Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SA90-E3/73
- Part No.:
- SA90-E3/73
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA90-E3/73.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 90VWM 160VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,572
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Product details
Overview
SA90-E3/73 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), 146 V clamping voltage at 3.4 A peak pulse current, and 500 W peak pulse power with 10/1000 µs waveform. It protects MOSFETs and ICs in industrial power supplies against inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the SA90-E3/73 datasheet, SA90-E3/73 pinout, SA90-E3/73 application, or SA90-E3/73 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, polarity marking, thermal derating behavior, AEC-Q101 qualification status, and direct replacement guidance for circuit protection design.
Technical Context
The SA90-E3/73 operates as a uni-directional avalanche clamp, with cathode marked by a color band and forward voltage ≤3.5 V at 100 A surge. Its junction temperature range spans –55 °C to +175 °C, and it sustains 70 A non-repetitive forward surge (IFSM) per 10 ms half-sine wave.
Clamping performance is defined under standardized 10/1000 µs waveform testing; incremental surge resistance is low, enabling tight voltage control during transient events. Thermal derating begins above 25 °C ambient, with steady-state power dissipation dropping to 3.0 W at TL = 75 °C on infinite heatsink.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 90 V - Maximum continuous reverse operating voltage before clamping initiates |
| VBR @ IT = 1 mA | 100–111 V - Breakdown threshold where device enters avalanche conduction |
| VC @ IPPM = 3.4 A | 146 V - Clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during 10/1000 µs transient |
| PPPM | 500 W - Peak transient energy absorption capability without failure |
| IFSM | 70 A - Surge current tolerance for 10 ms half-sine, critical for relay/coil turn-off spikes |
| TJ max. | +175 °C - Maximum junction temperature enabling high-ambient industrial deployment |
| Package | DO-204AC (DO-15) - Standard axial-leaded through-hole package with UL 94 V-0 molding |
Pinout & Package
DO-204AC (DO-15) package with matte tin-plated leads; cathode identified by color band at one end. Leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102; qualified to JESD 201 class 1A whisker test.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Forward current entry / Reverse voltage reference | Connected to lower-potential side of protected line; defines polarity-sensitive clamping direction |
| Cathode | Avalanche conduction terminal / Clamping output | Marked with color band; tied to higher-potential rail or ground return to shunt surge current |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glass passivated chip junction | Enables stable avalanche characteristics and long-term reliability under repeated surge stress |
| 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs) | Supports robust protection against IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges in AC mains interfaces |
| AEC-Q101 qualified (E3 suffix variant) | Validated for automotive-grade reliability in engine control and body electronics modules |
| Low incremental surge resistance | Minimizes voltage overshoot during fast-rising transients (<1 ns response time) |
| UL 94 V-0 molded epoxy case | Meets flammability safety requirements for enclosed industrial power equipment |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | Automotive Power Modules |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of IGBT gate drivers against voltage spikes induced by high-dI/dt switching in 3-phase inverters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Uni-directional TVS placed across gate-emitter terminals to clamp negative-going transients. Use Value: Limits gate voltage excursion to ≤146 V, preventing IGBT latch-up or oxide damage during fault conditions. | Use Scenario: Input line protection for DC-DC converters in 12 V/48 V hybrid vehicle subsystems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated clamping device on battery feed line to suppress load dump and jump-start transients. Use Value: Withstands 70 A surge (IFSM), meeting ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a requirements without degradation. |
| Telecom Power Supplies | PLC Digital I/O Modules |
Use Scenario: Secondary-side transient suppression on +48 V telecom rectifier outputs feeding sensitive ASICs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response clamp between output rail and ground to limit overvoltage during hot-swap events. Use Value: 146 V clamping ensures downstream 50 V-rated regulators remain within safe operating area. | Use Scenario: Field-side protection for 24 V digital input circuits exposed to solenoid coil flyback in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Series-connected TVS on input channel to absorb inductive kickback before signal conditioning stage. Use Value: 90 V VWM allows normal 24 V operation while clamping 146 V spikes-compatible with standard optocoupler input thresholds. |
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 (90 V), but SMC package (DO-214AB); 5.0 W PD, 10/1000 µs IPPM = 3.3 A, VC = 146 V | Surface-mount alternative requiring PCB rework; better thermal performance in compact layouts | Select when board space is constrained and reflow assembly is used instead of through-hole wave soldering |
| 1.5KE91A | Same VWM/VBR range, but larger DO-201AD package; 1500 W PPPM, VC = 146 V at 10.3 A | Higher surge capacity suits primary-side AC line protection where energy levels exceed 500 W | Choose for front-end surge immunity where higher single-event energy must be absorbed |
Compared with SMAJ90A-E3/5A and 1.5KE91A, the SA90-E3/73 offers proven through-hole mechanical robustness and AEC-Q101 qualification in a cost-effective DO-15 format-ideal for industrial power supplies and automotive sub-modules where leaded reliability and legacy compatibility are prioritized.
