Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA90CA-E3/54
- Part No.:
- SA90CA-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA90CA-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 90VWM 146VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,018
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Product details
Overview
SA90CA-E3/54 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 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs), 90 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 100–111 V breakdown voltage (VBR), 3.4 A peak pulse current (IPPM), and 146 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at IPPM, used to protect MOSFETs and sensor interfaces in industrial control systems.
For engineers reviewing the SA90CA-E3/54 datasheet, SA90CA-E3/54 pinout, SA90CA-E3/54 application, or SA90CA-E3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, DO-15 mechanical compatibility, AEC-Q101 qualification status, thermal derating above 25 °C, and compliance with IEC 61000-4-2/4-4/4-5 surge immunity requirements.
Technical Context
The SA90CA-E3/54 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, enabling symmetrical clamping in both polarities without polarity marking. Its bidirectional architecture ensures identical VBR (100–111 V) and VC (146 V) characteristics in forward and reverse directions under transient stress.
It delivers 500 W peak pulse power per 10/1000 μs waveform at TA = 25 °C, with thermal derating to zero power at 175 °C junction temperature. The device supports repetitive surge events at ≤0.01 % duty cycle and withstands soldering up to 275 °C for 10 s per JESD 22-B106.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 90 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping begins |
| VBR (min/max) | 100 V / 111 V - Breakdown occurs within this range at 1 mA test current, defining clamping onset threshold |
| VC @ IPPM | 146 V - Clamped voltage during 3.4 A 10/1000 μs surge, limiting downstream voltage stress |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak transient energy absorption capacity under standardized surge waveform |
| IPPM | 3.4 A - Maximum non-repetitive surge current the device safely clamps without failure |
| TJ max. | 175 °C - Absolute maximum junction temperature, enabling operation in under-hood or high-ambient industrial environments |
| Package | DO-15 (DO-204AC) - Axial-leaded through-hole package with 0.242–0.258 inch body length, compatible with legacy PCB layouts |
Pinout & Package
SA90CA-E3/54 uses a DO-15 (DO-204AC) axial package with two unmarked leads; as a bidirectional TVS, neither lead is designated anode or cathode. Polarity is not marked on the device body.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Lead 1) | Transient return path | Provides low-impedance path to ground or rail during positive or negative surges |
| Cathode (Lead 2) | Transient return path | Functions identically to Lead 1 due to bidirectional symmetry; no polarity dependency in layout |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Enables stable, repeatable avalanche behavior over 1000+ surge events without parameter drift |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive powertrain and chassis applications requiring reliability under thermal cycling and vibration |
| 500 W 10/1000 μs rating | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 (1 kV line-to-line, 2 kV line-to-ground) surge immunity requirements |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC – VBR overshoot during fast-rising transients (<1 ns response time) |
| UL 94 V-0 molding compound | Prevents flame propagation in enclosed industrial enclosures during fault conditions |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | Automotive Body Control Modules |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting gate drivers and current-sense amplifiers from inductive kickback during IGBT switching in variable-frequency drives. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed across DC bus or gate-source terminals to limit voltage spikes to <146 V. Use Value: Prevents destructive overvoltage on 100 V-rated SiC MOSFETs by clamping transients within safe SOA limits. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding LIN bus transceivers and window lift motor controllers against load dump and jump-start surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge suppression device on 12 V supply rail, positioned upstream of LDOs and microcontrollers. Use Value: Maintains system uptime by surviving 35 V/100 ms load dump pulses without degradation, per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. |
| Telecom Power Feeds | Consumer Appliance Sensor Interfaces |
Use Scenario: Shielding PoE-powered Ethernet PHYs and DC-DC converters from lightning-induced surges on 48 V DC input lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage protection device on primary side of isolated DC-DC, absorbing >90 % of 10/1000 μs surge energy. Use Value: Enables compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 Ed. 3, 4 kV line-earth test without additional series impedance. | Use Scenario: Securing I²C and analog sensor inputs (e.g., temperature, humidity) in smart home hubs against ESD and cable discharge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance (<50 pF) bidirectional clamp placed directly at connector entry point. Use Value: Preserves signal integrity on 100 kHz sensor buses while suppressing ±8 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ90A-E3/5A | Unidirectional; same VWM/VC, but requires correct polarity orientation and lacks symmetrical clamping | Only suitable where circuit topology enforces defined polarity (e.g., DC supply rails with known ground reference) | Select SMAJ90A-E3/5A only when polarity is fixed and board space favors SMC package over DO-15 |
| 1.5KE91A | Higher PPPM (1500 W), larger DO-201 package, higher VC (150 V), same VWM (91 V) | Better suited for high-energy utility meter or solar inverter surge protection where 500 W is insufficient | Choose 1.5KE91A when system-level surge tests exceed IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 and DO-201 mounting is acceptable |
Compared with SMAJ90A-E3/5A and 1.5KE91A, the SA90CA-E3/54 provides verified bidirectional clamping in compact DO-15 form factor with AEC-Q101 qualification-making it optimal for space-constrained, polarity-agnostic, and automotive-grade designs where 500 W surge handling suffices.
