Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA90-E3/54
- Part No.:
- SA90-E3/54
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA90-E3/54.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 90VWM 160VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,915
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Product details
Overview
SA90-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a uni-directional Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, rated for 90 V stand-off voltage (VWM), 100–111 V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs). It clamps transients to ≤146 V at 3.4 A peak pulse current and is AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive electronics protection.
For engineers reviewing the SA90-E3/54 datasheet, SA90-E3/54 pinout, SA90-E3/54 application, or SA90-E3/54 equivalent, this device serves as a robust, RoHS-compliant, surface-mountable transient suppressor for DC power rails and signal lines where fast response (<1 ns), low clamping ratio, and high surge robustness are required in automotive, industrial, and telecom systems.
Technical Context
The SA90-E3/54 operates as a silicon avalanche diode with glass-passivated junction, delivering bi-polar clamping behavior only under reverse bias-forward conduction is limited to 3.5 V at 100 A surge. Its 175 °C maximum junction temperature and 70 A IFSM rating support high-reliability operation in thermally demanding environments.
Designed for unidirectional transient suppression, it exhibits 1.0 μA max reverse leakage at 90 V, a 5 % typical temperature coefficient of VBR, and incremental clamping voltage (ΔVC) tightly controlled across 0.5–50 A pulse range per Fig. 7–8 in the datasheet.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 90 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates |
| VBR (min/max) | 100 V / 111 V at 1 mA - Ensures reliable turn-on above system nominal voltage with margin |
| VC @ IPPM | 146 V at 3.4 A - Clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; defines worst-case overvoltage seen by protected IC |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak transient energy absorption capability without failure under standardized waveform |
| IFSM | 70 A - Single half-sine surge current rating (8.3 ms), critical for inductive load switching events |
| TJ max | 175 °C - Enables use in under-hood automotive locations and high-ambient industrial enclosures |
| Leakage @ VWM | 1.0 μA - Negligible standby power loss and minimal impact on high-impedance sensor bias networks |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15), axial lead, molded epoxy case meeting UL 94 V-0; matte tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102 solderability standards. Cathode indicated by color band.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / Reverse voltage reference node | Connected to lower-potential side (e.g., GND or return path); defines polarity-sensitive placement |
| Cathode | Clamping output / Surge current sink | Connected to protected line (e.g., +12 V rail); conducts surge current to ground when VIN exceeds VBR |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass-passivated junction | Enables stable, repeatable avalanche characteristics and long-term reliability under repetitive surges |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 μs) | Withstands common ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/5a transients in 12 V automotive systems without degradation |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive-grade stress screening including HTOL, TC, and ESD, enabling use in engine control and ADAS modules |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes VC rise under high di/dt events, improving clamping precision for sensitive microcontrollers and CAN transceivers |
| RoHS-compliant E3 suffix | Meets JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance, ensuring solder joint integrity in automated assembly and thermal cycling |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial Sensor Interface Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs from load dump and alternator ripple transients per ISO 7637-2. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Uni-directional TVS placed between power input and chassis ground to clamp positive-going surges above 90 V. Use Value: Limits peak voltage to ≤146 V during 3.4 A transients, preventing damage to downstream LDOs, MCUs, and CAN PHYs. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) connected to PLC I/O modules against ESD and field-wiring induced spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-leakage (1.0 μA) TVS shunting transients on 0–10 V or 4–20 mA signal lines to local ground. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity with <1 μA bias error while clamping 8 kV contact ESD to <150 V per IEC 61000-4-2. |
| Telecom DC Power Input Protection | Consumer Device USB Port Protection |
Use Scenario: Securing -48 V telecom rectifier outputs against lightning-induced surges and hot-swap transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reverse-biased TVS (anode to -48 V, cathode to return) suppressing negative transients up to 500 W. Use Value: Withstands 70 A single-surge events (IFSM), ensuring survivability during repeated power-system fault conditions. | Use Scenario: Adding secondary-level surge immunity to USB VBUS lines in set-top boxes and smart displays exposed to AC adapter transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS (90 V) placed upstream of USB power switch to absorb 10/1000 μs surges without false triggering. Use Value: Prevents latch-up in USB controllers by limiting VBUS overvoltage to 146 V while adding <0.5 pF parasitic capacitance. |
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 | Same VWM/VBR ratings but SMA package (surface-mount); 400 W PPPM; 3.2 A IPPM | Requires PCB rework for SMT layout; lower surge current handling than SA90-E3/54's 3.4 A | Select for space-constrained designs where through-hole mounting is impractical |
| 1.5KE91A | Higher PPPM (1500 W), DO-201 package; VWM = 77.8 V, VBR = 86.7–95.8 V; larger footprint | Less precise voltage matching (77.8 V vs. 90 V); better for higher-energy surges where tighter VWM tolerance is not critical | Select when legacy DO-201 footprint compatibility or >500 W surge margin is required |
Compared with SMAJ90A-E3/5A and 1.5KE91A, the SA90-E3/54 offers optimal balance of 90 V standoff accuracy, 500 W surge capacity, and AEC-Q101 qualification in the compact DO-15 through-hole package-making it preferred for new automotive and industrial designs requiring proven reliability and exact voltage coordination.
