Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SAC30-E3/54

Overview

SAC30-E3/54 from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional low-capacitance TRANSZORB® transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-15 package, designed for clamping fast voltage transients on signal or power lines. It features 30 V standoff voltage (V_WM), 33.3 V minimum breakdown voltage (V_BR), 48.6 V maximum clamping voltage at 10 A, 500 W peak pulse power (10/1000 µs), and operates from –55 °C to +175 °C - used for protecting MOSFETs, sensor interfaces, and ICs in industrial power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the SAC30-E3/54 datasheet, SAC30-E3/54 pinout, SAC30-E3/54 application, or SAC30-E3/54 equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping voltage under 10 A surge, unidirectional polarity, DO-15 mechanical compatibility, thermal derating above 25 °C, and compliance with JESD 22-B106 soldering conditions.

Technical Context

The SAC30-E3/54 employs a glass-passivated PN junction optimized for fast response (<1 ns) and low incremental surge resistance, enabling effective suppression of ESD and inductive switching spikes. Its unidirectional configuration provides reverse-biased clamping only, with cathode marked by a color band and rated for repetitive 0.01 % duty cycle pulses.

It delivers stable clamping performance across –55 °C to +175 °C junction temperature, with power dissipation derated linearly above 25 °C per Figure 2 and peak pulse current defined per Figure 3 using a 10/1000 µs waveform. The device meets UL 94 V-0 flammability and JESD 201 Class 1A whisker resistance requirements.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DO-15 (DO-204AC) molded epoxy package with matte tin-plated leads; cathode indicated by axial color band; lead length ≥25.4 mm; body diameter 3.3–3.5 mm; compliant with J-STD-002 solderability and JESD 22-B106 275 °C/10 s solder dip.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.

Compared with SMAJ30A-E3/57 and P6SMB30AHE3/52, SAC30-E3/54 offers optimal balance of through-hole mechanical stability, 500 W surge handling, and DO-15 legacy compatibility - ideal for cost-sensitive industrial PCBs requiring proven field reliability and JESD 201 whisker compliance.

Availability

SAC30-E3/54 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive body control modules, consumer power adapters, and telecom line interface cards requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant manufacturing.

Supply support for SAC30-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, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, thermal performance, and industry-standard qualification.

The SAC series was developed specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh-environment applications - targeting industrial automation, automotive subsystems, and telecom infrastructure where long-term stability and surge immunity are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of SAC30-E3/54 at 10 A?

The SAC30-E3/54 has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 48.6 V when subjected to a 10 A peak pulse current with a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 3 in the official Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 88379) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. Designers must ensure downstream components tolerate this clamped level. The SAC30-E3/54 maintains this specification across its full operating temperature range.

Is SAC30-E3/54 unidirectional or bidirectional?

SAC30-E3/54 is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor, meaning it clamps only positive-going transients relative to its cathode terminal. Its polarity is marked by a color band indicating the cathode end. Bidirectional protection requires two SAC30-E3/54 devices connected anode-to-anode or use of a dedicated bidirectional part like SAC30C-E3/54. The SAC30-E3/54 datasheet explicitly lists "Polarity: Unidirectional" in the PRIMARY CHARACTERISTICS table.

What package type does SAC30-E3/54 use?

SAC30-E3/54 uses the DO-15 (DO-204AC) axial-leaded package, with a molded epoxy body, matte tin-plated leads, and a cathode identification band. Dimensions include 3.3–3.5 mm body diameter and ≥25.4 mm lead length. It complies with JESD 22-B106 for solder dip (275 °C max, 10 s) and UL 94 V-0 flammability. The "E3" suffix confirms RoHS compliance and commercial-grade qualification.

Can SAC30-E3/54 be used for AC line protection?

No - SAC30-E3/54 is unidirectional and not rated for direct AC line protection. For AC signal or mains protection, Vishay recommends using two SAC30-E3/54 devices in anti-parallel (anode-to-anode) configuration, as noted in the Application Note on page 3 of Document 88379. Direct AC line use would expose the device to reverse voltage beyond its V_WM, risking failure. Always verify layout per Figure 4 ("AC Line Protection Application") when implementing SAC30-E3/54 in AC-coupled systems.

What is the junction temperature range for SAC30-E3/54?

The SAC30-E3/54 supports an operating junction and storage temperature range of –55 °C to +175 °C, as specified in the MAXIMUM RATINGS table of the Vishay datasheet. This wide range enables deployment in under-hood automotive, industrial motor controls, and outdoor telecom equipment. Derating of power dissipation begins above 25 °C per Figure 2, and thermal design must account for lead temperature limits (T_L ≤ 75 °C) to maintain 3.0 W continuous power capability.