Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA10

Overview

SA10 from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, with 10V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 11.1–13.6V breakdown voltage (VBR @ 1mA), and 18.8V clamping voltage (VC) at 27A peak pulse current. It delivers fast response (<1.0ps), low leakage (<1μA @ VWM), and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade surge protection.

For engineers reviewing the SA10 datasheet, SA10 pinout, SA10 application, or SA10 equivalent, this TVS diode is selected for high-reliability DC power rail and signal line protection where precise clamping, low capacitance, and robust 10/1000μs surge handling are required - especially in automotive lighting, ECU I/O, and inductive load switching circuits.

Technical Context

The SA10 operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, triggered when reverse voltage exceeds its specified VBR range (11.1–13.6V). Its clamping action limits transient energy to ≤18.8V at 27A (10/1000μs), maintaining circuit integrity during EFT and lightning-induced surges. Thermal design leverages a 175°C max junction temperature and DO-15 package capable of 3W steady-state dissipation on 10×10 mm copper pads.

It exhibits a 10 mV/°C VBR temperature coefficient and meets RoHS/halogen-free requirements per IEC 61249-2-21. Polarity is marked by cathode band; terminals are pure tin-plated for J-STD-002 solderability and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DO-204AC (DO-15) package: axial-leaded, glass-passivated silicon junction, cathode indicated by band marking. Leads are pure tin-plated, compliant with J-STD-002 solderability and JESD 201 Class 2 whisker testing. Weight ≈ 0.400 g.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMAJ10A and P6KE10A, the SA10 offers tighter VBR tolerance (11.1–13.6V vs. 11.1–12.3V), lower leakage (<1μA), and AEC-Q101 qualification - making it the preferred choice for automotive-critical 12V rail protection where reliability and consistency are prioritized over raw power headroom.

Availability

SA10 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting systems, engine control unit (ECU) I/O protection, and industrial 24V power supply inputs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q101-compliant surge immunity.

Supply support for SA10 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

Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation (TSC) is a vertically integrated analog and discrete device manufacturer headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, specializing in TVS diodes, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and bipolar transistors for industrial and automotive markets.

The SA Series was developed specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh environments, emphasizing tight parametric control, AEC-Q101 qualification, and consistent DO-15 mechanical compatibility across 5V–170V working voltage range.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SA10 under standard 10/1000μs surge conditions?

The SA10 clamps to a maximum of 18.8 V when subjected to a 27.0 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under the standardized 10/1000μs waveform. This value is measured at TA = 25°C and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The SA10 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating junction temperature range (−55°C to +175°C), with minor derating above 25°C per Fig.2 in the datasheet.

Is the SA10 unidirectional or bidirectional, and how is polarity identified?

The SA10 is a unidirectional TVS diode, designed for DC rail protection where surge polarity is known and fixed. Polarity is identified by a cathode band marked on the DO-204AC (DO-15) package body - the banded end is the cathode and must be connected to the line being protected, while the anode connects to ground. Bidirectional variants in the SA Series use "CA" suffixes (e.g., SA10CA), which the SA10 does not carry.

Does the SA10 meet automotive qualification standards?

Yes, the SA10 is AEC-Q101 qualified when ordered with the "H" suffix (e.g., SA10H). Standard SA10 parts are manufactured to the same process and test flow but lack formal AEC-Q101 certification documentation. For automotive production, specify SA10H to ensure full qualification including temperature cycling, humidity bias HAST, and mechanical shock testing per AEC-Q101 Rev D.

What is the reverse leakage current specification for the SA10 at its working stand-off voltage?

The SA10 exhibits a maximum reverse leakage current (IR) of 1 μA when biased at its rated working stand-off voltage (VWM) of 10 V and measured at TA = 25°C. This ultra-low leakage ensures minimal power loss in always-on circuits and preserves signal integrity in high-impedance sensor interfaces. Leakage remains below 5 μA up to TJ = 125°C, per TSC's characterization data.

Can the SA10 be used in surface-mount designs?

No, the SA10 is packaged exclusively in the through-hole DO-204AC (DO-15) format and is not compatible with surface-mount assembly. For SMT equivalents with matching electrical specs, consider the SMAJ10A (DO-214AC) or SMCJ10A (DO-214AB), both offering 10V VWM and comparable clamping. The SA10's axial leads and 0.400 g weight are optimized for manual insertion, wave soldering, and mechanical stability in high-vibration environments.