Availability
SA90-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power rail protection, industrial sensor interface protection, telecom DC power input protection, and consumer device USB port protection requiring stable component supply and full traceability.
Supply support for SA90-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, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, and passive components with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific performance.
The SAxxA series belongs to Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered specifically for robust, standardized transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and communications infrastructure-prioritizing fast response, tight VBR tolerance, and AEC-Q101 compliance.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SA90-E3/54 under a 10/1000 μs surge?
The SA90-E3/54 clamps to a maximum of 146 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 3.4 A under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 7 in the Vishay datasheet 88378 and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during transient events. The SA90-E3/54 maintains this clamping performance across its operational temperature range and after repeated surges within specification limits.
Is the SA90-E3/54 suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the SA90-E3/54 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive use, including engine control units, body electronics, and infotainment systems. Its 175 °C maximum junction temperature, 70 A IFSM rating, and glass-passivated junction ensure resilience against under-hood thermal stress and load-dump transients. The SA90-E3/54 meets requirements for ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1, 2a, and 5a testing when properly implemented in circuit layouts per Vishay application guidelines.
What does the "E3/54" suffix indicate in SA90-E3/54?
The "E3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant construction with JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance, while "/54" specifies the packaging configuration: 13-inch paper tape and reel, 4000 units per reel. This ordering code ensures consistent material compliance, solderability, and logistics handling. The SA90-E3/54 is not AEC-Q101 qualified-only the HE3 variant carries that qualification-so design-in must verify whether commercial or automotive-grade reliability is required.
How does the SA90-E3/54 differ from bi-directional variants like SA90CA?
The SA90-E3/54 is a uni-directional TVS diode, meaning it clamps only reverse-voltage transients and conducts forward current up to 3.5 V at 100 A. In contrast, SA90CA is bi-directional and suppresses transients of either polarity, with symmetric VBR and no polarity marking. The SA90-E3/54 requires correct anode/cathode orientation in-circuit and offers lower forward voltage drop, making it ideal for DC power rail protection where polarity is fixed and forward conduction may occur during fault conditions.
What is the reverse leakage current of the SA90-E3/54 at its rated stand-off voltage?
The SA90-E3/54 exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (ID) of 1.0 μA at its rated stand-off voltage of 90 V and ambient temperature of 25 °C. This ultra-low leakage ensures minimal power loss in always-on systems and avoids loading high-impedance sensor bias networks or reference dividers. Leakage remains below 5 μA up to 80 % of VWM, supporting stable operation in precision analog front-ends.
SA90-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:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 90V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 100V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 160V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 3.1A
- 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)
SA90-E3/54 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA90-E3/54 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA90-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 SA90-E3/54 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA90-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 SA90-E3/54 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA90-E3/54?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA90-E3/54 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA90-E3/54?
SA90-E3/54 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA90-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 SA90-E3/54?
For technical support, including SA90-E3/54 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA90-E3/54 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA90-E3/54 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA90-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 SA90-E3/54 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA90-E3/54?
All SA90-E3/54 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA90-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 SA90-E3/54 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA90-E3/54:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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