Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA100

Overview

SA100 from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, rated for 500W peak pulse power at 10/1000μs, with 100V working stand-off voltage, 111–136V breakdown voltage at 1mA, and 179V maximum clamping voltage at 2.9A peak pulse current. It protects automotive and industrial power rails against ESD and inductive switching transients.

For engineers reviewing the SA100 datasheet, SA100 pinout, SA100 application, or SA100 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, mechanical package details, clamping behavior under surge, thermal limits up to 175°C junction temperature, and AEC-Q101-qualified alternatives - all critical for robust overvoltage protection design in 12V/24V systems.

Technical Context

The SA100 operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, triggering when reverse voltage exceeds its VBR range (111–136V @ 1mA), then clamping transients to ≤179V at 2.9A. Its low leakage (<1μA @ 100V) ensures minimal standby power loss in always-on circuits.

Designed for non-repetitive 10/1000μs surges per IEC 61000-4-5, it sustains 175°C max junction temperature and derates linearly above 25°C ambient per Fig.2. The DO-204AC package supports 70A peak forward surge (8.3ms half-sine) and meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DO-204AC (DO-15) axial-leaded package with cathode band marking. Lead finish: pure tin, solderable per J-STD-002. Weight: 0.400 g. Meets UL 94V-0 flammability and JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMAJ100A and 1.5KE100A, the SA100 offers optimal balance of compact DO-15 footprint, AEC-Q101 qualification path (via SA100H), and precise 100V standoff for modern low-voltage automotive electronics - making it ideal for cost- and size-sensitive DC rail protection where unidirectional clamping suffices.

Availability

SA100 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, industrial PLC I/O modules, LED driver front-end protection, and sensor interface ESD hardening requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.

Supply support for SA100 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 Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete power devices, TVS diodes, rectifiers, and MOSFETs for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The SA Series was developed specifically for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh-environment applications - emphasizing low clamping ratio, AEC-Q101 qualification readiness, and consistent parametric stability across temperature and surge cycles.

FAQ

What is the breakdown voltage range of the SA100?

The SA100 has a guaranteed breakdown voltage (VBR) range of 111 V to 136 V measured at 1 mA test current, per the manufacturer's datasheet Table on Page 4. This range reflects process variation and ensures reliable triggering above the 100 V working stand-off voltage while maintaining margin below system-level overvoltage thresholds. The SA100 must be selected with this VBR spread in mind when designing for precise clamping onset.

Is the SA100 unidirectional or bidirectional?

The SA100 is a unidirectional TVS diode, designed for DC line protection where polarity is fixed - such as automotive battery rails or industrial 24V supplies. Its cathode band marking indicates polarity, and it conducts only during reverse overvoltage events. Bidirectional variants (e.g., SA100CA) exist in the same SA Series but are distinct orderable parts; the SA100 itself is strictly unidirectional.

Does the SA100 meet AEC-Q101 reliability standards?

The base SA100 is not AEC-Q101 qualified; however, the SA100H variant - identified by the "H" suffix in the ordering code - is explicitly qualified per AEC-Q101. This qualification covers stress tests including temperature cycling, humidity bias, mechanical shock, and ESD. For automotive under-hood applications, SA100H is the recommended version; standard SA100 is suited for industrial or commercial use where AEC-Q101 is not mandated.

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SA100 under surge conditions?

The SA100 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 179 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 2.9 A under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is specified in the "Maximum clamping voltage VC@IPPM" column of the electrical characteristics table and represents the worst-case voltage imposed on the protected circuit during surge - a critical parameter for ensuring downstream ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings.

What package type does the SA100 use, and what are its key mechanical features?

The SA100 uses the DO-204AC (DO-15) axial-leaded package, with pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 solderability requirements. Key mechanical features include UL 94V-0 flammability rating for the molding compound, JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance, marked cathode band for polarity identification, and a typical weight of 0.400 g. Its compact size supports high-density PCB layouts in space-constrained modules.