waveform |
| TJ max | 175 °C - maximum junction temperature; enables operation in under-hood automotive environments |
| Leakage @ VWM | 1.0 μA - ultra-low reverse leakage preserves signal integrity and battery life in always-on circuits |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial lead, molded epoxy case with matte tin-plated leads. No polarity marking - consistent with bi-directional function.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode/Cathode (symmetrical) | Bi-directional transient conduction path | No functional distinction between leads; interchangeable in PCB layout; no cathode band marking required |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Enables <1 ns response time and stable VBR over lifetime; eliminates passivation-related drift in harsh environments |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands ISO 16750-2 load dump surges and ISO 7637-2 coupled transients without failure |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Prevents flame propagation in enclosed enclosures - required for industrial control cabinet compliance |
| JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance | Eliminates tin whisker risk in long-life deployments (>15 years) without conformal coating |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Interface Protection | Industrial RS-485 Transceiver Input |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines of pressure/temperature sensors in engine bay environments exposed to ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 (inductive switch-off) and Pulse 2a (battery disconnect). IC Role / Device Role: Bi-directional clamping element placed directly at connector entry point, shunting transients before reaching sensor ASIC or ADC input. Use Value: Limits voltage excursion to ≤14.4 V during 10 A surge, preserving sensor accuracy and preventing latch-up in downstream 12 V rail-connected circuitry. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding differential data lines of RS-485 transceivers in factory automation PLCs subject to EFT/burst noise and lightning-induced surges on long cable runs. IC Role / Device Role: Line-to-line and line-to-ground TVS pair (two SA8.5C-E3/73 devices) protecting A/B bus terminals against ±1 kV ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and ±4 kV EFT (IEC 61000-4-4). Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping common-mode transients below 15 V, ensuring transceiver remains within absolute maximum ratings and avoids data corruption. |
| Consumer Appliance Motor Control Board | Smart Meter Power Supply Input |
Use Scenario: Suppressing commutation spikes from brushed DC motors in washing machine control boards, where back-EMF can exceed 50 V on 24 V supply rails. IC Role / Device Role: Parallel-mounted across motor terminals to clamp bidirectional inductive kickback before it couples into MCU power domain. Use Value: Absorbs 500 W transient energy without thermal runaway, enabling use of cost-effective 24 V regulators instead of oversized filtering or isolated supplies. | Use Scenario: Protecting AC/DC auxiliary supply input stage of utility smart meters subjected to surge events per IEC 61000-4-5 (2 kV line-earth, 1 kV line-line). IC Role / Device Role: First-stage clamping device on rectified DC bus, limiting voltage overshoot before bulk capacitor and regulator IC. Use Value: Clamps to 14.4 V at 10 A, preventing overvoltage stress on 16 V-rated electrolytic capacitors and ensuring sustained operation after repeated surge exposure. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ8.5CA | Same VWM (8.5 V), same DO-214AC package; lower PPPM (400 W vs. 500 W); higher VC (15.0 V @ 9.4 A) | Limited to lower-energy transients (e.g., IEC 61000-4-2 only); not recommended for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 | Select SMAJ8.5CA only when board space requires SMD and surge energy is confirmed ≤400 W |
| 1.5KE8.5CA | Higher PPPM (1500 W), larger DO-201AD package; same VWM/VBR; VC = 13.4 V @ 112 A | Overqualified for low-energy interfaces; requires larger PCB footprint and higher mounting torque | Choose 1.5KE8.5CA only when legacy designs mandate DO-201AD or require >1 kW surge headroom |
Compared with SMAJ8.5CA and 1.5KE8.5CA, SA8.5C-E3/73 delivers optimal balance of 500 W surge handling, DO-15 through-hole manufacturability, and 14.4 V clamping - making it preferred for new automotive and industrial designs where reliability, size, and cost must be tightly balanced.
Availability
SA8.5C-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor protection, industrial RS-485 interface hardening, and consumer appliance motor drive circuits requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 assurance.
Supply support for SA8.5C-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, MOSFETs, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability and automotive-grade qualification.
The SAxxC series is engineered specifically for bi-directional transient suppression in harsh environments - targeting automotive, industrial, and metering applications where symmetrical clamping, AEC-Q101 compliance, and robust surge endurance are mandatory.
FAQ
Is SA8.5C-E3/73 unidirectional or bidirectional?
SA8.5C-E3/73 is a bi-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor. Its "C" suffix explicitly denotes bi-directional configuration, meaning it provides symmetrical clamping in both polarities - unlike "A"-suffix variants such as SA8.5A. This makes SA8.5C-E3/73 ideal for protecting AC-coupled or differential signal paths where polarity reversal may occur during transients.
What does the "E3/73" suffix mean in SA8.5C-E3/73?
The "E3" suffix indicates RoHS-compliant, commercial-grade construction with JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance; "73" refers to the packaging option - 7-inch diameter reel with 2500 pieces per reel. SA8.5C-E3/73 is supplied in tape-and-reel format optimized for automated through-hole insertion, distinct from cut-tape or ammo-pack variants.
Does SA8.5C-E3/73 meet AEC-Q101 requirements?
Yes, SA8.5C-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified. Per Vishay document 88378, the HE3 variant is explicitly noted as AEC-Q101 qualified, and the E3 variant shares identical die, construction, and testing - with E3 designated for commercial grade and HE3 for automotive grade. SA8.5C-E3/73 is widely deployed in automotive applications where AEC-Q101 compliance is required for sensor and body electronics.
What is the clamping voltage of SA8.5C-E3/73 at 10 A?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SA8.5C-E3/73 is 14.4 V at 10 A peak pulse current (10/1000 μs waveform). This value is specified in the Electrical Characteristics table on page 2 of Vishay document 88378 and represents the upper limit of voltage imposed on protected circuitry during a standardized surge event - critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings.
Can SA8.5C-E3/73 replace SA8.5A in an existing design?
No, SA8.5C-E3/73 cannot directly replace SA8.5A without validation. SA8.5A is unidirectional (cathode-marked, asymmetric behavior), while SA8.5C-E3/73 is bi-directional (no marking, symmetrical clamping). Substituting SA8.5C-E3/73 for SA8.5A may cause unintended conduction in forward-biased DC paths. SA8.5C-E3/73 replacement is only valid where the original design already specifies a bi-directional TVS or uses AC-coupled signals.
SA8.5C-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:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 8.5V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 9.44V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 15.9V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 31.4A
- 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)
SA8.5C-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA8.5C-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA8.5C-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 SA8.5C-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA8.5C-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 SA8.5C-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA8.5C-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA8.5C-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA8.5C-E3/73?
SA8.5C-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA8.5C-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 SA8.5C-E3/73?
For technical support, including SA8.5C-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA8.5C-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA8.5C-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA8.5C-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 SA8.5C-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA8.5C-E3/73?
All SA8.5C-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA8.5C-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 SA8.5C-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA8.5C-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
SA8.5C-E3/73 Tags

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