Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA100CA

Overview

SA100CA from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional 500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, with 100V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 111–136V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 162V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 3.2A peak pulse current. It delivers fast response (<5.0ns), low leakage (<1μA @ 100V), and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive ESD and load-dump protection.

For engineers reviewing the SA100CA datasheet, SA100CA pinout, SA100CA application, or SA100CA equivalent, key selection criteria include clamping performance under 10/1000μs surge, unidirectional vs. bidirectional polarity marking, DO-15 thermal derating above 25°C, and compatibility with 70A IFSM inductive switching transients.

Technical Context

The SA100CA is a silicon avalanche diode designed for bidirectional transient suppression, operating symmetrically in both polarities with identical VBR (111–136V), VC (162V), and IPPM (3.2A) specifications. Its junction structure enables sub-5ns response to EFT and lightning-induced surges while maintaining <1μA reverse leakage at rated VWM.

It complies with ANSI/IEEE C62.35 for surge testing and supports AEC-Q101 stress conditions including temperature cycling, HTRB, and mechanical shock. The device uses pure tin-plated leads per J-STD-002 and meets UL 94V-0 flammability rating in its DO-204AC molded package.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SA100CA is housed in a DO-204AC (DO-15) axial-leaded package with cathode band marking omitted (bidirectional symmetry). Leads are pure tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002, and meet JESD 201 Class 2 whisker resistance. Weight: ~0.400g.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SA100CA, SMBJ100CA offers identical electrical performance but demands SMT layout changes and has lower thermal mass, while P6SMB100CA omits automotive qualification-making SA100CA the sole choice for AEC-Q101-compliant designs requiring proven DO-15 robustness and leaded mechanical reliability.

Availability

SA100CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, industrial sensor interfaces, LED driver protection, and smart meter communication ports requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for SA100CA 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 semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, specializing in TVS diodes, rectifiers, and power management components since 1979.

The SA Series was developed specifically for AEC-Q101-compliant transient suppression in automotive and industrial environments, emphasizing robust DO-15 packaging, tight VBR tolerances, and verified 175°C junction operation.

FAQ

What does the "CA" suffix indicate in SA100CA?

The "CA" suffix in SA100CA denotes bidirectional configuration-meaning the device provides symmetrical transient suppression for both positive and negative voltage excursions. Unlike unidirectional SA100 variants, SA100CA has no cathode marking and functions identically in either orientation, making it ideal for AC-coupled or floating signal lines. This is confirmed in TSC's SA Series documentation, which states "C or CA suffix for types SA5.0 – types SA170" indicates bipolar use.

Is SA100CA qualified to AEC-Q101, and what tests does that include?

Yes, SA100CA is AEC-Q101 qualified, as explicitly stated in the "FEATURES" section of the official SA Series datasheet (Version L2105). This qualification covers stress tests including high-temperature reverse bias (HTRB), temperature cycling, mechanical shock, and highly accelerated life testing (HALT), all performed per the AEC-Q101 standard for discrete semiconductors used in automotive applications.

What is the maximum clamping voltage of SA100CA, and under what test condition is it specified?

The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of SA100CA is 162 V, measured at a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 3.2 A using the standardized 10/1000μs double-exponential surge waveform. This value is listed in the "MAXIMUM RATINGS AND ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS" table for SA100A (bidirectional variant) and applies directly to SA100CA per TSC's SA Series documentation.

Can SA100CA be used in place of a unidirectional TVS like SA100 in a DC circuit?

SA100CA can replace unidirectional SA100 in DC circuits only if polarity independence is acceptable and no cathode-directed blocking function is required. Since SA100CA clamps in both directions, it will conduct during reverse-biased steady-state conditions-unlike SA100, which blocks reverse current until breakdown. For pure DC rails where reverse conduction must be avoided, SA100 remains the correct choice; SA100CA suits AC, floating, or bidirectional signal paths.

What is the thermal derating behavior of SA100CA above 25°C ambient?

SA100CA's peak pulse power (PPK) derates linearly above TA = 25°C, as shown in Figure 2 of the SA Series datasheet. At 75°C ambient, PPK drops to approximately 350W; at 125°C, it falls to ~175W. This derating follows the curve in Fig.2 and is critical for under-hood automotive designs where sustained high ambient temperatures reduce surge margin-requiring careful thermal design and potential parallel device use for full 500W capability.