Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA110A

Overview

SA110A from Taiwan Semiconductor is a unidirectional 500W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, with 110V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 122–135V breakdown voltage (VBR @ 1mA), and 177V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 2.9A peak pulse current. It delivers fast response (<1.0ps), low leakage (<1μA @ 110V), and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade surge protection.

For engineers reviewing the SA110A datasheet, SA110A pinout, SA110A application, or SA110A equivalent, this device is selected for high-reliability DC power rail protection in automotive ECUs, industrial PLC I/O modules, and LED driver input stages where precise overvoltage clamping and thermal robustness up to 175°C junction temperature are required.

Technical Context

The SA110A operates as a unidirectional avalanche diode, triggered when reverse voltage exceeds its specified VBR range (122–135V @ 1mA). Its clamping action limits transients to ≤177V at 2.9A (10/1000μs waveform), enabling protection of downstream 120V-rated components without overstress.

Designed for single-polarity DC systems, it features pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002, UL 94V-0 molding compound, and meets JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance. Thermal derating follows Fig.2 - peak power drops linearly above 25°C ambient, maintaining safe operation up to TJ = 175°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DO-204AC (DO-15) package: axial-leaded, molded epoxy case with cathode band marking polarity. Leads are pure tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002, and meet JESD201 Class 2 whisker resistance. Weight ≈ 0.400 g.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMAJ110A and 1.5SMC110A, the SA110A offers optimal balance of AEC-Q101 compliance, compact DO-15 footprint, tight VC (177V), and verified 500W capability - making it ideal for space-constrained automotive and industrial DC inputs where precise clamping and qualification are mandatory.

Availability

SA110A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial programmable logic controllers, outdoor LED lighting systems, and telecom power interfaces requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for SA110A 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, serving global automotive, industrial, and consumer markets since 1979.

The SA Series TVS diodes are engineered for high-reliability transient suppression in harsh environments, with emphasis on AEC-Q101 qualification, tight parametric tolerances, and robust thermal performance up to 175°C junction temperature.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the SA110A under standard 10/1000μs surge conditions?

The SA110A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 177 V at 2.9 A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured per the 10/1000μs waveform defined in IEC 61000-4-5. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and ensures protected circuits remain below 180 V during standardized surge events. The SA110A achieves this while maintaining low leakage and fast response - critical for safeguarding 120 V-rated components.

Is the SA110A suitable for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 qualification?

Yes, the SA110A is explicitly AEC-Q101 qualified, as confirmed in the SA Series datasheet Version L2105. It undergoes stress testing for temperature cycling, humidity bias, mechanical shock, and high-temperature operating life - meeting automotive reliability requirements for under-hood and chassis-mounted electronics. The SA110A is commonly deployed in engine control modules, body control units, and ADAS power supplies where qualification is mandatory.

What is the difference between SA110 and SA110A, and why choose SA110A?

The SA110A offers tighter breakdown voltage tolerance (122–135 V vs. 122–149 V for SA110) and lower maximum clamping voltage (177 V vs. 196 V), resulting in more consistent and lower-voltage transient suppression. Both share the same DO-204AC package, 110 V VWM, and 500 W rating, but the SA110A's improved parametric control makes it preferable for designs requiring precise clamping margins - especially in automotive and industrial systems where downstream component voltage ratings are tightly constrained.

Can the SA110A be used in bidirectional configurations?

No, the SA110A is a unidirectional TVS diode, intended only for DC circuits with defined polarity. Its cathode band marking indicates the high-side connection point, and it does not conduct in forward bias beyond typical diode drop (~3.5 V at 35 A). For bidirectional protection (e.g., AC lines or differential data lines), a CA-suffixed part such as SA110CA must be used - the SA110A lacks symmetrical breakdown characteristics and will not clamp positive transients on the anode side.

What is the thermal derating behavior of the SA110A above 25°C ambient temperature?

The SA110A's peak pulse power (PPK) derates linearly above 25°C ambient, per Figure 2 in the datasheet. At 75°C ambient, PPK drops to ~70% of rated 500 W (~350 W); at 125°C, it falls to ~40% (~200 W). Junction temperature must remain ≤175°C - sustained operation near thermal limits requires attention to PCB copper area, lead length, and airflow. The SA110A's 175°C TJ max enables use in high-temp environments where many competing TVS devices derate to zero before 150°C.