Availability
SA90-E3/73 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive power modules, and telecom power supplies requiring stable component supply, RoHS compliance, and AEC-Q101 validation.
Supply support for SA90-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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, ruggedness, and application-specific qualification.
The SAxx series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS family, engineered for high-energy transient suppression in harsh environments including automotive, industrial, and telecom infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA90-E3/73 at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA90-E3/73 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 146 V when subjected to its specified 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-E3/73 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is SA90-E3/73 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the SA90-E3/73 is AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed in the Vishay datasheet revision 18-Sep-12 (Document Number: 88378), footnote (1) on page 3. This qualification validates its reliability for use in automotive power modules, body control units, and other under-hood or chassis-mounted electronics where temperature cycling, vibration, and surge immunity are critical. The E3 suffix denotes RoHS-compliant commercial grade with AEC-Q101 validation.
What does the "E3/73" suffix mean in SA90-E3/73?
The "E3" suffix indicates RoHS-compliant matte tin-plated leads meeting JESD 201 class 1A whisker test requirements; "73" specifies the packaging configuration-7-inch reel with 2500 pieces per reel, per Vishay's ordering information table. This differs from "/54" (13-inch reel, 4000 pcs) and confirms tape-and-reel delivery optimized for automated through-hole insertion systems.
Can SA90-E3/73 replace a bi-directional TVS like SA90CA in a circuit?
No-SA90-E3/73 is strictly uni-directional and features a cathode band; substituting it for a bi-directional SA90CA would leave positive-going transients unclamped. The SA90CA has symmetric breakdown in both directions (VBR = 100–111 V bidirectionally), whereas SA90-E3/73 only clamps in reverse bias. Circuit redesign-including polarity-aware placement and potential addition of a second diode-is required for functional equivalence.
What is the maximum steady-state power dissipation for SA90-E3/73?
The SA90-E3/73 has a maximum steady-state power dissipation (PD) of 3.0 W when mounted on an infinite heatsink at lead temperature (TL) = 75 °C, per Figure 5 in the Vishay datasheet. Derating is linear above 25 °C ambient: at TL = 100 °C, PD drops to ~2.0 W. This rating governs continuous leakage-based heating-not transient surge handling-and must be validated against actual board layout and airflow.
SA90-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:
- 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-E3/73 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA90-E3/73 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA90-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 SA90-E3/73 reliable?
The price and inventory of SA90-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 SA90-E3/73 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA90-E3/73?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA90-E3/73 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA90-E3/73?
SA90-E3/73 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA90-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 SA90-E3/73?
For technical support, including SA90-E3/73 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA90-E3/73 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA90-E3/73 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA90-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 SA90-E3/73 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA90-E3/73?
All SA90-E3/73 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA90-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 SA90-E3/73 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA90-E3/73:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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