Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA90A-E3/54
- Part No.:
- SA90A-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA90A-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 90VWM 146VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,304
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Product details
Overview
SA90A-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for overvoltage protection of sensitive electronics. It features a 90 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 100–111 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 15.4 V clamping voltage (VC) at 3.4 A peak pulse current, and 500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - used to safeguard MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor signal lines against inductive switching transients in industrial and automotive systems.
For engineers reviewing the SA90A-E3/54 datasheet, SA90A-E3/54 pinout, SA90A-E3/54 application, or SA90A-E3/54 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, DO-15 terminal polarity, clamping behavior under surge conditions, thermal derating curves, and AEC-Q101 qualification status - all critical for ESD/surge protection design validation and BOM selection.
Technical Context
The SA90A-E3/54 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, optimized for fast response (<1 ns) to transient overvoltages. Its unidirectional polarity uses a cathode band marking, and it complies with JESD22-B106 soldering standards (275 °C, 10 s).
It delivers 500 W peak pulse power per 10/1000 µs waveform at TA = 25 °C, with thermal derating above 25 °C per Fig. 2 and steady-state power dissipation of 3.0 W on infinite heatsink at TL = 75 °C. Junction temperature range is –55 °C to +175 °C, and it meets AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 90 V - maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR @ IT = 1 mA | 100–111 V - guaranteed avalanche breakdown range, defining turn-on threshold |
| VC @ IPPM = 3.4 A | 15.4 V - clamped voltage during 10/1000 µs surge, limiting stress on downstream circuitry |
| PPPM | 500 W - peak pulse power handling capability, enabling robust protection against lightning/inductive spikes |
| IFSM | 70 A - non-repetitive forward surge current rating (10 ms half-sine), supporting high-energy fault events |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - maximum junction temperature, allowing operation in under-hood or high-ambient industrial environments |
| Package | DO-15 (DO-204AC) - axial-leaded through-hole package with matte tin-plated leads, UL 94 V-0 compliant molding |
Pinout & Package
DO-15 (DO-204AC) package: axial-leaded, molded epoxy body with glass-passivated chip; cathode indicated by color band on one end; lead finish: matte tin, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward conduction path | Connected to lower-potential side in unidirectional configuration; carries surge current during forward-biased faults |
| Cathode (banded end) | Reverse-biased clamping node | Connected to protected line; initiates avalanche conduction when reverse voltage exceeds VWM |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated junction | Enables stable, repeatable avalanche performance and long-term reliability under repetitive surge stress |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV/2 Ω) without degradation |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (E3 suffix variant) | Validated for automotive powertrain and body electronics applications requiring zero-defect reliability |
| Low incremental clamping resistance | Ensures minimal voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (e.g., relay coil flyback) |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Meets flammability safety requirements for enclosed industrial and consumer enclosures |
Applications
| Automotive Power Supply Protection | Industrial Sensor Signal Line Guarding |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump and alternator transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between power rail and ground, clamping voltage spikes before they reach LDOs or microcontrollers. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤15.4 V during 3.4 A surge, preventing latch-up or permanent damage to 16 V-rated components. | Use Scenario: Shielding analog outputs of pressure/temperature sensors in PLC I/O modules from field-wiring induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS connected across signal and return lines, absorbing common-mode transients before reaching ADC front-end. Use Value: Clamps transients within <1 ns while adding <1 pF capacitance, preserving signal integrity up to 1 MHz bandwidth. |
| Consumer Appliance Motor Drive Protection | Telecom DC Power Input Stage |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding H-bridge gate drivers in washing machine motor controllers from inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS mounted across motor supply rails, shunting energy from flyback diodes during PWM switching transitions. Use Value: Withstands 70 A single-half-sine surge (8.3 ms), enabling reliable operation under repeated motor stall conditions. | Use Scenario: Front-end protection for 48 V telecom rectifier outputs exposed to lightning-induced surges on building feed lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping device in multi-stage protection scheme, absorbing bulk surge energy before MOV/GDT stages. Use Value: Delivers 500 W pulse power handling with low clamping ratio (VC/VWM = 1.71), minimizing let-through energy to downstream filters. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ90A | Same VWM (90 V), but SMA package (SMT); lower IPPM (3.2 A), identical VC (15.4 V) | Designed for space-constrained PCB layouts; lacks axial-leaded mechanical robustness for high-vibration environments | Select SMAJ90A only when board real estate is limited and vibration exposure is low. |
| 1.5KE91A | Higher PPPM (1500 W), larger DO-201 package; VWM = 91 V, VC = 15.4 V at 97.4 A | Better suited for high-energy utility-level surges; not AEC-Q101 qualified; higher mounting height and thermal mass | Choose 1.5KE91A where system-level surge tests exceed IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 requirements. |
Compared with SMAJ90A and 1.5KE91A, the SA90A-E3/54 offers optimal balance of AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-15 mechanical stability, and precise 90 V stand-off for 12 V–48 V rail protection - making it preferred for automotive and industrial through-hole designs requiring proven field reliability.
