August 11, 2025
277
In today’s automotive and industrial markets, reliable transient voltage suppression (TVS) is critical to protect sensitive circuits from ESD and voltage spikes. The SA5.0CAHE3/54 from Vishay’s TransZorb series delivers 500W peak power dissipation, AEC-Q101 qualification, and bidirectional 5V protection in a compact DO-15 package. This article explores its key parameters, selection criteria, and automotive applications to help engineers optimize their designs.
The SA5.0CAHE3/54 is a bidirectional TVS diode designed for high-reliability applications:
Manufacturer: Vishay General Semiconductor
Series: SAx (TransZorb)
Package: DO-204AC (DO-15, Axial)
Qualification: AEC-Q101 (Automotive Grade)
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Working Voltage (VWM) | 5 V | Vishay Datasheet (SAx Series) |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 9.2 V @ IPP | |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 6.4 V | |
| Peak Pulse Current (IPP) | 54.3 A (8/20 µs) | |
| Peak Pulse Power (PPP) | 500 W | |
| Operating Temperature | -55°C to +175°C | |
| Polarity | Bidirectional | |
| ESD Protection | IEC 61000-4-2 (Contact/Air Gap: N/A) | |
| Package Quantity | 4,000 units/reel | |
Automotive Systems: Compliant with AEC-Q101 for ECU, infotainment, and LED lighting.
Bidirectional Protection: Guards against both positive and negative transients.
High-Temperature Environments: Stable performance up to 175°C.
| Model | VWM | PPP | Package | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SA5.0CAHE3/54 | 5V | 500W | DO-15 | AEC-Q101, 175°C |
| P6KE5.0CA | 5V | 600W | DO-15 | Non-automotive, lower temp range |
Used in CAN bus and LIN interfaces to protect against load dump (ISO 7637-2).
Shields 5V sensor lines from ESD (IEC 61000-4-2).
According to MarketsandMarkets (2023), the automotive TVS diode market is projected to grow at 6.2% CAGR through 2028, driven by increasing electronic content per vehicle and stricter EMC regulations.
Higher power density in smaller packages (e.g., SOD-123FL).
Integration with EMI filters for multi-functional protection.
Q1: Is the SA5.0CAHE3/54 RoHS compliant?
A: Yes, it meets RoHS and REACH standards.
Q2: What’s the typical response time?
A: <1 ns (typical for TVS diodes).
Q3: Can it replace a Zener diode?
A: No – TVS diodes are for transient suppression, not voltage regulation.
Q4: How to calculate derating at high temperatures?
A: Refer to Vishay’s application note AN-1001.
Q5: Where to buy SA5.0CAHE3/54?
A: Contact authorized distributors or [email protected].
The SA5.0CAHE3/54 combines automotive-grade reliability with robust 500W protection, making it ideal for 5V systems exposed to harsh environments. Engineers can leverage its bidirectional operation and wide temperature range for next-gen designs.
Contact our team at [email protected] for pricing and technical support.