Availability
SA90CA-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive body control modules, and telecom power feeds requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for SA90CA-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 and automotive qualification.
The SAxxCA series is engineered for robust transient suppression in harsh environments, targeting applications demanding AEC-Q101 compliance, high surge tolerance, and stable parametric performance over temperature and life.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA90CA-E3/54 at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA90CA-E3/54 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 146 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current (IPPM) of 3.4 A under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 9 in Vishay document 88378 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The SA90CA-E3/54 maintains this clamping performance symmetrically in both directions due to its bidirectional construction.
Is SA90CA-E3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, SA90CA-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified per Vishay documentation, confirming its suitability for automotive applications including body electronics, lighting controls, and infotainment power supplies. The SA90CA-E3/54 undergoes stress testing for temperature cycling, humidity, and mechanical shock, and its DO-15 package supports reflow and wave soldering per JESD 22 standards. Its 175 °C maximum junction temperature aligns with under-hood thermal requirements.
How does the bidirectional nature of SA90CA-E3/54 affect PCB layout?
The SA90CA-E3/54 has no polarity marking and functions identically in either orientation, eliminating orientation constraints during placement. Unlike unidirectional TVS diodes, the SA90CA-E3/54 requires no attention to anode/cathode alignment-reducing assembly errors and enabling simplified routing across AC-coupled or floating signal paths. This symmetry is confirmed in the "Polarity" section of Vishay's 88378 datasheet, which states "no marking on bidirectional types."
What is the maximum steady-state power dissipation of SA90CA-E3/54?
The SA90CA-E3/54 has a maximum steady-state power dissipation (PD) of 3.0 W when mounted on an infinite heatsink at lead temperature (TL) = 75 °C, as specified in the "Maximum Ratings" table of Vishay document 88378. This rating applies to continuous DC or low-frequency reverse leakage conditions-not transient suppression. Derating is required above 75 °C per Figure 5, reaching zero dissipation at 175 °C junction temperature.
Does SA90CA-E3/54 meet RoHS and REACH compliance?
Yes, SA90CA-E3/54 carries the "E3" suffix, indicating RoHS-compliant construction per EU Directive 2011/65/EU and Vishay's material declaration document 99912. It contains no lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB, or PBDE above threshold limits. The matte tin-plated leads also satisfy J-STD-002 solderability requirements and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance testing.
SA90CA-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):
- 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)
SA90CA-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA90CA-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA90CA-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 SA90CA-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA90CA-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 SA90CA-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA90CA-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA90CA-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA90CA-E3/54?
SA90CA-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA90CA-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 SA90CA-E3/54?
For technical support, including SA90CA-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA90CA-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA90CA-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA90CA-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 SA90CA-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA90CA-E3/54?
All SA90CA-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA90CA-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 SA90CA-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA90CA-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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