Availability
SA90A-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU protection, industrial sensor interface circuits, and telecom power input stages requiring stable component supply, RoHS compliance, and AEC-Q101 qualification.
Supply support for SA90A-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 passive components with emphasis on reliability, power efficiency, and automotive-grade qualification.
The SAxxA series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS portfolio, engineered specifically for robust, low-clamping overvoltage protection in harsh electromagnetic environments - targeting automotive, industrial control, and infrastructure applications.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the SA90A-E3/54 under a 10/1000 µs surge?
The SA90A-E3/54 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 15.4 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 3.4 A using the standard 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 7 in the Vishay datasheet 88378 and ensures downstream components see limited overvoltage stress during transient events. The SA90A-E3/54 maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range.
Is the SA90A-E3/54 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the SA90A-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed in the "Notes" section of the Vishay datasheet (Document Number 88378, Revision 27-Sep-2021). The "E3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant commercial grade with JESD 201 Class 1A whisker testing, and the HE3 variant is explicitly marked for AEC-Q101 qualification. The SA90A-E3/54 meets automotive reliability requirements for powertrain and body electronics.
What is the polarity configuration of the SA90A-E3/54?
The SA90A-E3/54 is a unidirectional TVS diode, with polarity indicated by a cathode band on one end of the DO-15 package. In circuit implementation, the banded end connects to the protected line (e.g., 12 V rail), and the anode connects to ground. This configuration allows forward conduction only during positive surges relative to ground - unlike bidirectional variants (e.g., SA90CA) which suppress transients in both directions.
How does the SA90A-E3/54 compare to the SA90CA in terms of electrical behavior?
The SA90A-E3/54 and SA90CA share identical VWM (90 V), VBR (100–111 V), and VC (15.4 V) ratings, but differ in polarity: SA90A-E3/54 is unidirectional (cathode-banded), while SA90CA is bidirectional (no marking) and suppresses transients on AC-coupled or floating lines. The SA90A-E3/54 supports higher IFSM (70 A) due to its unidirectional structure, whereas SA90CA has no IFSM rating.
What is the maximum junction temperature rating for the SA90A-E3/54?
The SA90A-E3/54 has a maximum junction temperature (TJ) rating of +175 °C, as specified in the "Maximum Ratings" table of Vishay datasheet 88378. This enables reliable operation in under-hood automotive environments and high-ambient industrial settings. Derating of peak pulse power begins above TA = 25 °C per Figure 2, and steady-state power dissipation drops to zero at TL = 175 °C per Figure 5.
SA90A-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):
- 90V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 100V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 146V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 3.4A
- 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)
SA90A-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA90A-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA90A-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 SA90A-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA90A-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 SA90A-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA90A-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA90A-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA90A-E3/54?
SA90A-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA90A-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 SA90A-E3/54?
For technical support, including SA90A-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA90A-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA90A-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA90A-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 SA90A-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA90A-E3/54?
All SA90A-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA90A-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 SA90A-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA90A-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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